1925-S VAM-10

Description

Discovered in 2011, the 1925-S VAM-10 Peace Dollar is classified as 10 II1 - B2j, a Doubled Talons & Rays variety struck at the San Francisco Mint. The Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci and first struck in high relief in 1921 before transitioning to low relief in 1922, features Liberty wearing a radiate crown on the obverse and a perched bald eagle with rays on the reverse. This 90% silver coin weighs 26.73 grams and measures 38.1 mm in diameter. The variety carries a rarity rating of I-2 R-5, indicating an estimated surviving population of 1,000 to 3,000 pieces — solidly in the scarce range for Peace Dollar VAMs. The reverse die (B2j) shows extensive doubling across multiple design elements: the lower edge of the upper olive branch, the top two olive leaves, the upper right olive leaves, the bottom of all three eagle talons, the bottom of the rear leg feathers, and the left edge of three rays above and through the word ONE. The mintmark sits slightly higher than the positions documented for VAMs 6 and 8 of the same date, providing a quick sorting diagnostic. A key die marker noted in VAMWorld commentary is a die crack running through the E of E PLURIBUS on the reverse. Collectors should examine the talons and rays under magnification, as the doubling on these fine-detail elements confirms the hub doubling event that produced this variety.

External References