1922-S VAM-1T

Description

Documented through a 2010 discovery, the 1922-S VAM-1T "Die File Lines Reverse" Peace dollar records a notable finishing artifact: heavy die file lines visible in the obverse fields, concentrated primarily at the locations of die clash marks. Cataloged as 1T II1 · B1a (Die File Lines Reverse) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety tells a story of die maintenance at the San Francisco Mint. The presence of file lines at die clash marks reveals that Mint workers attempted to remove clash impressions from the obverse die by filing the affected areas — a standard corrective procedure where an engraver or die finisher would use fine files to grind away the incuse reverse design elements that had transferred to the obverse die during a clashless striking event (when the dies struck each other without a planchet between them). Anthony de Francisci's Peace dollar obverse features Liberty's radiant head in high relief, and the open field areas around the portrait were particularly susceptible to receiving clash impressions from the reverse eagle design. San Francisco produced approximately 17.48 million Peace dollars in 1922, generating the die wear and occasional clashing events inherent in high-volume silver dollar production. The Reverse B1a classification distinguishes this die marriage from the more common B2a and B2b reverse types found on most 1922-S varieties. Despite the title referencing "reverse" die file lines, the description specifically notes the heavy file lines appear on the obverse at clash mark locations, suggesting the title references the reverse design elements whose clash impressions were being filed away. Collectors should examine the obverse fields under 10-15x magnification with raking light to reveal the parallel file line striations, which will concentrate around areas where the reverse eagle and wreath designs would impress during a die clash event.

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