1935-P VAM-1C

Description

Discovered by Bill Van Note in January 2005, the 1935-P VAM-1C "Die Scratch Reverse Top Ray" Peace dollar identifies a thin horizontal die scratch through the top of a ray positioned to the right of the eagle's neck on the reverse designed by Anthony de Francisci. Cataloged as 1C III 1 · B2a (Die Scratch Reverse Top Ray) with Obverse III 1, die classification I-2, and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety documents a subtle die preparation artifact on the final year of Peace dollar production. Philadelphia struck approximately 1.58 million Peace dollars in 1935, the lowest Philadelphia mintage in the entire series — making any 1935-P variety inherently scarcer in terms of available population than varieties from higher-mintage dates. The 1935 Peace dollar was the series' swan song; production ceased after 1935 and a brief 1964 revival was abandoned when the newly struck coins were ordered melted before release. The thin horizontal die scratch through the top ray likely originated during die preparation, when finishing operations on the die surface inadvertently left a tool mark crossing the ray element. Die scratches transfer as shallow incuse lines on struck coins, and their horizontal orientation against the radially arranged rays provides a clear geometric contrast that aids identification. Bill Van Note's contribution to the Peace dollar VAM catalog spans multiple dates and represents the careful observation-based research that has expanded the system beyond its founding Morgan dollar focus. The Obverse III 1 die designation distinguishes this die pair from the more common Obverse II pairings, providing an additional identification pathway. Collectors should examine the rays to the right of the eagle's neck on the reverse under 15x or greater magnification with angled lighting, looking for a thin horizontal line crossing the top of one ray that runs perpendicular to the ray's radial orientation.

External References