1926-S VAM-1V

Description

Discovered in 2013 by David Close, the 1926-S VAM-1V "Die Gouge B" Peace dollar features vertical shallow die gouges at the left side of the B in LIBERTY on Anthony de Francisci's obverse design. Cataloged as 1V II1 - B2a (Die Gouge B) with classification I-2 and rarity R-5 (estimated 31-130 known), this variety sits in the scarce tier of Peace dollar varieties. San Francisco struck only approximately 6.98 million Peace dollars in 1926, one of the lower mintages in the series that makes any documented die variety particularly significant. The 1926-S is considered a semi-key date in the Peace dollar series, commanding premiums in all grades due to its limited production — a factor that amplifies collector interest in VAM varieties for this date. The vertical orientation of the shallow die gouges at the left side of B in LIBERTY provides a precise diagnostic location, distinguishable from natural die wear or contact marks by the consistent depth and direction of the marks. Die gouges occur when foreign material or tooling contacts the die surface during manufacture or maintenance, leaving incuse marks that produce raised features on struck coins. The B in LIBERTY occupies a prominent position on the obverse where the inscription arcs across the upper portion of the design, making the gouges accessible for examination without requiring extreme magnification. David Close's 2013 discovery added to the growing VAM catalog for the 1926-S, a date that continues to yield new varieties as collectors systematically examine surviving populations motivated by the date's semi-key status and collector popularity.

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