1921-P VAM-1R

Description

The 1921-P VAM-1R Peace dollar, discovered by David Close in December 2006, is classified as I-1 Aa and designated Die Polishing and Wear/Rust Pits #2. The 1921 Peace dollar holds the distinction of being the first year of issue for Anthony de Francisci's High Relief design, struck only at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 1,006,473 pieces, making it the key date in the Peace dollar series. This coin was produced in the standard 90% silver and 10% copper composition, weighing 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, but the 1921 issue is unique in the series for its high relief striking, which was modified to a lower relief beginning in 1922 to improve die life and striking efficiency. The obverse of VAM-1R displays fine polishing lines around Liberty's neck arranged in a distinctive circular pattern, evidence of die maintenance performed at the mint. The reverse shows raised dots and splotchy areas in the fields resulting from die wear or rust spots that developed on the die surface, along with some fine polishing lines in the fields. This die is confirmed as different from VAMs 1C, 1N, and 1Q, which also show die polishing and wear characteristics. The die polishing and rust pit features make this a die state variety rather than a hub variety, reflecting the physical deterioration of the die surface during its working life at the Philadelphia Mint.

External References