1921-D Morgan $1 PCGS MS64

The 1921-D Morgan Silver Dollar holds a unique place in American numismatic history as the only Morgan Dollar ever minted at the Denver Mint. This fact alone makes it an essential coin for serious collectors working to complete a full Morgan Dollar set. Struck in 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, the coin contains .7734 troy ounces of silver, maintaining the standard established for the series since its introduction in 1878.

The Morgan Dollar series, designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver George T. Morgan, is celebrated for its artistry and significance. The obverse features the iconic left-facing profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing American agriculture. Above her head appears the word LIBERTY, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and the date 1921 complete the design.

The reverse displays a bold eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing America’s readiness for both war and peace. The eagle is encircled by the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the denomination ONE DOLLAR, along with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the bird’s head. The mintmark D, for Denver, is placed just above the DO in DOLLAR, distinguishing this issue from its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts.

The year 1921 was a pivotal one for the Morgan Dollar series. After a 17-year hiatus following the end of production in 1904, the coin returned to meet the requirements of the Pittman Act of 1918, which mandated the melting and recoinage of millions of silver dollars. While the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints resumed production in 1921, the Denver Mint struck the Morgan Dollar for the first and only time that year before the design was replaced later in 1921 by the Peace Dollar.

A 1921-D Morgan Dollar graded PCGS MS64 offers collectors exceptional eye appeal and high-grade preservation. Coins at this level show strong luster and sharp details, with only light contact marks visible under magnification. The Denver issues of 1921 often display above-average strikes compared to the Philadelphia coins, giving them a visual advantage for collectors seeking quality.

Minted in substantial numbers, over 20 million pieces, the 1921-D Morgan Dollar is not rare in circulated grades. However, in high mint state condition, the coin becomes considerably more challenging to locate, especially with strong luster and attractive surfaces. Collectors pursuing registry-quality sets or well-matched type collections often seek MS64 examples as a sweet spot between quality and affordability.

The PCGS certification provides assurance of authenticity and accurate grading, giving buyers confidence in the coin’s value and condition. The numerical grade of MS64 indicates a coin that has survived over a century with only minimal handling, retaining most of its original mint brilliance and sharp design features.

For many collectors, the 1921-D Morgan Silver Dollar represents both the end of an era and a unique milestone. It is the closing chapter in the Morgan Dollar story and the only Denver Mint issue in the entire series. This combination of historical significance, silver content, and one-year-only minting ensures that the coin remains a cornerstone of advanced U.S. silver dollar collections.

Whether as the missing piece in a complete Morgan Dollar set, a standout addition to a Denver Mint type set, or a classic representation of American coinage artistry, the 1921-D Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS MS64 stands as an exceptional collectible. With its rich history, high-grade preservation, and enduring appeal, this coin offers both aesthetic beauty and lasting investment potential.