1923 Peace Dollar - 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. 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