1921-D Morgan Silver Dollar (Denver) – 90% Silver – One-Year-Only Denver Mintage – Choice Extra Fine to About Uncirculated (XF 45 – AU 50 / Circulated Cameo Toning)

Technical Breakdown & Attribution

• Denomination: $1.00 / ONE DOLLAR

• Series: Morgan Silver Dollar (1878–1921)

• Year of Issue: 1921

• Mint Facility: Denver Mint (Identified by the distinct micro/medium D mint mark centered above DOLLAR and below the wreath bow on the reverse)

• Mintage: 20,345,000

• Key Series Significance: The ONLY year a Morgan silver dollar was ever struck at the Denver Mint. (Denver opened for coinage in 1906, two years after the original Morgan series halted in 1904).

• Designer: George T. Morgan

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (.900 Fine Silver)

• Precious Metal Content: 0.77344 Troy Ounces of pure silver

• Original US Mint Specifications:

  • Diameter: 38.1 mm

  • Official Standard Weight: 26.73 grams (Gross reading registers 26 g on a 1-gram resolution scale)

• Obverse Design: Profile bust of Lady Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap decorated with wheat and cotton blossoms, inscribed "LIBERTY", encircled by 13 stars, "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and date 1921.

• Reverse Design: Heraldic bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch within an open laurel wreath, surmounted by "In God we trust", framed by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", the Denver D mint mark, and "ONE DOLLAR".

Historical Significance: The Lone "D" Mint Morgan

1. Historic Denver Facility Debut: While Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, and New Orleans minted Morgans during the classic 1878–1904 run, the Denver Mint did not commence striking coins until 1906. When the Pittman Act resumed silver dollar production in 1921, Denver struck Morgan dollars for the first and only time in U.S. history.

2. One-Year-Only Type Coin: Because it is the only Morgan carrying the "D" mint mark, 1921-D is a mandatory cornerstone for every collector building a 5-mint facility set (P, D, S, O, CC).

3. Circulated Cameo Contrast: This coin features a dramatic natural "circulated cameo" appearance. The protected fields have oxidised into dark slate-charcoal patina, while the high-relief central devices of Liberty's face and the eagle's body remain light silver.

Condition & Visual Grade Assessment

• Assigned Technical Grade: Choice Extra Fine to About Uncirculated (XF 45 – AU 50 / Circulated Cameo Toning)

• Preservation Highlights & Surface Profile:

  • Wear & High-Point Detail: The central hair strands above Liberty's ear and the cotton blossoms retain strong structural separation. Headband lettering in LIBERTY is full and distinct. The reverse eagle exhibits clear wing feather definition across both primary spans.

  • Cameo Eye Appeal: High visual contrast; darker antique toning in the fields naturally silhouettes the lighter, silvery high points of Liberty and the eagle.

  • Surfaces: Natural, original uncleaned patina. Free of harsh chemical dipping, wire brushing, or whizzing.

  • Rim & Denticles: Complete perimeter denticles and sharp outer rim beads on both sides with no rim dents or edge bruises