1921-S VAM-1AE

Description

Discovered by Michael Ash in June 2006, this San Francisco Mint Morgan Dollar is designated VAM-1AE under Classification IV1, D2a, with die pair 189, documenting Die File Lines on the Upper Reverse. The reverse in die state D2a shows slight doubling of the bottom inside of STATES OF AM toward the rim, accompanied by heavy die file lines on the left and right fields and lighter ones at the top, applied in an attempt to remove die cracks. This deliberate filing reveals the Mint's effort to extend the working life of deteriorating dies rather than replace them. In 1921 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. The 1921 Morgan Dollar revival saw San Francisco as one of three mints producing Morgan Dollars that final year, after the series had been dormant since 1904. Struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, these coins used newly prepared dies with relief characteristics distinct from earlier issues. The heavy die file lines on VAM-1AE preserve direct physical evidence of die maintenance at the San Francisco Mint, making this variety a valuable document of production practices during the brief 1921 Morgan Dollar revival.

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