SHD-100c-1921D-01R Shattered Die

Description

Documented by the Cuds on Coins reference catalog, SHD-100c-1921D-01R is a shattered die variety on a 1921-D Morgan Dollar — a terminal die state where the die face has developed an extensive network of interconnected die cracks covering a significant portion of the die surface, representing the final stage of die deterioration before the die would be removed from service. The catalog commentary acknowledges this is not the best example of a shattered die, as the reverse has enough die cracks to qualify for the shattered designation while the obverse, though bearing its own share of die cracks, does not reach the threshold for independent shattered die classification. The die cracks on both sides are outlined in red in the reference photographs for identification purposes. No external cross-references are known for this variety. The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and struck at the Denver Mint in 1921 — the final year of Morgan Dollar production before the Peace Dollar replaced it later that year. Composed of 90% silver at 26.73 grams with a 38.1 mm diameter, the 1921-D Morgan Dollar was produced using newly prepared hubs after the series' long hiatus from 1904. Shattered dies represent the extreme end of the die deterioration spectrum and are collected as a specialty within the error coin community. The reverse qualification for shattered status while the obverse falls short illustrates the variable nature of die stress distribution, where one die in a pair may deteriorate faster than its counterpart due to differences in design relief depth, die steel composition, or the specific striking pressures experienced during high-volume production.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Chuck Newman
• Cross reference: none. While not the best example of a shattered die, the reverse does have enough die cracks to be called shattered. The obverse also has its fair share of die cracks, but not enough to call it a shattered die. The die cracks are outlined in red.
• Expert attribution by Cuds on Coins

External References