1923-S VAM-1AD3
Error
Description
1923-S VAM-1AD3 Triple Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder #3, Die Scratches Y & 2 Discovered by David Close, 2011. Die pair: II 1 B2a (Triple Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder #3, Die Scratches Y & 2) I-2 R-5 Obverse II 1: Striated horizontal die scratch added above the numeral 2 in the date, providing a useful attribution diagnostic on the obverse side. Reverse: Three separate die clash events left spike-shaped metal transfers on the eagle's shoulder — the "#3" designation indicates this is the third cataloged variety exhibiting triple clash spikes at this location, distinguishing it from earlier entries with similar but non-identical clash patterns. Rarity: R-5 (estimated 200-400 known). Significance: I-2. San Francisco Mint production. Triple clash varieties are uncommon because they require three distinct instances where dies struck each other without a planchet, each impression leaving its own transferred design elements. The cumulative effect produces a layered pattern of ghost impressions that experienced collectors can decode to count individual clash events.
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