1935-S VAM-1A

Description

Discovered by Bill Toland in August 2011, the 1935-S VAM-1A displays fine scribble lines running in various directions in the field between the letters B and E in LIBERTY, along with a fine line in front of the first three rays of Liberty's crown. The term "scribbles" in VAM nomenclature refers to clustered fine die scratches that form an irregular pattern, distinguishing them from single die gouges or the parallel lines left by die polishing. The obverse is classified as Type III die 1 paired with a B2a reverse, rated I-2 R-5 (estimated 13-30 known). The 1935-S Peace Dollar holds special significance as one of the final dates in the Peace Dollar series — production ended in 1935, and the San Francisco Mint's issue was the last S-mint Peace Dollar produced. The planned 1964-D Peace Dollar was ultimately melted before release, making the 1935 issues the true terminal production. The scribble lines between BE likely result from the die surface being cleaned or tested with an abrasive tool, leaving a cluster of fine marks that were not fully polished away before the die entered service. Bill Toland's 2011 discovery adds a die maintenance variety to the final San Francisco Peace Dollar date.

External References