1921-S VAM-1AB1

Description

First documented in June 2007, this San Francisco Mint 1921 Morgan Dollar is classified as VAM-1AB1 under die designation IV 1 with reverse die D2a, described as Die Scratches NE, and carrying a die pairing number of 189. The reverse die D2a exhibits a pair of die scratches positioned between the middle of the letters N and E in ONE: the first scratch connects the two letters, while the second originates from the lower left of E, travels upward to the top right of N, and continues beyond to a wreath leaf above, creating a distinctive crossed-scratch pattern in the ONE denomination area. As with all 1921 Morgan Dollars, the date was part of the master die, eliminating any date position variation that might otherwise assist in die attribution for this San Francisco issue. The die scratch configuration between N and E provides a compact diagnostic zone for authenticating VAM-1AB1, as the two intersecting scratches at different angles create a recognizable pattern unlikely to be replicated on other 1921-S die marriages, making this variety attributable even under moderate magnification.

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