1921-S VAM-12

Description

Discovered by Bill Van Note in January 2005, VAM-12 of the 1921-S Morgan dollar is designated IV 1 - D2g as Doubled Reverse Legend, from die pair (189). The defining feature is extensive doubling on the reverse legend, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and DOLLAR doubled toward the coin's center while the legend letters also show slight secondary doubling toward the rim. This dual-direction spread — simultaneously inward and outward — on DOLLAR's left side creates a particularly complex doubling pattern unusual among Morgan dollar VAMs. The reverse D2g die thus carries one of the more visually dramatic doubled legend effects in the 1921-S series. As with all 1921 Morgan dollars, dates were part of the master die, so no date position variation exists and standard DPIS analysis does not apply. The 1921-S Morgan dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint during the final year of Morgan dollar production under the Pittman Act authorization. Van Note's January 2005 discovery added this doubled reverse legend variety to the catalog, and the comprehensiveness of the legend doubling across multiple words distinguishes it from varieties showing doubling on individual letters.

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