1921-D VAM-1AE2

Description

Reassigned in 2012 from its former designation as VAM-1BF, the 1921-D VAM-1AE2 is a Morgan dollar variety designated Die Break S Top Inside and Top Right of E. Classified as 1AE2 IV1 D2a with a population reference of (189), this variety features a die crack running through the rim edge of the 6th and 7th left stars up to the top of the letter E in LIBERTY and continuing to the rim, where it widens into a break at the top of E. The die break at E is the primary diagnostic, representing an advanced stage of die cracking where the fracture has progressed to actual material displacement at the rim junction. A significant note in the VAMWorld records states that in 1921 dates, the date digits were part of the master die rather than individually punched, meaning there is no variation in date position across 1921 Morgan dollar varieties — a departure from earlier dates where hand-punched dates created positional variations. The 1921-D Morgan dollar was struck at the Denver Mint in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. Denver produced 20,345,000 Morgan dollars in 1921, part of the massive final-year production authorized under the Pittman Act. George T. Morgan's obverse design, with its arrangement of stars flanking Liberty's portrait and LIBERTY across the top, creates multiple reference points for die crack tracking. The reassignment from VAM-1BF to VAM-1AE2 reflects VAMWorld's ongoing reorganization of the die break sub-varieties within the VAM-1 family for the 1921-D date.

External References