Coin World Article: 1921 VAM-3i

The actual coin is a lot more interesting than the VAMworld description. It's nice to see some more ink in the mainstream periodicals on VAMs. Nice example CherreePicker.

Show your Meteor Shower.
While not as nice as CherreePicker's, I thought I would share mine and add a few comments.
First there was an editing error in the Coin World article. The title refers to this VAM as the 31 (thirty one), but in fact is the VAM 3I (3i)..
The coin has a lot going on, and is a nice introduction to some VAMming topics. Note the cracks in the die.





And of course the gouges that gave it it's name.



Also mentioned in the article was a scratch going through the "E." (In a post in the supplies section, I mentioned that I keep my slabs in individual zip lock bags to avoid scratching the plastic. When identifying VAMs it is important to distinguish between scratched coins, dies or holders. This one is in the die.)



You will notice the fine, nearly horizontal lines to either side of the upper tail. These were caused by polishing the die with a file prior to production.



Also discussed by John Roberts were the Scribble Scratches on either side of the lower leg. The patterns are unique to each die, much like fingerprints.



And because they are in an area that is protected from contact wear, they are often undamaged, and a source of information for VAM identification. VAMmers more familiar than I with the 1921-S series were able to identify which of the several hundred possible dies were used to make the following coin.



VAMs may not be for everyone, but some of us are rather passionate about this field of collecting.

Mr. Postman showed up today with this. I'll post a close up later after I dig out my micro.

Wow Dave. That's the way to do it. Nice coin and nice pictures.