1923-P VAM-1

Description

Designated as the baseline normal dies entry for the 1923 Philadelphia Peace Dollar, VAM-1 carries an I-2 R-5 rating and documents the standard die pair configuration against which all other 1923-P varieties are compared. Despite its "normal dies" classification, this variety is notable for occurring with a rotated reverse of approximately 90 degrees clockwise — a significant manufacturing anomaly where the reverse die was installed at a drastically wrong angle. A die scratch in the field adjacent to the eagle's right wing provides an additional attribution marker. Multiple die pairs have been identified under the VAM-1 designation, standard for normal-die entries in heavily produced dates. The 1923 Philadelphia Peace Dollar was struck in enormous quantity — over 30 million pieces — making it one of the most available dates. Anthony de Francisci's design had settled into efficient production by 1923. The 90-degree rotation, when present, transforms an otherwise common coin into a significant error variety, and collectors should examine 1923-P Peace Dollars for die rotation as a matter of routine during roll searching.

External References