1921D VAM-8a "Flagged R" Die Break R of AMERICA

VAM-1C Discovered by Crae Morton, May 1998
VAM-8A, Jeff Oxman discovered doubling, Mar 2001. (Desirability: )

Condition Census: 64A, 63A, 63A, 62A, 62A (Total: 8 MS, 21 Circ.)

VAM-8A has a prominent die break above the R in AMERICA. The break is triangular, forming a small flag on top of the R.  Additionally, the obverse stars to the left of the date are doubled and the reverse is doubled slightly around UNITED STATES.

This variety is sometimes confused with the VAM-1B1 break, which occurs in the same location above the R. Several examples of VAM-8A, misattributed as the more widely known VAM-1B1, have come to light, even on coins in professionally certified holders. Unlike the triangular VAM-8A die break, VAM-1B1 is a rounded semicircle. The two are easily differentiated when reference photos of both are available.

As in all VAM-8 1921-D coins, the left stars are doubled. This die pair was extensively polished. There are lines in Liberty’s hair, even lines on the cheek of the coin.



There is also a large die gouge in the Eagles left wing of the VAM-8A.

Below are drawings of die cracks approximating the locations of the variety features. The thickness of the line does not necessarily represent the size of the crack on the real coin. Often these cracks are extremely fine, present only on the latest die state coins, and need significant magnification to be seen. These cracks are like fingerprints, uniquely identifying specific dies and may help you identify earlier or later die states.

Click here to return to the 1921-D attribution guide