1923-D VAM-1

Description

Establishing the baseline die pairing for the 1923 Denver Peace Dollar, VAM-1 represents the standard combination against which all other die varieties for this semi-key date are compared. The 1923-D carries a mintage of 6,811,000 pieces — a moderately scarce output placing it among the more desirable branch-mint Peace Dollars without reaching true key-date territory. Anthony de Francisci's design features Liberty in a radiate crown on the obverse and a perched bald eagle clutching an olive branch before radiant sunlight with PEACE inscribed below on the reverse, struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. As VAM-1, this die pair documents the normal die characteristics — the diagnostic reference point against which researchers identify deviations on higher-numbered catalog entries. Denver-minted Peace Dollars of this era sometimes exhibit softer strikes compared to Philadelphia production, reflecting the branch mint's equipment and die maintenance practices. For collectors building a date-and-mint VAM set, the 1923-D VAM-1 provides both the essential baseline reference and a semi-key date acquisition, combining variety collecting with traditional series completion.

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