1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar Value & Identification Guide

The 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar is worth anywhere from $45 in circulated condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. This rare variety is a favorite among collectors due to its distinct visual flaw on the eagle’s wing, making it a “hidden treasure” for everyday Americans who check their old silver dollar collections.

Condition	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (Very Fine – Extremely Fine)	$45 – $75
About Uncirculated (AU50 – AU58)	$85 – $150
Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63)	$180 – $350
Choice Uncirculated (MS64+)	$600 – $1,250+

What Is the 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Die Variety?

If you’ve recently inherited an old coin collection or found a silver dollar in a drawer, you might be holding a 1924 VAM 5A. The term “VAM” refers to Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, researchers who cataloged variety differences in Morgan and Peace dollars. To find out if yours is the rare one, you can use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the specific details of the eagle’s feathers.

The “Broken Wing” variety is caused by a “re-engraved” die. During the minting process in 1924, a part of the die used to strike the reverse of the coin was damaged or polished too heavily. This resulted in a specific area of the eagle’s right wing (on the viewer’s left) appearing as though the feathers are disconnected or “broken.”

When you use CoinKnow to scan your coins, look closely at the feathers near the eagle’s body. In the VAM 5A variety, there is a visible gap or a jagged line where the feathers should naturally flow. For many casual collectors, this small imperfection is what transforms a standard $35 silver coin into a high-value rarity worth hundreds of dollars.

How to Identify the Broken Wing 1924 Peace Dollar

Identifying this specific coin requires a bit of detective work and a good magnifying glass. The 1924 VAM 5A is formally known as the “Broken Wing & Pitted Reverse.” The most obvious marker is on the reverse side: look at the eagle’s wing situated above the “ONE” in “ONE DOLLAR.” You will notice a distinct break in the feathers, often appearing as a smooth or slightly raised “pitted” area where the detail has vanished.

In addition to the wing, look for “die pits” or small raised bumps on the eagle’s shoulder and throughout the fields of the coin. These are signs of a deteriorating die. Expert collectors often cross-reference these marks with 1924 VAM 5A price history records to ensure they are looking at the authentic variety rather than a standard strike with simple wear and tear.

Identification Marker	What to Look For
Reverse Wing Feathers	A clear gap or “break” in the vertical feather lines on the left wing.
Pitting Detail	Small raised bumps on the eagle’s body and near the “PEACE” text.
Luster Strength	Authentic VAM 5A coins often retain high luster due to the die state.

Grading and 1924 VAM 5A Peace Dollar Value

The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the biggest factor in determining its final price. Coin grading is measured on a scale from 1 to 70. Most 1924 Peace Dollars found by the public are in “Circulated” condition, meaning they were used as money and have scratches or worn-down hair details on Lady Liberty.

However, if your coin still looks shiny and brand new, it might be in “Mint State” (MS). A 1924 VAM 5A in MS63 condition is significantly more valuable than one that is heavily worn. To get an idea of the current market, it is helpful to review the latest 1924 Peace Dollar value charts, which show how the premium for the Broken Wing variety increases as the grade goes up.

If you are unsure of the grade, CoinKnow provides a high-resolution comparison tool that matches your coin against professional grade samples. Seeing the “Broken Wing” clearly in a high-grade specimen is a thrill for any hobbyist, as these coins are frequently sold at premium auctions for much higher than their silver melt value.

Market Demand for the Broken Wing Variety

Why is the 1924 VAM 5A more expensive than a regular 1924 dollar? It comes down to “Variety Collecting.” While millions of Peace Dollars were struck in 1924, only a small fraction came from the damaged “Broken Wing” die. Because collectors want to own every recognized variation of the Peace Dollar series, the demand for VAM 5A is consistently high.

The market for these coins is very active on platforms like eBay and at local coin shows. Many people who find a silver dollar don’t realize that they need to look beyond the date and mint mark. By using CoinKnow, you can identify these subtle die cracks and polished-out details that the average person misses, potentially uncovering a coin worth five to ten times its face-value silver content.

Grade Level	Regular 1924 Value	VAM 5A Broken Wing Value
AU55	$40	$110
MS63	$65	$250
MS65	$150	$1,100+

Where to Sell Your 1924 Broken Wing Peace Dollar

Once you have identified your coin as a Broken Wing variety, you have several options for selling it. For coins in lower grades, local coin shops or online marketplaces like eBay are convenient. However, if your coin is in exceptional condition (MS64 or higher), it is highly recommended to have it “certified” by a professional grading service like NGC or PCGS.

Certified VAMs carry a “pedigree” on the label, which proves to the buyer that it is an authentic VAM 5A. This certification can add hundreds of dollars to the final sale price. Before spending money on grading fees, use an app to verify that the “broken” portion of the wing is clear and matches the known VAM catalog descriptions.

If you are looking for a quick sale, many collectors on specialized forums seek out “Raw” (unauthorized) VAMs because they hope to find a high-grade gem at a bargain price. Knowing exactly what you have prevents you from selling a rare $500 coin for the $30 silver price, which happens to uninformed sellers every day.

Summary of the 1924 VAM 5A Peace Dollar

The 1924 Peace Dollar is usually considered a common date, but the “Broken Wing” VAM 5A is a notable exception that commands a serious premium. Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or someone who just happened upon an old silver coin, taking the time to inspect the reverse eagle could result in a significant financial reward.

Remember to look for the break in the feathers on the left wing and the characteristic pitting on the reverse. These small “mistakes” made at the US Mint nearly a century ago have created a modern-day treasure hunt. Keep your coins in a protective flip or sleeve to preserve their condition, as even a small scratch can reduce the value of these historic silver pieces.

FAQ

Q: Is every 1924 Peace Dollar a Broken Wing variety?

A: No, the vast majority of 1924 Peace Dollars are “normal” strikes. The Broken Wing VAM 5A is a specific variety caused by a single damaged die used during production. You must visually confirm the feather break to claim the higher value.

Q: How much silver is in a 1924 VAM 5A Peace Dollar?

A: Like all standard Peace Dollars, it contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. While the “melt value” is usually around $20-$25 depending on the silver market, the collector value of the VAM 5A is much higher.

Q: Can I find a Broken Wing Peace Dollar in pocket change?

A: It is extremely rare to find any silver dollar in pocket change today, as they were pulled from circulation decades ago. However, they are frequently found in “junk silver” bags or inherited estate collections.

Q: Does cleaning the coin help its value?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning a 1924 VAM 5A will often strip away its natural luster and leave microscopic scratches, which can reduce its collector value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer the original “patina” or toning.