1924-S VAM-1J

Description

Discovered in 2011, the 1924-S Peace Dollar VAM-1J is designated "Die Gouge Below Eagle's Foot" for a horizontal die gouge positioned below the eagle's right foot on the reverse — an unusual diagnostic location on the lower portion of Anthony de Francisci's perched eagle design. Classified as 1J II1 - B2a with an I-2 interest rating and R-5 rarity, this variety has an estimated population of 13 to 30 confirmed specimens. The gouge's horizontal orientation below the eagle's foot places the raised line in the field area beneath the talons, a region collectors should examine under angled lighting to detect the fine displacement. As a sub-variety of the VAM-1 die marriage, VAM-1J shares baseline die characteristics with the standard 1924-S die pairing but carries this distinctive reverse defect as its identifying feature. The San Francisco Mint struck 1,728,000 Peace Dollars in 1924, making the S-mint issue substantially scarcer than its Philadelphia counterpart. Cataloged within the VAM system developed by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, this coin was produced in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. Look below the eagle's right foot on the reverse for the horizontal raised line that confirms this R-5 San Francisco Mint variety.

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