1928-S VAM-12

Description

Discovered in 2009, VAM-12 of the 1928-S Peace Dollar is classified II 10 - B2a and describes a variety with slight doubling on multiple obverse elements: the D, WE, and TR (from IN GOD WE TRUST), the back of the lower hair, and Anthony de Francisci's designer initials. The doubling direction is described as slightly to the right and just a little low — a precise two-axis displacement notation that helps collectors orient their examination and distinguish this variety from other 1928-S doubled varieties. Die markers are particularly prominent on this die: vertical die file lines appear above and below TR and around RT in LIBERTY, creating a distinctive pattern of filing marks that indicate the die received maintenance during its service life and retained visible tooling evidence. These file lines serve as rapid visual identifiers, allowing experienced collectors to spot potential VAM-12 specimens before examining the more subtle doubling. The R-5 rarity rating indicates an estimated surviving population of 30 to 75 examples, placing this variety in the scarce category that sustains collector interest without being unobtainably rare. The 1928-S Peace Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 1,632,000 — the lowest regular-issue Peace Dollar mintage, making any 1928-S variety especially significant. The standard specifications apply: 90% silver, 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm diameter, with de Francisci's radiant Liberty head obverse and perched bald eagle reverse.

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