1923 Peace Dollar - 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 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