1921-S VAM-1AA3
Error
Description
Discovered by Ash Harrison, the 1921-S VAM-1AA3 is catalogued as 1AA3 IV1 D2a — Scribbling Die Scratches #19, Heavy Die File Lines Obverse and Reverse. The obverse IV1 designation reflects the 1921 San Francisco hub. Heavy die file lines appear in the left field and at the jaw-neck junction, placed there to remove die clash marks or surface defects. The reverse D2a classification shows fine scribbling die scratches across the tail feathers and wing areas, with additional file line evidence on the reverse giving this variety its secondary descriptor. The 1921 Morgan dollar holds a special place in the series — it marks the final year of production, authorized under the Pittman Act of 1918 after a seventeen-year gap. The 1921 date was part of a newly engraved master die, consistent date positioning across the large 1921-S mintage of approximately 21.7 million pieces. Harrison's discovery adds this well-marked die pair to the extensive VAM-1 family for the San Francisco issue.
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