1926-S VAM-1G

Description

Bearing the classification II 1 B2a (Die Gouge Front Two Rays), this 1926-S Peace Dollar VAM-1G was discovered by Laurence Galbraith in December 2005 and carries a rarity rating of I-2 R-5, placing it in the range of one to thirty known examples. The defining feature is a wide striated diagonal die gouge cutting through the tops of the first two front rays of the eagle's crown of rays on the reverse. Additional die characteristics include heavy die file lines visible in the top field, in front of the lips and neck on the obverse, and above the date. The striated texture of the die gouge — showing parallel scoring within the gouge channel — suggests the damage was caused by a foreign object dragged across the die surface or by an abrasive tool during die maintenance. The heavy file lines in the obverse fields indicate this die received significant hand finishing, which was standard practice to remove clash marks or other surface imperfections. VAM-1G represents a well-documented example of die damage creating a distinctive and collectible variety.

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