1921-P VAM-1AA

Description

The 1921-P VAM-1AA Morgan Dollar was cataloged as IV 1 - D1a (Scribbling Die Scratches), die pair 189, but has since been eliminated as a duplicate of VAM-1Q in the Van Allen-Mallis system. The Morgan Dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter. On the reverse (D1a), fine die scratches running in various directions are visible on over-polished tail feathers around the eagle's right leg and between the eagle's left wing and body, consistent with aggressive die maintenance during production. The primary die marker consists of widely spaced heavy horizontal polishing lines running through the middle upper tail feathers just above the arrow shaft. The 1921 Philadelphia Morgan Dollar had an enormous mintage of 44,690,000 pieces as the Mint rushed production under the Pittman Act mandate to replace silver dollars melted during World War I. VAMWorld commentary confirms this variety's elimination status, directing collectors to VAM-1Q as the proper attribution. The elimination reflects ongoing refinement of the VAM catalog as researchers determine that what were initially cataloged as separate varieties actually represent the same die pair documented under different designations.

External References