1921-P VAM-1

Description

The 1921-P VAM-1 is the Normal Die listing for the 1921 Philadelphia Peace Dollar, classified I 1 - Aa as the baseline die marriage against which all other 1921-P VAM varieties are compared. The obverse (I 1) represents the Normal Die of the Type I design, with the notation that detail of hair around Liberty's ear is usually missing even on business uncirculated specimens due to characteristically weak strikes — a production phenomenon endemic to the 1921 Peace Dollar's high-relief design, where the depth of the original engraving exceeded what the dies could consistently transfer under standard striking pressures. The reverse (Aa) is the Normal Die of the Type A design. Multiple die pairs are cataloged under VAM-1, and while individual pairs may be differentiated by die polishing lines and die scratches, these features are considered insufficiently significant for separate VAM listings. Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design, introduced in December 1921 to symbolize peace following World War I, features a radiant Liberty head on the obverse and a perched eagle before a sunrise on the reverse. The 1921 Peace Dollar was struck in 90% silver (10% copper) at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter with a reeded edge, from a mintage of 1,006,473 coins — the lowest production figure in the entire Peace Dollar series, making the 1921-P a key date regardless of VAM designation.

External References