1921D VAM-1P Die Break T Left

Discovered by Jim Hart, June 2001 (Desirability:  )
Condition Census: 62R, 60S, 58A, 58R, 55A (Total: 2 MS, 12 Circ.)

VAM-1R has an unusual die break at the top left of AT in states. Late die states are much tougher to locate and are more interesting than early die states without the lump of metal hanging off the T.  Die cracks also originate from the eagle's right wing tip to bottom of the S in STATES, continue through the middle of first T and across the tops of AT in STATES up to the rim.  A very straight die crack on the obverse runs from the lower right of the first star to the left of the date, straight down to the bottom left of the 1 in the date, continuing out the opposite side down into the denticle.

The reverse of the VAM-1R coin has a die clash inside the right side of the wreath. This mark was made when the two dies struck together without a blank planchet between them. The mark was left on the reverse die from the impact of the obverse die, scarring the reverse with the back side of Liberty’s hat. Close examination of the lower back of her hat will reveal the design feature that left this clash mark. Similar clash marks in the same location can be found on other dates and mint marks in the Morgan series. This is the only known 1921-D die break coin with a reverse clash.

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