1923 (D) Peace Dollar - VAM-1BG

Description

Discovered by Ben Wengel in February 2009 and carrying the exceptional rarity rating of I-2 R-6, VAM-1BG on the 1923 Denver Peace Dollar documents a die crack through ERI in AMERICA that extends above M to form a break at the rim. An R-6 rarity rating estimates only one to three specimens are known, placing this among the rarest cataloged Peace Dollar VAMs. This die represents an early die state of VAM-1AZ, meaning VAM-1BG captures the die before additional deterioration features documented under 1AZ developed during continued service. Die state relationships between VAM numbers reconstruct the chronological biography of a working die: VAM-1BG records the condition when the crack through ERI had progressed to a rim break but before further deterioration warranted the 1AZ classification. The 1923 Denver Peace Dollar was produced in significant quantity, yet extreme rarity at R-6 suggests the die was pulled shortly after the break developed, limiting struck coins. Wengel's discovery represents one of the scarcest documented die states in the 1923-D catalog. =1923-D VAM-1BG Die Break Above ME= Discovered by Ben Wengel, February 2009 1BG II1 - B2a (Die Break Above ME) I-2 R-6 Obverse II1 - Normal Die Reverse B2a - Die crack thru ERI in AMERICA that extends up above right side of M where it widens to a break at rim.

External References