1922-D VAM-1O

Description

Discovered by Brian Raines in September 2004, VAM-1O identifies a die variety on the 1922-D Peace Dollar from the Denver Mint, classified under plate designation 1O II 1 B1a. The most notable feature is a progressive die crack on the obverse originating at the hair bun, extending through the vertical stem of the letter Y, and continuing to the rim opposite the hair strands where it widens into a full die break. This progression illustrates the natural evolution of die failure under sustained production pressure, as stress concentrations gradually widen until structural integrity at the rim gives way. The resulting break produces a small raised area of displaced metal distinguishable from the thinner raised line of the crack itself. The reverse is classified as B1a. Denver Peace Dollars from 1922 are among the most frequently encountered dates, providing ample opportunity to locate varieties. The documented crack-to-break progression makes VAM-1O instructive for collectors learning to read signs of die deterioration across multiple failure stages.

External References