1924-P VAM-1

Description

Designated as the "Normal Die" entry in the Van Allen-Madison catalog, the 1924-P VAM-1 Peace Dollar carries the classification II1 · B2a (Normal Die) with an impact rating of I-1 and a rarity of R-1. The obverse is classified as a normal die of the II type, and the reverse as a normal die of the B2 type — meaning neither face exhibits significant doubling, gouges, breaks, or other listable die anomalies. The accompanying commentary preserves an important piece of numismatic provenance: photographs were taken from an MS64-graded coin identified in March 2013 by Leroy Van Allen himself — co-creator of the entire VAM classification system — who examined the coin and confirmed it as a VAM-1. In his letter, Van Allen wrote that the coin showed "No significant die dblg, gouges or breaks. Heavy radial die wear lines on obv & rev that is not that unusual for Peace dollars. Not listable." This direct assessment from the system's creator provides authoritative guidance on what constitutes a "normal die" versus a listable variety, establishing the baseline against which all other 1924-P Peace Dollar varieties are measured. Anthony de Francisci designed the Peace Dollar with its radiant Liberty head and eagle-perched-on-rock reverse, symbolizing America's desire for peace following the First World War. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1924 in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter. The 1924-P had a mintage of approximately 11.8 million pieces. While a normal die VAM may seem unremarkable, the VAM-1 designation serves an essential cataloging function as the reference baseline for every other variety within the date, and Van Allen's personal authentication makes this specific entry a direct link to the authority behind the classification system.

External References