1925-P VAM-1AJ

Description

Discovered in 2012 by BJV, this Peace Dollar variety from the Philadelphia Mint carries the designation VAM-1AJ and documents a distinctive die preparation artifact on the reverse. Cataloged as 1AJ II1 - B2a (Scribbled Eagle's Shoulder #2) with an I-2 rarity assignment and an R-5 overall rarity, the reverse B2a die exhibits scribbling die scratches positioned above the eagle's right shoulder, accompanied by vertical die file lines in the right field and a long vertical polish line at the letter E in PEACE. These features arose during the Mint's die finishing process, where workers used files and abrasive tools to remove imperfections, clash marks, or unwanted impressions from the die surface before placing it back into production. The "Scribbled Eagle's Shoulder #2" designation distinguishes this die from the similar VAM-1AI, which shows a different pattern of die scratches in the same general area — a distinction collectors should note when attributing specimens. The 1925 Philadelphia Peace Dollar had a mintage of approximately 10.2 million coins, struck during the Roaring Twenties when the Peace Dollar series was in active circulation production. Anthony de Francisci's high-relief design featuring Liberty with a radiate crown and a perched eagle created numerous surfaces where die maintenance marks become visible and catalogable as distinct VAM varieties.

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