1921-D VAM-1f Photo Study

Recently I cherrypicked an unattributed 1921-D VAM-1F from Heritage. Although not the scarcest of VAM's, I didn't own an MS example so I snagged it at no premium for the VAM. It wasn't the most lustrous of examples; I figured perhaps I'd, um, enhance that aspect upon receipt.

When it arrived, I noted PVC effects on the reverse. That pretty much determined my course - straight into acetone - and I'm here to tell you, PCGS slabs don't crack easily.

The VAM-1F is a busy coin - there's a lot going on, particularly on the reverse. Its' signature features are die breaks inside the M in AMERICA and at the upper serif of the E next to it. Late die state coins (as this one is) also have the "Horned O" found in other 1921-D VAM's. Additional, smaller breaks can be found between the AT and ES of STATES.

Without further ado, I present the 1921-D VAM-1F:


Canon S2 IS, Super Macro, 1/6th at f4.5)




Die break M


Die break E


Die crack running straight thru wing


The Horned O


AT break - note the PVC damage inside the A


ES break - note the PVC damage next to the S


Die crack on the D in UNITED, wishing it were a break