1923 (S) Peace Dollar - VAM-1BJ

Description

Discovered in 2010 and cataloged as 1BJ II1 - B2a with ratings of I-2 R-6, this 1923-S Peace Dollar carries the designation "Die File Lines Date & IN GOD WE." Heavy die file lines appear at IN GOD WE and at the date, applied by a mint worker attempting to remove a die crack through abrasive resurfacing — a common maintenance technique that extended die life at the cost of leaving distinctive linear marks in the affected areas. An additional diagnostic appears on the digit 3 in the date, where raised dots populate the lower loop from a rusted die surface. Die rust creates small pits in the steel that transfer as raised bumps on struck coins, and the concentration within the 3's lower loop suggests moisture accumulated in this recessed area of the die face. The filing at both the date and IN GOD WE suggests the die crack being treated extended across the lower obverse from the motto area down through the date region. San Francisco Mint, 90% silver composition. Die class II1 indicates a normal obverse in first subclass, paired with reverse B2a. At R-6 rarity — estimated 12 to 30 known — this variety documents both intentional die maintenance and natural deterioration on a die that served extended duty during the San Francisco Mint's substantial 1923 Peace Dollar production.

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