Collecting the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar: What You Need to Know

The last year of the iconic Morgan Silver Dollar series offers collectors a coin to remember. Its design, by George T. Morgan, stands out amongst those of other silver coins. On the obverse, you see Liberty; on the reverse, the magnificent eagle. The 1921 Morgan, however, is unique because of what was happening at the U.S. Mint when it was produced.

For this final commemoration of the Morgan, the U.S. Mint was using updated technology, which allowed for more precision in the coin’s design. Even if you can’t afford to buy extremely fine or uncirculated versions, the 1921 Morgan silver dollar is still quite accessible.

Historical Background

The first Morgan silver dollar was produced in 1878 and ran until 1904 when production of the coin was halted due to a lack of silver. The year 1921 is a bit of an anomaly in the series because, thanks to the Pittman Act of 1918, the Morgan dollar rolled off the mint presses one last time.

This congressional act required the melting of millions of silver dollars and the mintage of new silver dollars to satisfy the increasing public demand for silver currency.

Minting & Design Details

Three mints produced the 1921 Morgan dollar: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Most of these coins were made at the Philadelphia Mint, so that’s what you usually find. If you look closely at the back of the dollar, however, you might see a Denver or San Francisco mintmark, which would make your coin a little bit less common.

The coin holds onto George T. Morgan’s classic design that spotlights Lady Liberty as the show’s headliner on the obverse. She dons a Phrygian cap; a symbol of liberty since the late eighteenth century.

Above her are stars, below her are the words “In God We Trust.” On the 1921 version of the coin, the eagle design on the reverse was struck a little bit shallower. Both sides of the coin glorify not just liberty but peace, as well.

Tips for Collectors

When one is collecting 1921 Morgan silver dollars, it is paramount to know the distinguishing features of the mintmarks as well as the overall condition of the coin. Seek out coins that exhibit little to no wear, robust detail, and a surface that is nothing short of brilliant. When it comes to investing in pieces of a higher grade, it is wise to stick with certified coins when aiming for quality assurance.

In addition, be on the lookout for fake coins, particularly when buying from unofficial sources. The 1921 Morgan dollar’s high mintage and the subsequent many remaining in circulation make it a prime target for producing counterfeit coins. Always purchase such a coin from a trusted dealer or auction house.

The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Is a Fascinating and Timeless Coin

A must-have for collectors, whether novices or seasoned collectors, the 1921 Morgan is a coin of unique historical significance. It’s affable on the eyes and has a classic design that could almost qualify it as a work of art. And it’s also very affordable in comparison to many other coins, making it a sensible addition to your coin collection.