1921-P VAM-1AK

Description

Designated VAM-1AK under Classification IV1, D1a, with die pair 189, this Philadelphia Mint Morgan Dollar documents Scribbling Die Scratches on the reverse. The reverse in die state D1a shows fine die scratches running in various directions on over-polished tail feathers around the eagle's right leg and between the eagle's left wing and body, evidence of aggressive die maintenance. A diagonal die scratch in the wreath bow opening and above the bow serves as a die marker for attribution. In 1921 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. The 1921 Morgan Dollar revival represents the final chapter of George T. Morgan's silver dollar series, struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco after a seventeen-year hiatus before being replaced by the Peace Dollar later that year. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, these coins used newly prepared dies whose relief characteristics differ from pre-1904 issues. Scribbling die scratch varieties like VAM-1AK preserve physical evidence of die finishing practices at the Philadelphia Mint that would otherwise go unrecorded.

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