1921-S VAM-1AR2

Description

Discovered by Bill Toland in June 2015, this San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-1AR2 under Classification 1AR2 VI1, D2a, with die pair 189. The variety documents Scribbling Die Scratches with a Die Break at the Right Wing Top. A die crack extends from the F in OF through the eagle's left wing to the top of the right wreath, developing a slight displaced field break above the wreath top where metal has begun to push outward. This combination of scribbling die scratches and a progressive die break provides both surface texture and structural failure diagnostics on a single die. In 1921 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, the 1921-S Morgan Dollar was produced at the San Francisco Mint during the brief one-year revival before the Peace Dollar replaced the series. San Francisco was one of three mints striking Morgan Dollars in 1921, along with Philadelphia and Denver, after the seventeen-year hiatus. The displaced field break above the wreath top indicates this die was approaching the end of its service life, producing coins with visible evidence of structural failure.

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