The year 1921 was an important moment for silver dollar coins in the United States. It marked the end of the long-running Morgan dollar and introduced the new Peace dollar. These coins are fascinating pieces of history and collectors often want to know how much they are worth. This article will help you understand the values of both the 1921 Morgan and Peace silver dollars.
What is a 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
The 1921 Morgan silver dollar was minted in three locations: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each location produced a different number of coins, affecting their value. Here’s a look at how much each version is worth in different grades:
| Issue | Very Fine (VF) | Extremely Fine (XF) | About Uncirculated (AU) | Mint State 61 | Mint State 63 | Mint State 65 | Finest Known (MS67) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 (P) | $36 | $42 | $52 | $75 | $125 | $285 | $19,975 |
| 1921-D | $36 | $45 | $55 | $85 | $250 | $600 | $44,063 |
| 1921-S | $43 | $50 | $59 | $75 | $90 | $825 | $19,200 |
How Much is a 1921 (P) Morgan Dollar Worth?
In 1921, the Philadelphia mint produced 44,690,000 Morgan dollars, making it the most common version. Most of these coins in circulated condition are worth under $30. However, the price increases significantly for coins graded MS65 and above.
How Much is a 1921-D Morgan Dollar Worth?
The 1921-D Morgan dollar was minted in Denver with a total of 20,345,000 coins. It is less common than the Philadelphia version, which raises its value. Auction records show that the highest priced 1921-D Morgan dollar sold for over $44,000 in grade MS68.
How Much is a 1921-S Morgan Dollar Worth?
The 1921-S Morgan dollar, produced at the San Francisco mint, had a mintage of 21,695,000 coins. The demand for lower mint state grades is high, and auction records reveal that one sold for more than $19,000 in MS67 condition.
Is the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Rare?
Not really. A total of over 86 million Morgan dollars were minted in 1921, making it the highest production year for silver dollars in U.S. history. Even though it was the last year the Morgan design was made, many coins were preserved in excellent condition, so they are not hard to find on the market.
Where is the Mintmark on a 1921 Silver Dollar?
Finding out if your coin has a mintmark is essential. For the Morgan and Peace silver dollars, the mintmark is located on the reverse side, right below the tail feathers of the eagle. If there is no mintmark, it means the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
How Can You Spot a Fake Coin?
Be careful! Some altered coins exist in the market. You can check for authenticity using a guide or by sending your coin to grading services like NGC or PCGS. These organizations can help determine if your coin is real or counterfeit.
What Makes the 1921 Morgan Dollar Special?
The 1921 Morgan dollar is significant because it was the last of its design. It also had the highest mintages of any silver dollar in history. The production of this coin was influenced by various historical events, including World War I and silver shortages. The U.S. government began minting more silver dollars again to meet demand and support the silver industry.
Understanding the 1921 Peace Dollar
The 1921 Peace dollar was a new design created to reflect the desire for peace after World War I. It was the first coin designed based on public demand. Here are the values for different grades of the 1921 Peace dollar:
| Issue | Very Fine (VF) | Extremely Fine (XF) | About Uncirculated (AU) | Mint State 61 | Mint State 63 | Mint State 65 | Finest Known (MS67) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | $235 | $340 | $460 | $1,000 | $1,800 | $4,150 | $132,000 |
What Makes the 1921 Peace Dollar Special?
The Peace dollar is notable for its fresh design, featuring a youthful depiction of Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on a mountaintop on the back. All 1921 Peace dollars were minted in Philadelphia, meaning they do not have a mintmark.
The Peace dollar went through design changes to remove a broken sword that was originally part of the reverse design. This change came after public complaints, leading to a more positive symbol of peace with the olive branch instead.
Conclusion
The 1921 Morgan and Peace silver dollars hold significant value and are important parts of American coin history. The Morgan dollar was the last of its kind, and the Peace dollar represented a new era following World War I. Collectors appreciate these coins for their unique features and historical context. If you’re interested in collecting or selling these coins, understanding their values can help you make informed decisions. Whether you own a 1921 Morgan or Peace dollar, knowing their worth can add to your appreciation for these beautiful pieces of history.
FAQ’s
What are the key differences between the 1921 Morgan and Peace Dollars?
The 1921 Morgan Dollar features a more traditional design with Lady Liberty and an eagle, while the 1921 Peace Dollar showcases a youthful depiction of Liberty and an eagle perched on a mountain. The Peace Dollar was introduced as a response to public demand after World War I, making it a symbol of peace.
How can I determine the value of my 1921 silver dollar?
The value of a 1921 silver dollar depends on its condition and mint mark. For Morgan Dollars, values can range from around $36 for circulated coins to thousands for those in uncirculated condition. The 1921 Peace Dollar generally holds higher values, starting at approximately $235 for circulated examples.
Where can I find the mintmark on my 1921 silver dollar?
The mintmark on both the Morgan and Peace silver dollars is located on the reverse side. For Morgan Dollars, it’s found below the eagle’s tail feathers. For Peace Dollars, the mintmark is positioned in the lower left area of the reverse design. If there’s no mintmark, it indicates the coin was minted in Philadelphia.