1921-D VAM-1BK
Error
Description
Discovered by Rob Joyce in March 2005, VAM-1BK of the 1921-D Morgan dollar is designated IV 1 D2a as Die Scratch Between LL, from die pair (189). The reverse D2a die features a fine vertical die scratch running from the right wreath lower leaf down to between the tops of LL in DOLLAR, accompanied by a faint vertical gouge from the bottom of the first L. These scratches provide the primary pickup points. Because 1921 Morgan dollar dates were part of the master die rather than individually punched into working dies, there is no variation in date position across different die pairs, so no DPIS analysis applies. This master-die dating method differed from the hand-punched dates of earlier years and eliminated the positional differences that characterize many pre-1921 VAM attributions. The 1921-D Morgan dollar was struck at the Denver Mint during the single-year resumption of Morgan dollar production before the Peace dollar replaced it. The fine vertical scratch between LL is the most reliable diagnostic for this variety.
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