1881-P VAM-21

Description

Ben Wengel identified this die marriage in January 2010, and the Overdate Coin Collectors revised it in 2016, finalizing the classification as 21 (revised) III2 21 paired with a C3a reverse under the designation Doubled Ear, Left 8. On the obverse, the III2 21 die exhibits slight doubling at the right inside and bottom of Liberty's earlobe, accompanied by heavy die polishing lines on the ear's bottom inside and middle outside surfaces. The left 8 in the date also shows slight doubling at the top left inside of its upper loop. A vertical polishing line running through the middle of the eye serves as the primary obverse die marker for attribution. The reverse C3a die displays a couple of leaves in the left wreath cluster slightly doubled toward the rim, adding a secondary diagnostic for confirming the die pairing. Collectors seeking this variety should examine the earlobe area first, as the doubling there is the most distinctive feature. A pitted die state of this same marriage exists as 1881-P VAM-21A, representing later production from the same obverse die after surface degradation set in.

External References