Silver dollars are a significant part of American numismatics and are an excellent addition to any investment portfolio. These coins’ values can vary widely based on factors such as rarity, condition, and collector demand. Historical significance also plays a prominent role in how much this particular coin is coveted.
A favorite among collectors is the 1921 Morgan silver dollar. This coin holds a significant place in the history of American coinage and is considered the most widely collected silver coin of the past. Join us as we delve into how this coin became so popular and what one in good condition might be worth!
The History of the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar
This coin became popular due to its historical significance, unique design, and production.
The Early Years
The Morgan silver dollar was first minted from 1878 to 1904, then one last time in 1921, making the 1921 edition the most collected silver coin from the past.
The King of America’s Coins
The final issue of this silver dollar, known as “the King of America’s Coins’ was large in size, had a 90% silver composition, and had a classic design associated with the Roaring Twenties. These attributes make this coin a prized memento of the early 20th century, giving it a strong appeal for collectors.
Coin Designer George T. Morgan
In 1876, George T. Morgan designed a silver dollar as a result of a competition between established engravers at the Philadelphia Mint, the Director of the US Mint, Henry Linderman, held. Morgan’s design was chosen to become the iconic Morgan Silver Dollar.
Features of the Morgan Silver Dollar
This coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse side and an eagle on the reverse.
The Differences of the 1921 Coin
The 1921 version of the Morgan silver dollar had some notable differences. The use of new hubs by George T. Morgan and John R. Sinnock had a more shallow relief, facilitating faster production. The portrait of Miss Liberty is shallower, with the cheek almost flat and no crease above her chin. Her hairlines are bolder on the 1921 version. The eagle on the reverse side also appears flatter with less detail to the feathers. The arrow feathers are parallel, and the stars are slightly larger than in earlier productions.
The History of Production
First minted in 1878, the 1921 Morgan silver dollar continued to be produced until 1904. There was one final reissue in 1921, plus a revival in 2021 as collectibles.
Pittman Act of 1918
Millions of silver dollars were melted down to help aid Great Britain during World War I in the Pittman Act of 1918. This act also mandated the subsequent recoining of silver dollars, leading to the final reissue in 1921 of the Morgan silver dollar.
Three Production Locations
The 1921 Morgan dollars were minted in three locations, each with a ‘mint mark’ identifying factor (or missing one) to determine where each coin was created. The Philadelphia Mint helped make this an incredibly common coin by minting 44,690,000 Morgan dollars.
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (marked with ‘D’)
- San Francisco (marked with ‘S’)
A Silver Dollar Accessible to Collectors
Along with the historical significance of this coin, its popularity is further enhanced by its availability in a range of popular grades. With over 86 million coins produced, the Morgan silver dollar is accessible to collectors with varying budgets and preferences.
Popular for Silver Stackers
Due to the Morgan’s high silver content, this coin has become popular with silver stackers and collectors alike.
In Conclusion
The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar holds significant numismatic value attributed to its historical background, intricate design, and the unique circumstances surrounding its minting. Despite being the most prevalent among Morgan dollars, it marks the conclusion of an era in American coin production, as no additional Morgan dollars were minted after that. This coin is an essential addition to the collection of any avid coin enthusiast.