1935-S VAM-3A

Description

Discovered in 2010 and cataloged by VAMWorld, the 1935-S VAM-3A documents one of the more unusual reverse die anomalies in the Peace Dollar series. Classified as III 1 - Ca and titled "Extra Ray, Thread-Like Impression Tail Feathers," this variety presents a curvy horizontal thin thread-like impression at the end of the eagle's tail feathers — a subtle but unmistakable feature that has puzzled attributors since its discovery. The "thread-like impression" description suggests a foreign material or fine die crack created a raised line on the coin that mimics an additional ray among the tail feathers. The distinction between Ca reverse die state and the more common B2a classification indicates a different die progression pattern, potentially reflecting distinct manufacturing or maintenance history. With an impact rating of I-2 and rarity of R-5, the estimated surviving population falls between 131 and 300 specimens. The 1935-S Peace Dollar is historically significant as the final San Francisco Mint issue in the series — and indeed one of the last Peace Dollars struck until the controversial 1964-D production run that was ultimately melted. San Francisco's 1935 output of 1,964,000 Peace Dollars was modest, giving each surviving die variety additional scarcity premium beyond the inherent variety rarity. The "extra ray" aspect of this variety gives it particular visual appeal, as it adds an element to the eagle's design that Anthony de Francisci never intended, transforming a production anomaly into a collectible die variety that enhances the complexity of late-date Peace Dollar VAM collecting.

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