1921-P VAM-1F2

Description

Discovered in 2016 by David Close, the 1921-P VAM-1F2 is a Peace dollar variety struck at the Philadelphia Mint, classified as 1F2 I 1 - Aa and designated Matte Proof Dies with Polishing Lines, Collar Clash 3 O'clock. The Peace dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, was introduced in 1921 as a silver dollar commemorating peace following World War I, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter and a reeded edge. Philadelphia produced 1,006,473 Peace dollars in 1921, the first year of the series and one of the lowest mintages, making it a key date. The 1921 Peace dollar is distinct from all subsequent years in its high-relief design, which proved problematic for production and was lowered beginning in 1922. The reverse classification Aa identifies the most significant feature: a collar clash showing reeding indents on the rim from the 2 o'clock position. A collar clash occurs when the reeded collar, which forms the edge of the coin during striking, makes contact with the die face, leaving impressions of the reeding pattern on the die surface that are then transferred to struck coins as raised marks near the rim. The cataloging notes record that this is the only known 1921 Peace dollar variety with a collar clash on the reverse, and its presence on the reverse indicates that for this specific die pair, the reverse was the hammer die, meaning it was the upper die that moved downward during striking. This is a significant finding because it reveals the die configuration used in the press for this die pair. The matte proof dies designation with polishing lines refers to the surface preparation of the dies, which show characteristics associated with proof or specimen production techniques combined with visible polishing marks from die maintenance.

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