The 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $500 or more in higher mint state grades — and that number can climb fast once collectors get involved.
If you stumbled across an old silver dollar and think it might be something special, you’re in the right place. The VAM varieties of Peace Dollars are a fascinating corner of American numismatics, and the Broken Wing is one of the most recognizable. Using a coin identification app is often the fastest way to figure out if you’re holding a standard 1924 Peace Dollar or one of these prized VAM varieties — the difference in value can be significant.
What Is the 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar?
VAM stands for Van Allen and Mallis, the researchers who cataloged the many die varieties found across Morgan and Peace Dollars. The 1924 VAM 5A gets its nickname “Broken Wing” from a distinctive die crack or die gouge that runs through the eagle’s wing on the reverse of the coin. This isn’t damage caused after the coin left the mint — it’s a characteristic of the specific dies used to strike these coins, which makes it a genuine variety that collectors actively seek out.
The 1924 Peace Dollar was minted in Philadelphia with a mintage of over 11 million coins, so the date itself is common. But finding a confirmed VAM 5A example with strong die markers is a different story entirely. The Broken Wing designation appeals to both VAM specialists and general Peace Dollar collectors, creating healthy demand across multiple buyer pools.
How Much Is the 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar Worth?
Value depends heavily on grade and eye appeal. A worn circulated example grading AG-3 to Fine-12 might fetch $30–$60, mostly based on silver content and novelty. Once you get into Extremely Fine territory and better, the VAM premium kicks in more noticeably.
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| AG-3 to G-6 | $30 – $45 |
| F-12 to VF-30 | $45 – $90 |
| EF-40 to AU-58 | $90 – $200 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | $200 – $400 |
| MS-64 and above | $400 – $600+ |
You can check current 1924 Peace Dollar price data across mint state grades to see how the market is trending in real time — prices shift with silver prices and collector demand, so staying current matters.
How to Identify the Broken Wing Variety
Identifying a VAM 5A requires a loupe or magnifier of at least 5x power. You’re looking for a die crack that cuts through the eagle’s left wing on the reverse, often appearing as a thin raised line running across the feathers. Some examples also show additional die markers on the obverse near Liberty’s hair or the date area.
If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, CoinKnow is a handy tool that helps collectors cross-reference VAM markers using photos and guided checklists. Many beginners find it easier to start with an app like CoinKnow before investing in physical references like the VAM World database. Getting the identification right matters, because a misidentified coin could be sold for a fraction of its actual worth.
Should You Get It Graded and Certified?
If you believe your coin is a genuine 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar in EF or better condition, professional certification through PCGS or NGC is worth considering. These services will attribute the VAM variety directly on the holder label, which significantly increases buyer confidence and resale value. A raw (uncertified) VAM 5A might sell for $150 in AU condition, while a PCGS or NGC-attributed example in the same grade could easily bring $250 or more at auction.
For a broader look at what your 1924 silver dollar is worth across all varieties and grades, it’s worth doing your research before heading to a dealer or auction. And if you want help tracking values on the go, CoinKnow lets you log your coins and monitor market pricing all in one place.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1924 Peace Dollar is the VAM 5A Broken Wing variety?
A: Look at the reverse under magnification for a raised die crack running through the eagle’s left wing. Additional die markers may appear near the date or Liberty’s hair on the obverse. Cross-referencing with a VAM reference guide or an app like CoinKnow can help confirm the attribution.
Q: Is the 1924 VAM 5A Broken Wing Peace Dollar rare?
A: It’s considered scarce rather than extremely rare. Thousands of 1924 Peace Dollars exist, but confirmed VAM 5A examples with strong die markers are far less common. Its collectibility comes from the clear visual die feature and active collector interest in the VAM series.
Q: Does silver content affect the value of the 1924 VAM 5A?
A: Yes, to a degree. All Peace Dollars contain 0.7734 ounces of pure silver, so the base melt value provides a floor for any example. However, a confirmed VAM 5A Broken Wing in collectible condition will always trade well above melt value due to the variety premium.
