1924-P VAM-1BJ

Description

Discovered by David Close in 2012, the 1924-P Peace Dollar VAM-1BJ documents a displaced field break accompanied by a radial die crack — a progressive failure where stress fractures in the die steel propagated outward from the rim. Classified as II1 - B2a with an I-2 interest rating and R-6 rarity, this variety has an estimated population of only 3 to 12 confirmed specimens, placing it among the rarest Peace Dollar sub-varieties. The primary diagnostic is a radial die crack extending from the rim to the left of the numeral 1 in the date, terminating in a displaced field break where a section of the die surface shifted slightly, creating a visible step or shelf in the struck coin's field. Die breaks of this type typically develop in late die states as metal fatigue causes sections of the die face to fracture and displace under repeated striking pressure. The displaced portion transfers as a raised plateau on the finished coin, distinct from simple die cracks that appear only as thin raised lines. Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design was struck at Philadelphia in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. Examine the area left of the 1 in the date for the radial crack running to the rim and the adjacent raised displaced field that confirms this R-6 rarity.

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