1921-D VAM-1BL1

Description

Discovered by Dennis Halladay in April 2023, the 1921 Denver Mint Morgan Dollar VAM-1BL1 is classified as IV 1 D2a (Scribbling Die Scratches #42) with die pair designation. Struck in 90% silver, this variety exhibits the distinctive pattern known as scribbling die scratches, where seemingly random curved and intersecting scratch lines on the die surface create a characteristic web-like pattern transferred to struck coins. The #42 classification identifies the specific scratch pattern within the broader scribbling die scratch catalog. VAM-1BL1 shares diagnostic features with VAM-1BL2 but is distinguished by the absence of an upward gouge extending from the O in DOLLAR to the right ribbon on the reverse. A diagonal die gouge on the fifth outer feather provides an additional reverse diagnostic. The 1921 Denver Mint Morgan Dollar belongs to the final year of Morgan Dollar production, when the series was briefly revived under the Pittman Act before being replaced by Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design later that year. George T. Morgan's Liberty Head design on this terminal-year Denver issue provides the framework where Halladay's scribbling scratch discovery documents die preparation artifacts.

External References