1921-S VAM-1B3A

Description

1921-S VAM-1B3a Thorn Head Die Gouge, Die State 4 Discovered in December 2008 by John Baumgart on a coin from C. Logan McKechnie This coin is a Hit List 40 Morgan Vam. 1B3a IV 1 D2a (Thorn Head Die Gouge, Die State 4) (189) Obverse IV1 - Polished version of die state 3 removing most of the thorn-like gouge in field to right of wheat leaf and part of right wheat leaf, but leaving faint lines to left and right of wheat leaf. Die gouges in cap, in field behind cap fold and in denticles above N remain. Added more polishing lines in top field. No new gouges added or old ones removed. DPIS – In 1921 dates were part of the master die so there is no variation in position. Emission Sequence Obverse: Reverse: Comments: "A nice find that shows intermediate die state between 1B3 & 1B4. Didn't totally remove any of the die gouges but weakened one at wheat leaf. So doesn't deserve a new sub-variety designation, but only as a sub of 1B3, like 1B4a. So made it 1B3a as you suggested & revised 1B4 description to take out polishing & only leave added gouges. Yes, a nice sequence of die damage & polishing as you outlined. Poor mint worker must have been very frustrated with the sequence of die damage, fixing gouges by polishing only to have die damaged again! He gave up at 1B7 with gouge thru Y that couldn't be polished out with flat polishing wheel." LVA If you have a1921-S VAM-1B6, you should check it for this variety. VAM-1B3A is currently ultra rare, this is the key to the thorn head series along with the 1B7. 1921-S VAM-1B4, 1921-S VAM-1B3 or Back to the main 1921-S Thornhead page

External References