1926-D VAM-1F

Description

Discovered in 2015 by T. Petrosie, the 1926-D Peace Dollar VAM-1F catalogs fine vertical die gouges below the letters IN G of IN GOD WE TRVST on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Classified as 1F II 1 - B2a with an I-2 interest rating and R-5 rarity, this variety has an estimated population of 13 to 30 confirmed specimens. The gouges were caused by feed fingers — mechanical arms within the coin press that position planchets between the dies before each strike. When a feed finger contacts the die face rather than the planchet rim, it can scratch or gouge the hardened steel surface, leaving incuse marks that transfer as raised features on every subsequent coin struck from that die. The fine vertical orientation of the gouges below IN G is characteristic of feed finger damage, as the fingers typically move in a linear path. Compare with the 1923-P VAM-1CB, which also documents feed finger gouges above IN — both varieties illustrate how the same mechanical cause produces similar damage patterns across different dates and mints. This Denver Mint regular strike was produced in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. Cataloged within the VAM system created by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, VAM-1F is identified by the fine raised vertical lines below IN G visible under angled lighting and moderate magnification.

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