1921D VAM-12A Die Break Wreath

Discovered by John Baumgart and John Kohut, Oct. 03  (Desirability:  )

Condition Census:  64, 55R, 55R, 50R, 35R (Total: 1 MS, 6 Circ)

VAM-12 has the obverse doubling of the date and profile as well as tripled left stars. The VAM-12A die break is tucked away in the middle wreath cluster of the left wreath. A substantial amount of metal is pushed up out of the wreath where the die broke. Extensive cracking can also be seen on both the obverse and reverse of the coin.

Even though this variety has a good-sized break, it took quite a while before an example was discovered. Without careful examination, the break appears to be part of the leaf. This is a hard VAM to notice if you are not specifically looking for it.  The VAM 12A has proven to be a very tough VAM to locate.  It is a great variety!

When you've located the reverse die break below, be sure to check the obverse features to determine if the coin is a VAM-12A or a VAM-1AN.  The two VAMs share the same reverse die but are mated to different obverse dies.

The photo below shows the tripling of the 3rd left star along the outer edge. Also notice the unique die crack that goes all the way through the star.  This is a great pick up point to determine if a coin is a VAM-12A instead of the VAM-1AN with the same reverse. 

A very late die state of the VAM-12A has rim cuds, adding to an already interesting coin.

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