1921 Morgan Dollar - VAM-1BU

Description

Samuel Taylor's March 2023 discovery, the 1921 Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar VAM-1BU is classified as IV 1 D1a (Scribbling Scratches #177). Struck in 90% silver during the final year of Morgan Dollar production, the obverse features thick horizontal polishing lines on Liberty's jaw close to the hair, where aggressive die polishing left pronounced linear striations in the portrait area. The reverse displays multiple surface characteristics: fine die scratches on over-polished tail feathers document extensive die maintenance, thick parallel scratches add a secondary texture, and a curved thread-like impression creates a distinctive non-linear mark among the feather details. These reverse features document a die that underwent significant surface modification, with the over-polished tail feathers suggesting repeated attempts to extend die longevity. The classification number 177 within the Scribbling Scratches system tracks this specific pattern. The 1921 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar concluded the series begun in 1878 under the Bland-Allison Act, and VAM-1BU documents one of many die surface varieties from this prolific final-year production.

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