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I thought I found a VAM 1E/F a couple weeks ago, but it was a VAM 15 . So, here's the next one in my collection, a VAM 3B.

1921-P VAM 3B

The 3B dies had a hard life, evidenced by the extensive cracking both obverse and reverse. The reverse is pitted above the D and to the right of the bow. In addition, there is a die chip in the denticles just below the O, which makes this an easy variety to cherrypick with the naked eye.

There are two types of this VAM, 3B1 as described above, and 3B2, a clashed-die version with the "n" from "In" (next to the neck) and "t" from "trust" (behind the hair) on the obverse, and the designer's initial "M" on the reverse above the "d" in "God." Although both of my examples show clashing, neither rise to the level of incused letters, which makes specific attribution difficult in this case.

Editorial comment: I'm including two sets of pics here, as the darker ones (the way I prefer to shoot them but seemingly not the acceptable standard) show the die cracks better than the lighter shots, which show the pitting better. Your choice.

Loads of information. Its great that you can narrow your collecting down to one year. I do good to stay in one type or country more less year lol. Great job.

A little background: I'm obtaining all these coins from online auctions. In order to do that, I look at every single 1921 Morgan at ebay, Yahoo, Teletrade, Superior, Heritage and a couple others. Many times I have to decide whether or not to pull the trigger based on small, out-of-focus or altered photographs. Occasionally I get burnt - of 40 or so coins I've bought in this effort, 4 were not at all what I thought they were, and two others were the VAM I expected but whizzed.

The next coin in the series was pictured like this (actual size):



I took the chance that this was a VAM 3F, and I was correct. It also represents the longest I've reached out for a coin - it came from China. I am quite excited about this one - when you see the details, you'll understand why.

1921-P VAM 3F (formerly VAM 3K)

VAM 3F is noted for a sizable die gouge in the lower right wing, and pitting in some examples around the lower right wreath and the AR in DOLLAR. This particular example shows pitting in other areas, a unique die gouge below the tail feathers, and significant polishing activity in the upper tail feathers.





The wing gouge is large, but not visible to my (aging) eyes:



Pitting around the first S in STATES:



A die gouge from the tail feathers to the wreath. Note the northeast-southwest line is post-mint damage; the line from northwest-southeast is the die gouge:



The upper tail feathers. What were they thinking when they did this? Note the left side feathers are completely polished away:



Editorial comment: Do you think I should include a detail shot of the "standard" pitting with this one?

Here's one of the superstars of the Pitted 1921's - the VAM 24A Flag Break. This coin is currently at ANACS, one of the coins in my contest elsewhere on this site; the pics were hurried and I intend to improve upon them later.

1921-P VAM 24A

Easily the most recognizable Pitted Die 1921-P, this coin features a prominent pennant-shaped die break over the U in UNITED. In addition, a smaller break is to be found within the N in UNITED. The VAM 24A qualifies as a Pitted Die variety through pitting around the G in God and ONE, and my example also shows pitting above the M in AMERICA.





The flag break above the U:



A smaller break in the N:



Pitting around the G:



Pitting over the M:

Rick, I settled where I did because, first, I'm fascinated by errors and 1921 Morgans have a large and diverse series of them. Second, 1921's trade far below the value of other Morgans, and I'm acquiring this collection at rediculously low prices. Nothing I've posted here cost as much as $30 shipped to me.

I'm not exclusively collecting these, though. I have a fondness for O-mint coins myself. Here's a New Orleans die crack for you from my collection:

quote:

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Originally posted by Metalman

Thanks Dave

I appreciate the Photo !! Very nice Die Crack !!

If you get the chance check the 1921-S that posted in Error variety forum.

Thanks
Rick

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Done.

Thanks Dave, nice work