1923-S VAM-1BI1

Description

Discovered in 2014 by David Close, the 1923-S VAM-1BI1 "Die Scratches Last Three Obverse Rays" Peace dollar identifies several short horizontal die scratches located at the last three rays of Liberty's radiate crown on Anthony de Francisci's obverse design. Cataloged as II1 · B2a (Die Scratches Last Three Obverse Rays) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety was formerly designated VAM-1BW before being reclassified under the current alphanumeric suffix system. San Francisco struck approximately 19.02 million Peace dollars in 1923, a robust mintage that generated extensive die consumption and produced the deeply documented sub-variety census reflected by the BI1 suffix — indicating well over 80 distinct die pairs cataloged within the VAM-1 normal die family for this date. The short horizontal orientation of the scratches at the final three rays provides a specific directional diagnostic that distinguishes these marks from the vertical ray lines themselves and from random circulation damage. Die scratches of this character typically originate during die preparation or handling, when a tool or hard particle contacts the die surface and leaves linear impressions that transfer as raised marks on every coin struck from that die. The concentration at the last three rays — the rightmost group when viewing the coin — places the diagnostic in a defined zone that can be systematically examined. David Close's contributions to Peace dollar VAM documentation have been particularly extensive for the 1923-S date, reflecting sustained research attention that continues to expand the catalog for this relatively common issue. Collectors should examine the rightmost cluster of crown rays under at least 15x magnification with angled lighting that accentuates the horizontal scratches against the vertical ray pattern.

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