1934-D VAM-3A

Description

Carrying the highest importance rating in this batch at I-5 (very important), VAM-3A on the 1934-D Peace Dollar was discovered by David Close in 2015 and combines a doubled obverse with die gouges above IN GOD created by feed finger contact. The plate designation III 2 - B2b classifies this as Obverse Die Class III (modified die), subclass 2, with Reverse Die Class B2b, and a rarity of R-6 (estimated 75 to 150 known). The obverse shows numerous short vertical die gouges above the words IN GOD, attributed to the feed fingers — the mechanical arms that position planchets onto the lower die before striking. When these fingers scrape against the die surface, they leave distinct marks that are reproduced on every coin struck by that die. The doubled obverse classification combined with a medium D mintmark position provides multiple attribution diagnostics. Denver Mint production. The 1934 issue is among the last Peace Dollars before the series ended in 1935, and an I-5 importance rating places VAM-3A among the most significant documented varieties for this date. Attributed by VAMWorld.

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