1900-S VAM-21A

Description

Discovered in 2008 by TJ Vignola, the 1900-S VAM-21A carries the designation "Slanted Date, S Set High, Die Break M" and is classified III2 7 with a C3d reverse and die pair 189. The obverse shows a slight slant to the date, with the 1 positioned closest to the rim. The reverse tells the more dramatic story: a die crack runs through the tops of MERIC with breaks at both the left and right sides of the M, continuing upward to the denticles between the A and M. This progressive cracking through the AMERICA inscription, culminating in a break at the M, gives the variety its name and serves as the primary pickup point. The S mintmark is set higher than typical for the date, providing a secondary obverse diagnostic. Notably, the obverse die is shared across three varieties—VAM-12, VAM-21, and VAM-21A—making the reverse die state the critical factor in distinguishing among them. Collectors encountering this obverse should examine the reverse AMERICA inscription carefully to determine which of the three die states they hold.

External References