1926-S VAM-1T

Description

Discovered by Dr. David Close in September 2012, the 1926-S Peace Dollar VAM-1T "Beveled Field B" documents a subtle die anomaly: a slight beveled field above the letter B in LIBERTY on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Classified as II1 - B2a with an I-2 interest rating and R-5 rarity, this variety has an estimated population of 13 to 30 confirmed specimens. A beveled field occurs when the die surface develops an angled transition rather than a flat plane in a localized area, creating a sloped or stepped appearance on struck coins above the affected letter. This defect can result from uneven die polishing, localized die sinking, or subtle damage that alters the field contour without creating a crack or gouge. The slight intensity means the bevel requires careful examination under angled lighting to detect the field-level change above B. Compare with the other 1926-S Peace Dollar varieties: VAM-2 documents a mintmark set high (discovered by Leroy Van Allen), while VAM-3 features a medium high S tilted slightly left (discovered by Jay Galst) — both mintmark position variants rather than obverse die anomalies like VAM-1T's beveled field. Struck at San Francisco in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. Examine the field directly above B in LIBERTY for the slight bevel distinguishing this R-5 variety.

External References