Apparent increase in 1921 Peace dollar comments in hobby media. Sample coin.

[RogerB]

There seems to be an increase in threads and posts about 1921 Peace dollars on various hobby message boards. Presumably this is a by product of this year's centennial of the design, and Congress' mandate to produce a commemorative version of the design. Because much of the long-term value in these one-year type coins is in the quality and detail of striking, the following photo is presented to aid collectors in points to look for in coin details. This has been posted before, but it seemed relevant again.

1921-obv-sm-arrows.jpg (280.58 KiB) Viewed 608 times

In addition to the highlighted areas, also notice the detail in rays, and fully rounded digits and letters. Regardless of labeled "grade," buyers should look for the maximum amount of detail visible on the coin -- that is, ignore any superlative descriptions unless supported by the coin. (I own the coin...and the little blue arrows.)

[colwillys]

Now that is a Super 21 .. WoW .She is a looker . That one will take deep pockets to buy .

[RogerB]

To attain this degree of detail required a fully annealed (soft) planchet, and pressure over 150 tons on a mint toggle press. In this instance the die was nearly new, as is shown by both details and the satin-like surfaces. This is characteristic of a steel die before it develops surface deformities and luster.

Very few 1921s have this kind of detail. Most coins, even those with good central hair details, will have chisel-shaped letters/numbers, flat areas, and little of the background rays seen on this coin. We must hope the 2021 knock-off Peace dollar will have detail equal to the original cast - which is at the Philadelphia Mint.

[RogerB]

I've been asked about the reverse. A similar detail highlighting image for the reverse has not been made because I don't think anyone checks that for depth of detail. Differences are less pronounced than on the obverse. The main points to look for are full rounded lettering and complete eagle feathers especially at the wing-leg junction above the olive.

[colwillys]

Roger Your killing me ..... and the snow is 10" deep in Avery Ranch ..

[RogerB]

OK. Here's the reverse with more arrows. This time, the red arrows are mine....Anyone can have the purple letters.

Rev w-arrows.jpg (242.19 KiB) Viewed 448 times

[colwillys]

Look at the detail on the feet. Very low turn for Peace Dollar people here..
Send that WoW Lady to me . Ha Ha..
Nice photo work .

[Longstrider]

What a beauty. Thanks.

[RogerB]

Several has asked if this is a satin proof. Nope. There are a couple of reeding marks in the eagle's neck and back feathers. These indicate normal production, not individually made medal press proofs.

(Just to confuse things - some TPGs have "authenticated" proofs that are not really proofs. Much of this happened before new research showed how the coins were actually made, but the coins remain in the ether to mislead.)

[shortnock]

RogerB, Thanks for posting the reverse. Lots to learn from these photos.

[RogerB]

I hope potential buyers will use this information to help them get the "best coin" for their money. Slab grades for Uncirculated 1921s are almost meaningless, in my opinion.