1922-D VAM-1AG

Description

Discovered in 2013 and cataloged as 1AG II1 - B1a, this 1922-D Peace Dollar VAM carries the designation "Pitted Obverse, Die Break VST" in the Van Allen-Mallis system. The obverse displays raised dots and splotches scattered across the fields and Liberty's head — artifacts of a die that had become both rusted and worn through extended service. Die rust creates pitting on the die surface that transfers as raised bumps on struck coins, while general wear softens the die's features and contributes to the uneven texture. A slight displaced field break accompanies the die crack above VST in TRVST, where the metal has shifted slightly at the fracture line rather than merely cracking. Anthony de Francisci's Liberty wearing a radiant crown provides the canvas for these deterioration features on the obverse. Plate classification II1 indicates a normal obverse die in subclass 1, paired with reverse die B1a. The 1922-D Peace Dollar was produced at the Denver Mint during the highest-production year of the series, with over 15 million pieces struck — volume that subjected working dies to extensive use and accelerated the kind of surface degradation documented in this variety. Rarity R-6 estimates 12 to 30 specimens known; importance rated I-2.

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