1921-P VAM-1X

Description

Discovered in September 2011 by Bill Toland, this Philadelphia Mint 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar is designated VAM-1X with obverse die I1 and reverse die Aa, described as Spiked Eagle, Rusted and Worn Obverse Die. The obverse I1 shows extensive die degradation with raised dots and splotches in the left field and on Liberty's cheek and neck from a worn and rusted die surface. Fine vertical die file lines in the right field suggest attempts to recondition the die through filing. The reverse Aa carries a short die gouge spike at the edge of the eagle's right wing near the leg, creating the spiked eagle feature. The 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar holds a special position as the only year struck in high relief, making die varieties from this issue particularly sought after. The extensive surface deterioration on the obverse provides insight into the 1921 production run, where the high relief design placed extraordinary stress on dies, leading to accelerated wear and rust preserved as raised artifacts on the coins themselves.

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