1922 (D) Peace Dollar - VAM-1F1

Description

One of the most recognizable Peace Dollar die varieties, the "Spiked Eye" on VAM-1F1 of the 1922-D features a thin, long, slightly slanted die gouge running directly through Liberty's eye on the obverse — creating a dramatic visual effect that has made this variety a favorite among collectors who appreciate easily identifiable diagnostics. Discovered by Larry Briggs in August 2002, the variety is classified under obverse die II 1 with reverse B1a. The die gouge that creates the "spike" is a physical defect in the die steel — likely caused by a foreign particle striking the die surface or a tool slip during die preparation — and the resulting raised line on struck coins passes through one of the most scrutinized areas of Anthony de Francisci's design. Because the gouge runs through the eye, it transforms a small die imperfection into a dramatic visual feature that even non-specialists notice immediately. The VAM-1F1 designation places this under the VAM-1 die marriage with the "F1" suffix indicating a specific sub-variety characterized by this die state. The enormous mintage of the 1922-D ensures that while the variety is well-known, specimens continue to surface in unchecked accumulations, making it one of the most accessible Peace Dollar VAM varieties for beginning collectors.

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