1926-S VAM-1I1

Description

Representing the earliest of three distinct die states in the VAM-1I family, the 1926-S VAM-1I1 Peace dollar pairs a II 1 obverse with a B2a reverse, classified as Double Clash Spikes Eagle's Shoulder. The variety carries an impact rating of I-2 and a rarity scale of R-5. Three horizontal polishing lines through the E in LIBERTY serve as the obverse die marker, present across all three related die states though weakening on VAM-1I3. The reverse B2a die displays die clash spikes rising from the eagle's right shoulder, transferred from the back of Liberty's head and neck on the obverse during an unprotected die-on-die contact event. These twin clash marks appear on all three die states. The subsequent stages, VAM-1I2 and VAM-1I3, develop die chips at the base of the last right ray, the feature for which VAM-1I was initially listed. The absence of these die chips on VAM-1I1 confirms it as the earliest production stage. Collectors pursuing the complete die state sequence should examine the ray bases and the E in LIBERTY to determine which of the three stages their specimen represents. All have the die scratch on E (although weak on VAM 1I3), & twin clash marks.

External References