1926-D VAM-1C

Description

Jason Henrichsen discovered this Peace Dollar variety in 2010, and it was originally designated VAM-1C before being renumbered to VAM-1C1 when VAM-1C2 was subsequently listed, splitting the original entry into two sub-varieties. The technical designation is II 1 - B2a with an interest level of I-2 and a rarity rating of R-6, placing the estimated surviving population at approximately 13 to 30 examples — a genuinely scarce variety. The obverse die (II 1) shows a diagonal die scratch above the L in LIBERTY, providing the primary diagnostic for attribution. Die scratches of this type result from incidental contact during die handling or maintenance and serve as unique fingerprints for individual working dies. The reverse is classified as B2a, indicating a standard die pairing. The Denver Mint struck approximately 2.35 million Peace Dollars in 1926, a moderate mintage that makes the 1926-D a somewhat better date in the series. The R-6 rarity rating is significant — at 13 to 30 estimated survivors, this is among the scarcer Peace Dollar VAMs for the date, and the die scratch diagnostic is subtle enough that many examples may remain unattributed in collections. The renumbering to 1C1 reflects the ongoing refinement of the VAM cataloging system as new discoveries require splitting or reorganizing existing entries. A plate photo graded PCGS 65 has been documented, establishing a quality benchmark for known examples.

External References