1934-P VAM-1D

Description

Discovered by Bill Toland in December 2011, the 1934 Philadelphia Mint Peace Dollar VAM-1D is classified as II1 B2a (Die Gouge Rim at I) with a rarity rating of I-2 R-5. Struck in 90% silver with TRVST on the reverse, this variety features a die gouge at the rim near the letter I, providing a localized diagnostic at the coin's border. Leroy Van Allen, co-creator of the VAM classification system, noted a circular depression on the die surface possibly due to a liquid droplet impression, where a drop of fluid left an imprint in the die steel during production or storage. The I-2 R-5 rarity rating indicates lower collector interest with a scarce surviving population. The 1934 Philadelphia Peace Dollar belongs to the penultimate year of the series before production ceased in 1935, resuming only briefly in 1964 with coins that were never released. Anthony de Francisci's radiant Liberty head on the obverse and perched eagle with TRVST on the reverse provide the design framework. Van Allen's observation about the possible liquid droplet origin adds a die preparation narrative to Toland's rim gouge discovery on this late-series Philadelphia issue.

External References