1921D VAM-1J Die Break A

Discovered by Michael S. Fey, October 1999 (Desirability:  )

Condition Census*: 65N, 64N, 64N, 64N, 63N (Total: 6 MS, 11 Circ.)

    *LDS coins only. EDS coins are available, but not as impressive.

VAM-1J exhibits a large die break above the top of the A in STATES extending up and left into the denticles.  Considered the “King” of 1921-D non-cud die breaks, this is one of the largest die breaks in the 1921-D series.   At the time “Fun With 1921” was published, there were only six known coins in the condition census.  It appears that a small group of high quality coins was certified at NGC without the realization that they were this rare VAM.  While the high end of the population has grown, this is a very tough VAM to find! 

The late die state of this coin showing the huge break is extremely rare.  Early die state coins with cracks above the A in STATES, but not exhibiting the large break, are more common than the full die break but are still hard to find.  It appears that the die was taken out of service shortly after the break occurred, limiting the number produced.  The very latest coins struck have a retained cud over the ED of UNITED and are the most valuable examples.

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