1926-P VAM-6B

Description

Discovered in December 2017 by Jody Faust, VAM-6B on the 1926-P Peace Dollar carries the formal designation II 1 paired with reverse B2d and the descriptive title "Doubled Olive Leaves and Berries, Die Gouges/Scratches N-G, Die Break Neck." This variety is rated I-2 for interest and R-6 for rarity, placing it in the scarce category where confirmed specimens are notably difficult to locate. The obverse die II 1 displays a die crack that traverses the bottom of Liberty's head and neck, continuing over to the left T in TRVST, with a displaced field break developing at the left neck point — a progressive die failure where metal has begun to shift upward from the die crack, creating a raised ridge on struck specimens that intensifies as the die deteriorates through successive strikes. The displaced field break at the neck is the most dramatic diagnostic feature, as it produces a visible shelf or step in the coin's surface that goes well beyond a simple hairline crack. The reverse B2d designation encompasses three distinct features: doubled olive leaves and berries showing hub doubling on the botanical elements flanking the perched eagle, die gouges and scratches in the area between the N and G of the reverse inscriptions, and the progressive die deterioration documented on the obverse. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams, the 1926-P Peace Dollar had a mintage of approximately 1.94 million pieces. The R-6 rarity rating suggests fewer than 30 confirmed examples, making this a significant conditional rarity within the Peace Dollar VAM series.

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