1921-P VAM-1AR2

Description

Discovered by RogerRock in November 2020, the 1921-P VAM-1AR2 Morgan Dollar is classified as IV 1 – D1a (Scribbling Die Scratches, Die Break OF, Beveled Field) with die pairing number 189. The reverse (D1a) exhibits die cracks running through the letters OF, extending over to the eagle’s wing and down to the right wreath top, with a displaced field break at OF and a slightly beveled field at the denticles above the F — a combination of progressive structural die failure and surface deformation that documents the die’s deterioration through its production run. The scribbling die scratches referenced in the variety name are irregular surface marks on the die face, distinct from the linear polishing lines typically seen in die maintenance, suggesting uncontrolled contact or damage during handling. The 1921 Morgan Dollar holds a unique position in the series because dates were part of the master die in that final production year, eliminating the date position variations found in earlier issues and meaning all obverse anomalies for 1921 originate solely from the hubbing process or subsequent die damage. George T. Morgan’s design was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, marking the last year of Morgan Dollar production before the Peace Dollar debuted later in 1921. The Philadelphia Mint produced approximately 44.7 million Morgan Dollars that year, the highest single-year mintage in the series, creating a large working die population that generated numerous die varieties. The beveled field near the denticles above F provides a distinctive tactile diagnostic — collectors can feel the gradual slope of the displaced metal at the die break margin under good lighting conditions.

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