1923-P VAM-1AR

Description

Discovered by Brian Raines in June 2006, the 1923-P VAM-1AR Peace Dollar is designated as a Die Chip on Hair Strands variety, cataloged under 1AR II 1 - B2a with rarity ratings of I-2 R-6. The R-6 rarity rating indicates this is a scarce variety within the VAM system, with estimated surviving population in the range of 13 to 30 known examples. The obverse presents a die crack running from the back of the neck upward across the rear hair strands, accompanied by a small die chip on the middle hair strands — the "extra hair" effect that has generated a notable subfamily of 1923-P Peace Dollar varieties. This VAM belongs to a group of related "extra hair" varieties for the 1923-P date that includes VAM-1B, VAM-1BK, VAM-1V, VAM-1W, VAM-1Y, VAM-1AA, VAM-1AB 2, VAM-1AE, VAM-1AN2, and VAM-1AR itself. Each of these varieties features die cracks or die chips in the hair area of Anthony de Francisci's high-relief Liberty head design, but each originates from a different working die with its own unique crack pattern and chip positioning. The Peace Dollar was struck in 90% silver, weighing 26.73 grams at 38.1 mm diameter, and was designed by Anthony de Francisci to commemorate the peace following World War I. The 1923-P is one of the highest-mintage dates in the Peace Dollar series, with Philadelphia producing over 30 million pieces, which paradoxically means the large die population generated numerous distinct die varieties despite the date being common in absolute terms. The die chip on the middle hair strands serves as the primary pick-up point, distinguishable from related VAMs by its specific position relative to the hair bun.

External References