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The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1921 MS62 NGC stands as a historically important and visually compelling piece that marks both the final year of the original Morgan Dollar series and a pivotal transitional moment in American coinage. Originally introduced in 1878, the Morgan Dollar was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, and quickly became one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of 19th-century American numismatics. After a 17-year hiatus, the Morgan Dollar was briefly revived in 1921 to meet the coinage demand caused by the Pittman Act of 1918, which required the melting of hundreds of millions of older silver dollars and the re-minting of a portion using newly purchased domestic silver. The 1921 issue represents the final chapter in the series’ production before the Peace Dollar debuted later that same year, symbolizing the end of the “Old West” era of silver coinage.
The obverse of the 1921 Morgan Dollar features the classic Liberty head design by George T. Morgan, which presents a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher. Morgan’s rendition of Liberty is strong and serene, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with agricultural motifs of wheat and cotton—representing American prosperity and unity between the North and South. Surrounding the portrait are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” along the top rim and the date “1921” positioned at the bottom. The design maintains the neoclassical styling characteristic of the late 19th century and reflects the United States’ cultural identity during a period of industrial growth and westward expansion.
The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic heraldic eagle with wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons—symbols of military readiness and peace. The eagle is encircled by a laurel wreath, and above its head appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Surrounding the central image are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” This bold and symmetrical design underscores the strength and dignity of the nation and has long been admired by collectors for its balance and artistry. The reverse remained unchanged throughout the Morgan Dollar series, serving as a visual anchor through years of political and economic change.
Unlike earlier Morgan Dollars struck at multiple mints including Carson City, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, the 1921 issue saw production at only three facilities: Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D mintmark), and San Francisco (S mintmark). The coin in question, bearing no mintmark and certified by NGC as MS62, was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Philadelphia Mint struck over 44.6 million Morgan Dollars in 1921, the highest annual production total in the entire Morgan series. This vast output was a result of the urgent recoinage authorized by the Pittman Act and reflected the U.S. Mint’s commitment to replenishing the national silver reserves and meeting domestic monetary demand during the post-World War I economic transition.
The 1921 Morgan Dollar is unique among its counterparts in the series due to its modified design and production methods. After more than a decade without producing Morgan Dollars, the Mint had to recreate dies using master hubs that differed slightly from the originals used in earlier years. As a result, the 1921 Morgans feature a more shallow relief and slightly coarser details, with a broader, more rounded appearance and less refined die work compared to the crisp, high-relief coins of the 1880s and 1890s. Collectors often note this distinction, which makes 1921 Morgans easily recognizable and adds historical context to their production circumstances.
This particular coin, certified as MS62 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), represents a Mint State example with no signs of circulation wear. The MS62 grade is situated at the lower end of the uncirculated scale, which ranges from MS60 to MS70. As such, the coin exhibits strong strike characteristics and retains original mint luster, but it will show noticeable contact marks, abrasions, or minor scuffing in the fields or on Liberty’s cheek and the eagle’s breast. These minor surface disruptions are typical of coins that were stored in large bags and handled in bulk during their time at the Mint or in Treasury vaults, but they do not detract from the coin’s historical and bullion value.
The luster on a 1921 MS62 Morgan Dollar often ranges from frosty to slightly satiny, and though not as brilliant as higher-grade specimens, it offers strong eye appeal for its grade. The strike is generally bold, though due to the die modifications used in 1921, the detail may be somewhat less sharp than earlier issues. On a well-preserved example, the hair above Liberty’s forehead and the feathers on the eagle’s chest and wings will remain mostly defined, and the legends and devices will be clean and legible. Collectors and investors alike appreciate MS62 examples for their balance between affordability and the satisfaction of owning a certified, uncirculated coin from a key historical year.
The 1921 Morgan Dollar also holds significant value from an investment and collecting perspective due to its unique place as the final year of issue. It was the only year in which Morgan Dollars were struck in the 20th century after a long break in production, and it coincides with the introduction of the Peace Dollar, which would replace the Morgan later that year. This dual role makes 1921 a particularly important year for collectors building type sets, transition year sets, or complete Morgan Dollar date runs. Certified coins from NGC offer assurance of authenticity, preservation, and marketability, which is especially important for 1921 issues that were mass-produced and heavily stored.
The MS62 grade offers an accessible entry point into the world of certified Morgan Dollars, making it ideal for both new and intermediate collectors. These coins provide a tangible connection to the early 20th-century monetary system and to a design legacy that remains deeply embedded in American numismatics. As interest in vintage silver dollars continues to grow, especially among those seeking certified and investment-grade pieces, the demand for mid-grade uncirculated Morgans remains strong. The affordability of MS62 coins also allows collectors to acquire multiple examples across different dates or mints without the steep premiums associated with higher-grade specimens.
The Certified Morgan Silver Dollar 1921 MS62 NGC stands as a timeless representation of American coinage heritage, blending the artistry of George T. Morgan with the historical significance of the post-Pittman Act recoinage era. As the final chapter in the storied Morgan Dollar series, the 1921 issue bridges the 19th and 20th centuries, capturing a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. currency. Graded Mint State 62, this coin offers collectors a well-preserved and affordable piece of numismatic history, backed by the reputation of one of the industry's leading grading services. Whether acquired for its silver content, its historical context, or its enduring aesthetic appeal, the 1921 MS62 Morgan Dollar remains a cornerstone of any meaningful American coin collection.