1921-D VAM-1BB
Error
Description
Discovered by C. Logan McKechnie in September 2004, the 1921-D VAM-1BB documents a die break at the top of M in UNUM on this Denver Mint Morgan Dollar. Classified as IV 1 with reverse D2a, the obverse shows a die crack through the top of M extending to the adjacent right star, with a break forming at the upper left of the M. The emission sequence is number 189. A key technical note: in 1921, dates were part of the master die rather than individually punched into working dies, meaning no date position variation exists across 1921 obverse dies — distinguishing this year from earlier Morgans where date punch position is a primary attribution tool. The 1921-D was produced during the brief Morgan Dollar revival authorized by the Pittman Act, struck alongside Philadelphia and San Francisco issues before the Peace Dollar replaced the design later that year. The crack's progression from hairline fracture to actual break records a snapshot of terminal die deterioration.
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