1926-D VAM-1J

Description

Discovered in 2018 by Travis Dobbins, the 1926-D VAM-1J "Die Gouges Neck Edge" Peace dollar identifies two faint vertical die gouges at the edge of Liberty's neck, positioned below the E of WE in the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on Anthony de Francisci's obverse. Cataloged as 1J II1 · B2a (Die Gouges Neck Edge) with a question mark suggesting the classification may be provisional, die classification I-2, and rarity rating R-5 (estimated 30-75 known), this variety documents a subtle but repeatable obverse die defect. Denver struck approximately 2.35 million Peace dollars in 1926, one of the lowest mintages in the series, giving the date itself notable scarcity that elevates interest in any documented die variety. Die gouges — linear depressions in the die surface caused by tool contact, foreign particle damage, or die preparation artifacts — transfer as raised ridges on the struck coin, and the vertical orientation of these two gouges at the neck edge creates a diagnostic distinct from the curved contour of Liberty's neck truncation. The faint quality of the gouges indicates they are shallow features that require magnification to resolve confidently, making this a variety that rewards patient examination rather than casual inspection. Travis Dobbins's 2018 discovery added to the growing catalog of 1926-D Peace dollar sub-varieties, expanding documentation for a date where the small surviving population makes each new find significant. The Obverse II1 classification pairs with a standard Reverse B2a, concentrating the diagnostic interest on the obverse die. Collectors should examine the neck edge area directly below the E of WE under 15-20x magnification with oblique lighting that casts shadows along the raised gouge lines, comparing against the smooth neck contour visible on specimens struck from other 1926-D obverse dies.

External References