LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Rosemont, IL (CSNS) US Coin #1104  / 

2211

1921 $1 Chapman PR64 NGC

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:47,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1921 $1 Chapman PR64 NGC
<B>1921 $1 Chapman PR64 NGC.</B></I> The elusive Chapman proofs of the transitional 1921 Morgan dollar are qualitatively different than their Zerbe counterparts, as the former coins have deeper reflectivity in the fields. They also more closely resemble proofs from 1902-04, but often show some contrast between the fields and devices (unlike proof dollars from those earlier years). David Bowers, in his <I>Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States</B></I>, sheds some light on this enigmatic issue:<BR><BR>"In 1921, Henry Chapman went to the Mint and had some mirror-surface Proofs struck to his order. This was done clandestinely by or for George T. Morgan, chief engraver, who had a little 'rare coin business' going on the side. Walter H. Breen reported that he has seen 'the bill of sale for 10 Proofs, Morgan to Chapman.' The original production of mirror-type Proofs must have been very small, perhaps just 15 in all (10 to Chapman, five to Ambrose Swasey). They were not officially sold by the mint, nor were any proof sets made that year."<BR><BR> Orange-gold patination dominates both sides of this near-Gem specimen, joined by occasional splashes of cobalt-blue and lavender, and splendid striking impressions leave sharp definition on the design elements, including the hair over Liberty's ear and on the eagle's breast feathers. A couple of minor handling marks do not detract in the least. Indeed, this is a very sharp piece for the numerical designation.<BR><I>From The Queller Family Collection of Silver Dollars.</B></I><BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> George T. Morgan<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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