1421

1921-D 50C MS66 PCGS. 1921 was a recession year and th

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:24,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1921-D 50C MS66 PCGS. 1921 was a recession year and th
<B>1921-D 50C MS66 PCGS.</B></I> 1921 was a recession year and there was a notable reduction in business activity due to the end of World War I. This resulted in a reduced demand for smaller denomination circulating coinage; all three mints were now concentrating on silver dollar production at record levels.<BR> One of the widely recognized keys to the Walking Liberty half dollar series, the 1921-D has the lowest mintage of its type with a mere 208,000 pieces struck. Breen's research indicates only two die pairs were used to coin '21-D halves. The first pair produced 165,000 examples, the second pair 92,672 for a total of 257,672 pieces. Apparently 49,672 coins never left the mint and were subsequently melted, resulting in the stated net mintage figure of 208,000. This coin is legitimately scarce in grades above Very Fine, and Mint State pieces are predictably elusive. This is the result of very few being saved from the channels of commerce, both initially, as a result of the upcoming Great Depression, and the subsequent war years of the 1940s. At the Gem Uncirculated level, there is no doubt that the 1921-D is a classic 20th century rarity.<BR> The surfaces of this remarkably high quality survivor are noteworthy for their deep, original toning, being dominated by shades of violet and golden-rose. The obverse takes on a concentric pattern of color while the toning is more evenly and deeply dispersed on the reverse. Under a light source, the flash of the colors is dazzling. Beneath the natural color, the coin is intricately detailed, essentially blemish-free, and fully possessed of thick mint luster. For pedigree purposes, a single tiny contact mark is seen under close examination on Liberty's extended right forearm near her elbow. This piece will make a splendid addition should total originality be one of the criteria for a top notch set of Walkers. Population: 3 in 66, none are finer (12/05).