1922-D VAM-1I

Description

Discovered by David Close, the 1922-D VAM-1I documents a Peace Dollar reverse die bearing a die break at the rim above the left side of U in UNITED, with a crack extending through UNIT and the top of PLURI. Classified as II-1 with reverse die B1a, this variety captures progressive die failure: the initial break above U created field displacement near the rim, while the crack propagated leftward through UNIT and into PLURI, tracing a path across the upper reverse legend. Die cracks radiating from a rim break are characteristic of terminal-stage deterioration, as the initial fracture redistributes stress along new crack paths. Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar was in its first full year of normal-relief production in 1922, following the limited high-relief issue of late 1921. The Denver Mint's 1922-D was struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm. The obverse displays Liberty wearing a radiant crown, while the reverse features a bald eagle perched on a mountain with PEACE inscribed below. Examine the rim above U in UNITED for the break and trace the crack through UNIT and into PLURI.

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