1934-D VAM-1B

Description

Raymond Roberts discovered this variety in July 2010, cataloged as VAM-1B for the 1934 Denver Mint Peace Dollar with the plate designation 1B III 1 B2a (Micro D, Die File Lines Obverse and Tail Feathers) and rarity ratings of I-3 R-5. The most distinctive feature is the micro D mint mark — a noticeably smaller D punch than standard, making mint mark size the quickest sorting criterion. Extensive die file lines cover both sides: on the obverse, filing marks appear through GOD WE and TRVST as well as in Liberty's hair and face, while on the reverse, file lines extend through both fields and across the eagle's tail feathers. Die file lines result from mint workers using files to smooth the die surface, typically to remove clash marks or extend die life, and the extensive coverage here suggests significant maintenance was performed. The 1934-D Peace Dollar is a semi-key date with comparatively modest mintage, adding significance to any attributed variety. An R-5 estimate places the surviving population at 31 to 100 specimens.

External References