1921-P VAM-1AM

Description

Cataloged as die pair 189 under Classification IV1 - D1a, this Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar is designated Scribbling Die Scratches. Fine die scratches in various directions appear on the overpolished tail feathers around the eagle's right leg and between the eagle's left wing and body, indicating aggressive die maintenance during production. Two diagonal polishing lines on the second-from-bottom outer feather of the eagle's right wing serve as the primary die marker for attribution. Struck in 90% silver (0.7734 oz ASW), the 1921-P Morgan Dollar had the highest mintage of the year at over 44 million pieces, as Philadelphia led the massive resumption of silver dollar coinage under the Pittman Act. In 1921, dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in date position across die pairs. The scribbling die scratches on VAM-1AM result from Mint workers polishing the die face to extend its service life, a common practice during high-volume production runs. The multidirectional scratching pattern around the tail feathers and wing junction distinguishes this die marriage from other 1921-P scribbling varieties.

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