1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar Value Guide

The 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar is worth anywhere from $45 in circulated condition to over $1,200 in high mint state. This specific silver dollar is a favorite among variety collectors because of its unique “broken wing” die break on the reverse side.

Condition	Estimated Market Value
Very Fine (VF20)	$45 – $60
Extremely Fine (EF40)	$70 – $95
About Uncirculated (AU50)	$110 – $180
Mint State (MS63)	$350 – $550
Choice Mint State (MS65)	$1,200+

What is the 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar?

If you have stumbled upon an old silver dollar in a drawer or a piggy bank, you might be holding a hidden treasure. To identify if your coin is the special “Broken Wing” variety, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to get a quick visual confirmation.

The VAM 5A is a specific “Van Allen-Mallis” variety designation that refers to a die break. Over time, the heavy metal dies used to strike coins can crack or chip.

In this case, a crack developed on the reverse die where the eagle’s wing is located. When the coin was struck, the metal flowed into that crack, creating a raised line that looks like the wing is fractured or “broken.”

This specific variety is highly sought after by collectors of the Peace Dollar series. While a standard 1924 dollar is common, the VAM 5A carries a significant premium.

Finding one in your collection is an exciting discovery that requires a keen eye and perhaps a magnifying glass to confirm the error. Using an app like CoinKnow can help you focus on the right area of the coin to check for these tiny details.

Identifying the Broken Wing Die Break Features

To verify you have a 1924 VAM 5A, you must look at the reverse (back) of the coin. Specifically, examine the eagle’s right wing (which is on the left side from the viewer’s perspective).

The “Broken Wing” is characterized by a heavy die crack that runs through the upper part of the eagle’s wing. This crack is usually jagged and noticeably raised above the surface of the coin.

In addition to the main break, the VAM 5A often exhibits “pitting” or small raised dots in the field around the eagle. This is caused by die rust or damage to the die before the coin was struck.

Experienced collectors often look for the 1924 VAM 5A mint state pricing trends to see if their specimen justifies the cost of professional grading.

If you are unsure if what you see is a scratch or a die crack, remember that a scratch is recessed (sunken in), while a die crack (the “Broken Wing”) is raised (sticking out).

The 1924 VAM 5A is part of the “Top 50” Peace Dollar VAM varieties, making it a staple for anyone building a comprehensive set of silver dollars.

Feature to Check	Description
The Wing Crack	Jagged raised line through the upper wing feathers.
Die Pitting	Small raised bumps near the eagle’s head and wings.
Reverse Luster	Often looks slightly grainy due to the aging die.

Grading Your 1924 Peace Dollar for Maximum Value

The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the biggest factor in determining its final sale price. Even a rare VAM 5A will lose value if it has been cleaned or heavily scratched.

To get an accurate estimate of what your coin is worth, you should look at the current 1924 silver dollar values across various grades.

Circulated coins (those used in daily trade) will have smoothed-out feathers on the eagle and flattened hair on Lady Liberty.

Uncirculated coins, also known as “Mint State,” will still have the original frosty shine (luster) and sharp details.

If your 1924 VAM 5A looks like it just came from the bank, it could be worth over $500. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is recommended for high-value coins.

Before spending money on grading fees, you can use CoinKnow to get a preliminary idea of the grade and whether the “Broken Wing” feature is prominent enough to merit a high price.

The Rarity and Market Demand for VAM 5A

In the world of coin collecting, rarity drives price. While millions of Peace Dollars were struck in 1924, only a small percentage were struck with the VAM 5A die.

Furthermore, many of these coins were melted down decades ago for their silver content, reducing the surviving population.

The “Top 50” VAM list is a collection of the most significant and recognizable varieties in the Peace Dollar series. Being on this list ensures that there will always be a market for the VAM 5A Broken Wing.

Investors often look for “discovery” coins—varieties that haven’t been identified yet by the current owner. If you find one at a flea market or in a bulk lot of silver dollars, you’ve essentially found a “cherrypick” opportunity.

The market demand remains steady because collectors often want to own every major variety of a specific year.

A high-grade VAM 5A can frequently outperform a higher-grade common 1924 dollar in auction settings because of its “fun factor” and scarcity.

Factor	Impact on Price
Scarcity	High (Top 50 VAM Variety)
Visual Appeal	Moderate to High (Very distinct crack)
Silver Content	Base value approx. $20 (melts value)

How to Sell a 1924 Broken Wing Silver Dollar

If you have confirmed your coin is a VAM 5A, you have several options for selling. For quick cash, a local coin shop is an easy route, though they will typically offer 60-70% of the retail value to ensure they can make a profit.

For maximum profit, listing the coin on an auction site like eBay or Heritage Auctions is often the best choice. Make sure to take high-quality, clear photos of the eagle’s wing so buyers can see the “Broken Wing” detail.

Using CoinKnow‘s valuation tools can help you set a fair “Buy It Now” price if you choose to sell online.

Always mention “VAM 5A” and “Broken Wing” in your listing title. Mentioning whether the coin is “attributed” (certified by a grading service with the VAM number on the label) is also crucial.

Certified VAMs almost always sell for more than “raw” or uncertified coins because the buyer has peace of mind regarding the coin’s authenticity and variety.

Historical Context: Why Peace Dollars Matter

The Peace Dollar was first minted in 1921 to celebrate the end of World War I. It was the last silver dollar struck for general circulation in the United States until the Eisenhower dollar in the 1970s.

The design, created by Anthony de Francisci, features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle perched on a rock on the reverse, looking toward the dawn of a new era of peace.

By 1924, the Philadelphia Mint was churning these out in large numbers. However, the pressure of mass production often led to the very die cracks we see in the VAM 5A variety.

Today, these coins are more than just 90% silver; they are tangible pieces of American history.

Whether you are a serious numismatist or someone who just inherited a family collection, understanding the history and specific varieties like the 1924 VAM 5A adds a layer of depth and excitement to the hobby.

FAQ

Q: Does every 1924 Peace Dollar have the Broken Wing?

A: No. The Broken Wing is a specific die variety (VAM 5A). Most 1924 silver dollars were struck with normal dies that do not have this crack. It is considered a rare finding.

Q: Is cleaning my 1924 VAM 5A a good idea to make it look better?

A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or clothes will create micro-scratches and strip away the original “skin” of the metal. Cleaned coins are worth significantly less than coins with original toning or surface dirt.

Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1924 Peace Dollar?

A: For the 1924 issue, if there is no mint mark, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is an “S” on the reverse near the eagle’s tail feathers, it was minted in San Francisco. Note that the VAM 5A variety is specifically for the Philadelphia (no mint mark) issue.

Q: Can I find a VAM 5A in a regular coin roll?

A: While very rare, it is possible to find them in older collections or “junk silver” bags. Because many people don’t know about specific VAM varieties, they often get grouped in with common silver dollars.