Advanced Identification: Discovering Rare Die Marriages and VAMs in WWI Victory and Participation Medals

For the advanced collector, nailing down the exact pair of dies that struck a given piece is about as good as it gets. That’s the real thrill. So let me walk you through the fascinating world of die marriages hiding inside WWI Victory and Participation Medals.

When most collectors hear “die varieties,” their minds jump straight to Morgan Dollars or early copper. I get it. I’ve spent years studying die pairing attribution across every corner of the numismatic world, though, and I can tell you that WWI so-called dollars and commemorative medals offer some of the most rewarding and seriously underappreciated marriage research in the entire hobby. These pieces, cataloged in the Hibler-Kappen reference, present a rich tapestry of obverse and reverse die combinations that will make any detail-oriented collector’s heart race.

Understanding the Foundation: HK Numbers and So-Called Dollars

Before we dig into die marriages, let’s set the stage. The Hibler-Kappen reference, So-Called Dollars, is the standard cataloging system for these medals, much like Overton numbers for seated coinage or VAMs for Morgan and Peace Dollars. Each HK number represents a distinct type, and within those types, multiple die varieties often lurk unnoticed.

Take HK-892, a so-called dollar dated 1917. A quick glance and you’d assume every example is identical. But when I lined up four specimens side by side, the die variety story jumped right out:

• Upper left, upper right, and lower right all share the same reverse die, with the upper left showing a late die state featuring cracks running right through the flagpole tips.
• The lower left reverse is completely different, with flagpoles extending through the word “TRUST.”
• The upper left and lower left share the same obverse die.
• The ground contours where the soldier kneels show measurable differences between the upper right, lower right, and left specimens.

This is die marriage attribution at its finest. We’re not talking about wear patterns or striking pressure differences. We’re identifying the actual physical dies that struck these medals, tracking their progression through die states, and mapping which obverses were paired with which reverses during production. That’s real numismatic detective work.

The 1918 Date Varieties: Unlisted Discoveries

Here’s where things get genuinely exciting for the variety researcher. Most collectors would look at the next two specimens and assume they’re standard HK-892 examples. But these carry a “1918” date, and this date isn’t even mentioned in any so-called dollar references. That’s right, an unlisted variety hiding in plain sight.

Beyond the date difference, these two 1918 specimens show distinct differences in both obverse and reverse dies:

• The upper piece has the rifle pointing at the “R” of ARMY.
• The lower piece has the rifle pointing at the “A” of ARMY.
• The upper reverse displays 8 stars between the flagpole and Eagle’s wing.
• The lower reverse shows only 7 stars in that same location.

In my years of grading and attributing die varieties, this is exactly the kind of discovery that makes the field so addictive. These aren’t minor quirks. They represent distinct die pairings that tell us about the production process, how many dies were prepared, and the sequence of striking. The fact that the 1918 date goes completely unmentioned in standard references suggests these were either struck later in a secondary production run or represent a previously unrecognized issue altogether. Either way, the collectibility factor skyrockets.

HK-900a and HK-903: Top Pop Rarities

Moving to HK-900a, we encounter another piece that rewards serious close examination. This so-called dollar is the kind of variety that can sit in a collection for years before anyone recognizes its true significance. When I first encountered HK-900a, the die characteristics immediately suggested a distinct pairing from the standard HK-900 issue.

Then there’s HK-903, the “American Saviors of Liberty” so-called dollar, and its French counterpart HK-903A, the “Victory of Right.” Both of these have achieved Top Pop status in the NGC census, meaning they represent the finest known examples. But here’s what many collectors miss: even within these top-pop pieces, die variety attribution matters enormously. The specific die pairing can mean the difference between a common variety and a significant rarity.

One collector flagged an interesting discrepancy with their HK-903: the slab image shows a loop, but the TrueView photograph doesn’t. This kind of inconsistency is exactly what keeps die variety researchers like me up at night. Was the loop removed? Was it a different striking? These are the questions that drive our research forward.

The Gold HK-902a: A Discovery Piece

If you want to talk about die varieties and rarity, nothing tops the gold HK-902a. This piece, struck in 22K gold, was previously owned by the legendary Steve Tanenbaum and represents one of the most significant so-called dollar discoveries in recent memory.

The provenance matters here. When a piece passes through the hands of a collector like Tanenbaum, you know it has been examined, attributed, and documented to the highest standard. The fact that this gold example exists at all raises fascinating questions about die usage. Were the same dies used for both bronze and gold strikings? Or were separate dies prepared specifically for the precious metal issues? Answering those questions could reshape our understanding of how these medals were produced.

The NGC certification (2688838-001) provides a permanent record of this piece’s attribution, which is essential for maintaining the chain of custody and variety identification. In the world of die marriage research, documentation is everything. Without it, even the most remarkable discovery loses much of its numismatic value.

Looped vs. Unlooped: A Die Variety Perspective

One of the most debated topics in WWI medal collecting is the looped versus unlooped question. From a die variety standpoint, this isn’t just about whether a loop was attached. It’s about understanding the production sequence and intended distribution.

The standard reference states:

The medal without clasps was distributed to troops who served in the U.S. only; medal with single clasp, to those who served overseas but not in battle; medal with more than one clasp, to men who participated in more than one major operation. While issue obviously was large, pieces came with loop and ribbon. Unlooped medals are quite rare.

But here’s where it gets interesting. One collector noted: “I have seen plenty of ‘unhooked’ issues and they all seem to show evidence of the loop having been removed.” This observation is critical for die variety researchers. If unlooped medals are actually looped medals with the loop removed, then we’re not dealing with a separate die variety at all. We’re dealing with post-production alteration, which changes the attribution picture entirely.

However, another collector presented evidence of truly unlooped specimens: “The unlooped ones I’ve seen have a much redder copper color. I consider the looped versions to be more of a beige-er bronze color.” This color difference could indicate different production batches, different metal compositions, or different die pairings entirely. It’s exactly the kind of observation that demands further research and could reveal entirely new varieties.

The NGC Census and Population Data

For the die variety researcher, census data is pure gold. One collector noted that there are only five examples of their specific type listed in the NGC census with loops. This kind of population data is essential for understanding rarity and die marriage frequency.

When I’m attributing die varieties, I always check the census first. A variety with only five known examples is fundamentally different from one with five hundred. The census tells us not just about survival rates, but about original production numbers and die usage patterns. That context directly impacts both collectibility and eye appeal when you’re evaluating a potential purchase.

Here’s what the census data reveals about WWI medal die varieties:

• Looped specimens are more common, reflecting the large number of veterans who qualified for the medal.
• Unlooped specimens are quite rare, suggesting limited production or distribution.
• Top Pop examples like HK-903 and HK-903A represent the finest known die states.
• Unlisted varieties like the 1918-dated HK-892 examples may represent significant discoveries.

Die States and Progression

One of the most rewarding aspects of die marriage research is tracking die states. Remember that HK-892 specimen with cracks through the flagpole tips? That’s a late die state, and it tells us something important about the production sequence.

Dies don’t last forever. As they’re used to strike medal after medal, they develop cracks, chips, and other signs of wear. By tracking these changes, we can establish a chronology of die usage. The specimen with flagpole cracks was struck later in the die’s life than a clean example without cracks.

This is exactly how VAM researchers approach Morgan Dollars, and the same methodology applies perfectly here. We look for:

• Die cracks that develop and worsen over time.
• Die chips that appear in specific locations.
• Die polishing that removes or modifies design elements.
• Die rust that creates pitting and texture changes.

When I examine a specimen, I’m not just looking at the design. I’m reading the die’s entire history, tracking its progression from fresh to exhausted, and using that information to place it precisely in the production sequence. That patina of die wear tells a story that most collectors walk right past.

Micro-Varieties and Attribution Challenges

The rifle position difference between the two 1918 HK-892 specimens, one pointing at the “R” of ARMY and the other at the “A,” represents the kind of micro-variety that makes die marriage research so challenging and so deeply rewarding.

These aren’t differences you can spot with the naked eye alone. They require careful measurement, comparison, and thorough documentation. In my experience, the best approach is:

1. Photograph every specimen under consistent lighting and magnification.
2. Measure key design elements relative to fixed reference points.
3. Compare multiple examples side by side whenever possible.
4. Document die markers like cracks, chips, and polishing lines.
5. Cross-reference with census data to establish population rarity.

The star count difference between the two 1918 reverses, 8 stars versus 7 stars between the flagpole and Eagle’s wing, is another perfect example of a micro-variety that demands careful observation. These aren’t random variations or striking inconsistencies. They’re deliberate differences that reflect distinct die engravings or modifications, and they can dramatically affect both the rarity and the numismatic value of the piece.

Actionable Takeaways for Collectors

If you’re collecting WWI Victory and Participation Medals with an eye toward die varieties, here’s what I’d recommend based on years of doing exactly this:

• Invest in a good loupe or microscope. Die variety attribution requires close, patient examination.
• Photograph everything. Consistent, high-quality images are essential for meaningful comparison.
• Check the NGC census. Population data tells you about rarity and survival rates before you commit to a purchase.
• Document your specimens thoroughly. Record die markers, weights, diameters, and any unusual characteristics.
• Network with other collectors and researchers. Die variety attribution is a collaborative effort, and fresh eyes catch things you’ll miss.
• Question assumptions. That “standard” HK-892 might be something entirely different once you start comparing dies.

And here’s a specific tip for buyers: when purchasing a WWI medal, always ask about the loop. Is it original? Has it been removed? Is the color consistent with looped or unlooped production? These questions can mean the difference between a common variety and a significant rarity with genuine eye appeal.

The Bock Plaque and Other Exonumia

No discussion of WWI die varieties would be complete without mentioning the larger exonumia pieces. The heavy cast bronze plaque marked “COPYRIGHTED 1918 BY R.W. BOCK” represents a different kind of die variety challenge entirely. With only two examples known, establishing die marriages is nearly impossible, but the incuse marking provides a crucial attribution point.

The massive 15-inch by 22-inch embossed plaque showing all aspects of United States participation in the war is another fascinating piece. The eagle above the central arch is very similar to that seen on the 1904 Louisiana Purchase award medals, suggesting the same die engraver or design source may have been used. This kind of design comparison is essential for understanding the production relationships between different medallic issues, and it opens up entirely new avenues for research into shared die sources and engraving lineages.

Conclusion: The Future of WWI Die Variety Research

The world of WWI Victory and Participation Medal die varieties is still in its early stages. Unlike Morgan Dollars, which have been studied for over a century, these so-called dollars and commemorative medals are just beginning to receive the detailed die marriage attribution they deserve.

Every collector who examines their specimens with a critical eye, who questions assumptions about “standard” varieties, who documents die markers and population data, is contributing to our understanding of these fascinating pieces. The 1918-dated HK-892 examples, the gold HK-902a, the looped versus unlooped debate, all of these represent genuine opportunities for discovery.

As a VAM researcher, I can tell you that the thrill of identifying a new die marriage never gets old. Whether it’s a Morgan Dollar or a WWI Victory Medal, the process is the same: careful observation, meticulous documentation, and a willingness to question what we think we know. The die varieties are out there, waiting to be discovered. All you need is the knowledge to recognize them and the patience to prove them.

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