1923-P VAM-1AI

Description

Discovered by Laurence Galbraith in May 2005, the 1923-P VAM-1AI "Die Gouge Above Second T in TRVST" Peace dollar identifies a short broad vertical die gouge positioned at the top of the second T in TRVST on Anthony de Francisci's obverse design. Cataloged as 1AI II 1 · B2a (Die Gouge Above Second T in TRVST) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety occupies the scarce tier where confirmed specimens require dedicated searching through dealer inventories and auction lots. Philadelphia produced approximately 30.8 million Peace dollars in 1923, the highest single-date mintage in the entire Peace dollar series, yet the R-5 rarity for VAM-1AI demonstrates that massive overall production does not guarantee widespread survival of individual die-specific varieties. The TRVST spelling on the Peace dollar reflects de Francisci's deliberate use of the Latin V in place of the English U, a classical touch that distinguishes the Peace dollar's motto from other United States coins of the era. Die gouges originate from various forms of mechanical damage to the working die surface — accidental tool contact during preparation, foreign material striking the die face, or feed finger impacts during coining operations — and produce raised marks on every coin struck from the affected die. The short, broad, vertical characterization of this gouge above the second T provides a precise positional diagnostic, as the gouge's shape and orientation distinguish it from random contact marks, which tend to be singular and non-repeating across multiple specimens. Laurence Galbraith contributed numerous Peace dollar VAM discoveries during the mid-2000s, expanding the catalog for common Philadelphia dates where large surviving populations invite intensive die-by-die study. Collectors should use at least 15x magnification focused on the top of the second T in TRVST, looking for the raised ridge corresponding to the die gouge.

External References