1925-S VAM-1I

Description

Documented in 2011, the 1925-S VAM-1I "Die File Lines R" Peace dollar features shallow die file lines at the letter R of LIBERTY on Anthony de Francisci's obverse, distinguished from the similar but distinct die file lines found on VAM-1B for the same date. Cataloged as 1I II1 · B2a (Die File Lines R) with die classification I-2 and rarity rating R-5 (approximately 30-75 known), this variety shares its reverse die with VAM-1B — a pairing that establishes both varieties originated from the same reverse die mated with different obverse dies, or the same obverse die at different stages of preparation. San Francisco struck approximately 1.61 million Peace dollars in 1925, one of the lowest S-mint mintages in the series and a date that carries substantial premiums across all grades. Die file lines at the R of LIBERTY result from the finishing process applied to working dies — mint workers used fine files to smooth die surfaces and remove unwanted imperfections, and the filing strokes occasionally left visible linear traces that transferred as shallow incuse lines on struck coins. The specific distinction from VAM-1B's file lines is critical for attribution: while both varieties show die file lines at R in LIBERTY, the character of the lines — depth, angle, extent, and exact position — differs enough to constitute separate varieties, likely representing different stages of die maintenance or entirely different obverse dies within the VAM-1 normal die family. The shared reverse die with VAM-1B provides an important cross-reference for collectors, as it confirms the reverse characteristics should be identical between the two varieties. At R-5 rarity with the scarce 1925-S date as the host coin, collectors should use 15-20x magnification with angled illumination to resolve the shallow file lines at R in LIBERTY, comparing their specific characteristics against VAM-1B reference images to confirm the correct sub-variety attribution.

External References