1921-P VAM-1BD

Description

Logan McKechnie's 2015 discovery, the 1921 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar VAM-1BD is classified as 1BD IV I D1A (Scribbling Die Scratches, 5 Die Scratches Above ONE) with die pair 189. Struck in 90% silver during the final year of Morgan Dollar production, the reverse shows fine die scratches on over-polished tail feathers where aggressive die maintenance created linear striations across the eagle's plumage. The defining diagnostic is a cluster of five segmented curved die scratches in the field above the N in ONE, creating a distinctive arc-shaped pattern in the denomination area. These five curved scratches, segmented rather than continuous, form a recognizable grouping that distinguishes this variety from other scribbling scratch classifications. The over-polished tail feather scratches document die surface modification intended to extend die longevity during high-volume production. In 1921 dates were part of the master die, so there is no variation in date position among different die marriages from this year. The 1921 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar concluded the series begun in 1878, and VAM-1BD documents die surface characteristics from this prolific terminal production year. Discovered by Logan McKechnie in 2015 1BD IV I D1A (Scribbling Die Scratches, 5 Die Scratches Above ONE) (189) Reverse D1a -- Fine die scratches in various directions on over polished tail feathers around eagle's right leg.

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