1925-P VAM-1AA

Description

Recorded through a 2010 discovery, the 1925-P VAM-1AA "Die Gouge Right Side N" Peace dollar documents a vertical die gouge positioned at the right side of the letter N in IN, extending downward from the letter on Anthony de Francisci's obverse design. Cataloged as 1AA II 1 · B2a (Die Gouge Right Side N) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety occupies the alphabetical double-letter range of the VAM-1 sub-variety sequence — the "AA" suffix indicating that more than 26 distinct die pairings had already been documented within the VAM-1 normal die family for 1925-P before this variety received its designation. Philadelphia produced approximately 10.20 million Peace dollars in 1925, a moderate mintage that falls between the prolific 1922-1923 output and the sharply reduced production of 1927-1928. The vertical orientation of the die gouge at the right side of N in IN provides a precise and repeatable diagnostic, as die gouges are linear defects in the working die created by accidental tool contact or foreign material that carved a channel in the die surface during preparation. This channel, being incuse in the die, transfers as a raised line on struck coins — a permanent feature that appears identically on every specimen produced by this die. The Obverse II 1 designation pairs this obverse with a standard B2a reverse, placing the diagnostic interest entirely on the obverse die. At R-5 rarity, confirmed specimens number between 30 and 75 known, reflecting either limited production from this die pair or the subtle nature of the gouge that causes it to escape detection on most examined specimens. Examination under 15x magnification focused on the right side of the N in IN, with angled lighting to cast shadows along the raised gouge line, provides the most reliable attribution method.

External References