1921-P VAM-1I

Description

Heavy horizontal die file lines above and below WE distinguish VAM-1I of the 1921 Peace Dollar, a sub-variety within the only high-relief issue in the series. Discovered by William Bland in June 2006, this variety documents die maintenance on one of the most celebrated dates in American silver coinage. The 1921 Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, was struck exclusively in high relief with approximately one million pieces before the Mint switched to standard relief in 1922. The horizontal die file lines differ from those on VAM-1F and VAM-1G, establishing VAM-1I as a distinct die state, and these are not from a matte proof die. Die file lines result from Mint personnel using hand files to resurface a working die, typically to remove clash marks, and their orientation and depth serve as diagnostic features. Cataloged as plate 1i I 1 Aa, this variety documents the effort to extend die life under extraordinary stress from the high-relief design. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper at 26.73 grams, the 1921 high-relief Peace Dollar remains among the most sought-after dates in twentieth-century American coinage.

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