1921-P Peace VAM-1B

Description

Struck in the only year that Peace Dollars were produced in high relief, the 1921-P VAM-1B carries a small die gouge with an ovaloid dot shape just above the letter N in ONE on the reverse. Discovered by David Close and classified as I-1 with reverse die Aa in the Van Allen-Mallis system, this variety documents a die surface defect — likely caused by accidental tool contact during die preparation — that transferred as a raised mark onto every coin struck from the affected die. The 1921 Peace Dollar holds a unique position in American numismatics: Anthony de Francisci's design debuted in December 1921 with approximately one million coins struck, all in the high-relief format that gave the design its full sculptural depth. The high relief proved impractical for mass production, and the Mint switched to a shallower profile beginning in 1922 that would continue through the series' end in 1935. Every 1921 Peace Dollar is therefore a high-relief issue, struck in 90% silver at 38.1mm with Liberty wearing a radiant crown on the obverse and a bald eagle perched on a mountain with the word PEACE on the reverse. Examine the area directly above N in ONE for the small ovaloid gouge.

External References