1921-P VAM-1M

Description

Discovered by William Bland in October 2006, the 1921-P Peace Dollar VAM-1M showcases heavy die file and polishing lines covering the entire obverse field, with particularly notable vertical striations running through the dot between the G and W of the motto GOD WE. As an Obverse I 1 variety paired with an Aa reverse, this entry belongs to the inaugural year of Anthony de Francisci's Peace Dollar design — a coin conceived to celebrate the end of World War I and designed through a public competition. The 1921 Peace Dollar holds unique status as the only year struck in High Relief, making die maintenance especially critical because the deeper cavities of High Relief dies experienced greater metal flow stress and more rapid deterioration than the Normal Relief dies used from 1922 onward. The extensive filing and polishing lines documented on VAM-1M suggest that Mint technicians aggressively worked the die surface to remove clash marks, rust, or other imperfections that accumulated during striking. The vertical striations through the motto area indicate directional polishing strokes applied parallel to the die's vertical axis. Rated R-5 with an estimated population of 65 to 200 known examples, VAM-1M carries an I-2 interest rating. The 1921 Peace Dollar's total mintage of approximately one million coins makes it considerably scarcer than the massive 1922 production, and die varieties from this first-year High Relief issue attract collectors who value the intersection of design significance with die attribution research.

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