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At the risk of boring people with my articles on Peace Dollar VAMs in general and extra hair specifically, I am writing today on another one. The 1923 VAM 1AA is commonly referred to as an Extra Hair Elite 30 Peace Dollar VAM. I can’t help myself. This is an amazing example of one and I would like to share it with you.
I just picked up a new, to me, Peace Dollar VAM and realized I have fallen behind in showing them off. Therefore I would like to do this quick blog to remedy that problem. The first is a 1922-S VAM 2B1. I don’t have a lot to say about either of these other than they are very cool. I don’t want to get too much into the technical stuff on a Sunday.
Today I would like to discuss one of my new pick-ups, a 1922 Peace Dollar VAM 12A called the “Moustache” die break. If you look at the photos it is easy to see how Miss Liberty received this nickname. Generally speaking the year 1922, of Peace Dollars, is one of the years that produced the greatest number of die varieties we call VAMs. That is all a VAM is really, a list of different die varieties in a given series of coins. We usually are referring to Morgan and Peace dollars but it can be any series. It was first listed by the two gentlemen that it gets its name, Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis. That makes up the acronym VAM “Van Allen-Mallis”.
I have a new coin I would like to share. It is a 1923 Peace Dollar VAM 11B. Now this isn't a Top 50 or an Elite 30 like I usually try to get. This is a different sort of coin. Besides being a cool VAM, it also has something else going for it. It has a nice, big planchet crack. First I would like to describe the VAM designation.
Recently I picked up a nice, new 1922 Peace Dollar VAM 1A- "Line in Tiara". Besides being a TOP 50 member, this VAM is a good example of the first reverse die type called a B1 reverse. This reverse was only used in early 1922. It was later changed to a new B2 die that was used for the rest of the series. This variety was discovered by Jeff Oxman in April 1999.
The other day I gave up waiting and pulled the trigger on one of the “Crown Jewels” to the Top 50 Peace Dollar VAMs. This would be the 1922-P VAM 2A. Often referred to as the Ear Ring variety. It gets its name from the shape and location of a major obverse die break. As you can see in the photos, it is located near Liberty’s ear and is dangling down her neck.
My next blog has been known to cause controversy in other venues, i.e. NGC blogs. Not only controversy but some people get downright angry. Let’s see how it goes here. Below you will see my example of a Dan Carr Token. This particular specimen is a 1917 Peace Dollar with the original design from artist/sculptor Anthony De Francisci. It is in the original high relief as well as the “broken sword” reverse. There are a couple of facts that I need to discuss now.
My next blog is about a "normal" Peace Dollar VAM, in that any VAM is normal. I am using the word "normal" to mean a VAM that is not, currently, in any Top 50, Elite 30 or any other additional designation. This VAM is a 1923 VAM 1W. This variety is also known as the Die Break Hair Rear. Some of the readers here may know that I am working on collecting a Top 50 and Elite 30 sets. This is neither. I found this specimen while looking through some of the aforementioned sets. I thought it is a beautiful coin and does exhibit a nice die break. So here it is.
Today I have a new, to me, Top 50 Peace Dollar VAM to share with you. Below you will see my example of a 1926-S VAM 4A. This is another Top 50 Peace Dollar VAM. The 4A incorporates the VAM 4 as well as some additional features I will describe. It is a "stand alone" VAM.
The other day I was so happy for myself. I found my first Peace Dollar VAM. Not one that is already slabbed. One I found “in the wild”. A little back story is in order. As some of you know I am in a hunt to complete a Peace Dollar Top 50 and an Elite 30 sets. I am a huge fan of Peace Dollar VAMs. I love the series, the artist, the model and the history. Let’s not forget I am a VAM nut.
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