1926 (D) Peace Dollar - 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. 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.

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