1921-D VAM-1B1
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Description
1921-D VAM-1B1 "Capped R" Die Break R of AMERICA. Discovered by Martin Field, October 1983 (Desirability: ) This coin is a Hot 50 Morgan VAM '''1B1'''(revised) '''IV 1 · D2a (Capped R Die Chip) (189)''' '''Reverse D2a–''' Heavily die cracked with die chip above R in AMERICA. Die polishing in eagle’s right wing up thru God to rim and slightly displaced field at LA in FOLLAR on very late die states. Fine die scratches in various directions on over polished tail feathers around eagle’s right leg and between eagle’s left wing and body. 'Die marker -' Diagonal die scratch thru first and second outer bottom feather in eagle's wing. '''DPIS – In 1921 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. ;Emission Sequence :Obverse: :Reverse: '''Comments: # [[1921-D VAM-1B1 EDS Photos. The 1921-D VAM-1B1 EDS is supported separately by the SSDC Registry. # This variety has an interesting die break above the R in AMERICA. It looks almost like the R is tipping a small cap. The coin shows extensive die breaks on both the obverse and reverse, with late die stages having a portion of the die actually falling away to create the Capped R effect. # This VAM is actually one of the more easily found examples of the large 1921-D die breaks. At this time it is not known if this is because the die break is so distinctive and is easily visible to the naked eye, or if it is simply because many examples were produced. Whichever the case, this is one of the more interesting varieties to collect and is available from circulated through high quality Mint State pieces. # Please be careful to confirm that even certified examples are correctly attributed. Several [[1921-D VAM-8A] die breaks are in holders labeled VAM-1B. The [[1921-D VAM-8A die break is triangular, while the VAM-1B1 break forms a rounded semicircle. # When a 1921-D VAM-1B1 is discovered, be sure to check the word We on the reverse. A missing E in We is the ultra rare second die state of VAM-1B. Pictures of [[1921-D VAM-1B2 are available on the [[1921-D VAM-1B2 page. # One of the distinctive features of 1921-D VAM-1B1 that can be used to scan for the variety is the strong obverse die crack near Liberty’s neck. This crack extends upward to the chin and in well preserved medium and late die state examples it can be seen progressing across Liberty’s lips and nose. Collectors of 1921-D coins will routinely be offered coins riddled with die cracks. Ones with a crack running through liberty’s face usually turn out to be the Early Die State (EDS) version of VAM-1B, which is a stage before the Capped R is formed. It is worth noting, however, that while this crack appears before the crack above R in AMERICA, there have been specimens reported with no cracks at all. These have been identified by the scribbling scratches in the area around the eagle's right leg, with a couple extending into the field. The earliest die crack to form on this die pair is at the tip of the right wreath.