1921D VAM-3A Streamer Wing with Dot

Confirmed by Rob Joyce, February 2002 (Desirability:  )

Condition Census: 65P, 65PCI, 64N, 63A, 63A (Total: 7 MS, 12 Circ.)

VAM-3A is characterized by a heavy die break at the top of the Eagle's right wing extending into the denticles above the S in STATES. The large VAM book had a photo of the VAM-3 with this die break on the wing but the assignment for the die break version as VAM-3A was not formally made until 2002. The die break pictured above is huge, and represents one of the most desirable of all the 1921-D die breaks.

In addition to the die break, there are several small, circular, raised dots on the coin. The most prominent one is located on field next to eagle's right wing, in the middle of eagle's left wing next to body. There are dots located in the upper loop of the S of STATES, in the middle of sixth tail feather (counting from the right), and above and below the stem right of the first berry in left wreath. Dots can also be located on the obverse, below the eye, and two in hair between the ear and the date.

Pictured below is one of the mysterious 1921 dots, appearing below the eagle's right wing. Opinions on the origin of the dots range from hardness tests on the die, to markers identifying a specific die. One theory holds that they are the result of inferior die steel, with bubbles trapped in the steel, not made on purpose. These strange dots are found a few 1921 dies and can be located on coins produced at each of the three mints. Rare and elusive, 1921 coins with these dots will likely rise in value as more collectors pursue them.

The VAM-3A has a die crack above the A in STATES that is similar to several other 1921-D varieties.

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