1935-S VAM-2

Description

Discovered by Leroy Van Allen in December 1965 — Van Allen being the co-creator of the VAM classification system itself (the "V" in VAM) — the 1935-S VAM-2 is designated "S Leaning Left" for its defining characteristic: a micro S mintmark that tilts noticeably to the left rather than sitting upright. Classified as B2b with a rarity rating of R-3, indicating an estimated 200 to 500 specimens are known to exist. The I-2 interest level reflects moderate collector demand driven by the visually distinctive mintmark position. The 1935-S Peace Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 1,964,000 — a better-date issue from what proved to be the final year of Peace Dollar production until the series' 2021 revival. Anthony de Francisci's design was struck in 90% silver at 26.73 grams on 38.1mm planchets. The leaning mintmark resulted from the mintmark punch being applied at an angle to the working die, creating a tilt that distinguishes VAM-2 from the upright mintmark placement of other 1935-S die pairings. As a discovery by Van Allen himself, this variety carries the provenance of the system's originator, adding historical interest beyond its die characteristics.

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