1923-D VAM-1AT

Description

Discovered in 2006, the 1923-D VAM-1AT "Die Break Above IN" Peace dollar documents an obverse die crack that has progressed into a break with displaced field metal. Cataloged as 1AT II 1 · B2a (Die Break Above IN #2) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-6 (approximately 13-30 known), this variety records a die crack originating from Liberty's lower neck, extending upward through the letters IN of IN GOD WE TRUST, and continuing to the rim where it widens into a full displaced field break. The "#2" suffix distinguishes this break from other VAM sub-varieties in the 1923-D family that also feature die breaks in the IN area but with different crack paths or originating from different dies. Denver struck approximately 6.81 million Peace dollars in 1923, a relatively modest mintage that places this among the lower-production branch mint Peace dollar dates. The crack's path — from the portrait's lower neck through the motto inscription to the rim — traces a substantial distance across the obverse die, indicating significant die fatigue had accumulated before this die was removed from service. Die breaks that reach the rim and produce displaced field metal represent an advanced stage of die failure, as the steel has not merely cracked but has begun separating along the fracture line, allowing the die fragment to shift under striking pressure. At R-6 rarity, confirmed specimens are genuinely scarce, suggesting the die was retired relatively quickly after the break developed. Collectors should trace the crack path under 10-15x magnification from the lower neck area upward through IN to the rim, looking for the raised ridge characteristic of die cracks and the stepped displacement at the rim break zone.

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