1924-P VAM-1AL

Description

Three wide vertical die gouges below the right side of the letter G distinguish this Peace Dollar variety, classified as 1AL (revised) II1 - B2e with an I-2 rarity and R-5 scarcity rating. The obverse die developed these prominent gouges — deep enough to transfer as raised marks on struck coins — well below the G in the motto. In later die states, the obverse deteriorated further, developing raised dots and splotches across the left field and at the date from a rusted die surface. Die rust occurs when moisture contacts the die between production runs, forming pitting that transfers as raised irregular bumps on the struck coin. The 1924 Philadelphia Mint Peace Dollar had a substantial mintage exceeding 11.8 million pieces, part of the robust production during the mid-1920s when demand for silver dollars remained strong for commercial use and Treasury vault storage. Anthony de Francisci's high-relief Liberty design, introduced in 1921, had been modified to a lower relief for production efficiency by 1922, and the 1924-P used this standard production relief. The triple gouge combined with progressive die rust makes this variety particularly interesting across multiple die states, as collectors can track the deterioration timeline from early strikes with clean fields to late strikes showing extensive pitting.

External References