1922-P VAM-1L

Description

Among the many die varieties cataloged for the 1922 Philadelphia Peace Dollar — the highest-mintage year at 51.7 million struck — VAM-1L stands out for a subtle reverse feature: a tiny raised dot on the right side of the eagle's neck. Discovered by David Close and classified under the Van Allen–Mallis system as 1L II 1 · B1a, this variety pairs obverse die II in its first state with reverse die B1a. The Roman numeral designates the obverse hub variant, while the letter-number code identifies the specific reverse working die. The dot likely originated from a pit in the die surface that transferred as a raised element onto struck coins. Assigned an interest level of I-2 and a rarity rating of R-5 (estimated 31 to 75 specimens known), VAM-1L occupies a middle tier of scarcity that rewards patient searching. Anthony de Francisci's design features Liberty wearing a radiant crown on the obverse with the Latin inscription TRVST, while the reverse depicts a bald eagle on a mountain with rays and the word PEACE. Examine the right side of the eagle's neck under magnification to locate the diagnostic dot.

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