1924-P VAM-1AU

Description

Discovered in 2010, VAM-1AU on the 1924 Philadelphia Peace dollar documents a vertical, shallow, and broad die gouge passing through the letter O in GOD on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Classified under die state II1 with reverse B2a, this variety carries an I-2 interest level and R-5 rarity rating, estimating 30 to 75 known specimens — a population consistent with the typical scarcity of minor Peace dollar die gouge varieties that appeal primarily to dedicated VAM completists. Philadelphia produced approximately 11.8 million Peace dollars in 1924, a moderate mintage within the series. The "shallow and broad" characterization of the gouge distinguishes it from the narrow, deep gouges that produce sharp raised lines on coins — this variety instead creates a wider, lower-relief raised area that covers a substantial portion of the O in GOD, potentially altering the letter's appearance enough to catch an alert examiner's eye even at moderate magnification. Die gouges of this type often result from the die surface contacting a relatively large, flat foreign object during handling or press operation, rather than the pointed tool contact that produces narrow scratches. The AU suffix positions this variety deep within the VAM-1 die family's extended sub-variety tree, maintaining its classification relationship to the parent die while acknowledging the distinguishing gouge. Collectors examining 1924-P Peace dollars should focus on the O in GOD, comparing its surface texture against the adjacent letters G and D to identify the anomalous raised area that defines VAM-1AU.

External References