1934-S VAM-3

Description

Cataloged among the Top 50 Peace Dollar VAMs, the 1934-S VAM-3 features doubled rays in Liberty's tiara — a striking hub doubling effect visible between the B and R of LIBERTY where the rays appear doubled and tripled on their right sides. Discovered by Jeff Oxman in March 1999, this variety carries die classification III 2 with attribution code B2a under the title Doubled Rays, rated at interest level I-3 and rarity R-4. Beyond the prominent ray doubling, a couple of the top hair locks show slight doubling on their bottom edges, adding a secondary diagnostic for attribution. The reverse is classified as B2a and presents a normal die without notable anomalies. The 1934-S Peace Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint during the penultimate year of the series, with production resuming briefly in 1934 and 1935 after a hiatus following 1928. San Francisco's 1934 mintage was modest compared to Philadelphia's output that year, lending additional appeal to varieties from this date and mint mark combination. The Top 50 designation reflects this variety's significance within the Peace Dollar VAM collecting community, recognizing both its visual prominence and relative scarcity.

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