1923-S VAM-1AG

Description

Discovered by George Powell in March 2006, VAM-1AG of the 1923-S Peace Dollar carries the classification II 1 - B2a and documents a distinctive die clash phenomenon: closely spaced double clash spikes rising from the eagle's right shoulder on the reverse. These clash spikes originated when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without a planchet between them, transferring the profile of Liberty's head from the obverse onto the reverse die surface. The resulting raised spikes on the eagle's shoulder represent the back of Liberty's head impression, and the double set with very close spacing indicates two separate clash events occurred — each leaving its own set of spikes at slightly different positions, creating the closely spaced double pattern that defines this variety. VAM-1AG may represent an early die clash state of VAM-1X, which shows triple spikes in the same area, suggesting a progression where additional unprotected die contacts accumulated over time. Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design, introduced in 1921, features a radiant Liberty head obverse and a perched eagle reverse, struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. The 1923-S was produced at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 19,020,000 — a substantial output that makes the date accessible in lower grades while attributed clash varieties like VAM-1AG add a specialized dimension for Peace Dollar VAM collectors. The R-5 rarity rating suggests an estimated population of 30 to 75 known examples.

External References