1923-D VAM-1AF3

Description

Estimated at just 1 to 12 known examples with an R-6 rarity rating, VAM-1AF3 of the 1923-D Peace Dollar is classified as 1AF3 I1 - B2a with I-3 collector interest. Designated "Rusted Reverse Die With Die File Lines," this variety was discovered in 2013 and documents a reverse die that developed rust pitting — producing raised dots at the top legend and motto letters — combined with fine die file lines across letter surfaces where personnel attempted to restore the die. VAM-1AF3 occurs before VAMs 1AF1 and 1AF2 in the die state sequence, establishing it as the earliest documented state of this reverse die's deterioration and repair history. This progression provides collectors a chronological record of how the die continued to degrade after the filing intervention. The I-3 interest rating indicates lower demand relative to more dramatic varieties, though R-6 rarity ensures confirmed examples are genuinely scarce. Denver Mint Peace Dollars from 1923 were struck in substantial numbers, making extreme die-state varieties a study in how individual dies wore out within high-volume runs.

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