1921-D VAM-1AX
Error
Description
Discovered by C. Logan McKechnie in July 2004, this Denver Mint Morgan Dollar is a desirable variety cataloged as die pair 189 under Classification IV 1 - D2a, designated Die Break Top Middle of D. Die cracks extend through the tops of ED and ATES, with a small die break forming at the top middle of the D in UNITED. This break falls in between the breaks documented on VAM-1N and VAM-1AM at the top of D, placing VAM-1AX in a specific progression of reverse die deterioration. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW), the 1921-D was part of the massive Morgan Dollar resumption ordered under the Pittman Act. In 1921, dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in date position across die pairs. Denver struck over 20 million Morgan Dollars in 1921, its first and only year of Morgan Dollar production. The progressive die cracking through UNITED and STATES tells a clear story of metal fatigue as this reverse die approached the end of its service life, with the break at the top of D representing an advanced stage of deterioration.
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