LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Signature Coin - Charlotte, NC #434  / 

2192

1921 S$1 Chapman PR65 NGC. This is the finest example

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1921 S$1 Chapman PR65 NGC. This is the finest example
<B>1921 S$1 Chapman PR65 NGC.</B></I> This is the finest example of the Chapman proofs that Heritage has ever had the privilege to offer, the runners-up being a couple of PR64 pieces in the last few years. This is very likely the <I>rarest proof Morgan dollar</B></I> (a term that acquires special meaning in conjunction with this issue, as we will soon see), particularly since many expert numismatists, Q. David Bowers among them, exclude the controversial Zerbe proofs as merely prooflike dollars struck from hairlined dies.<BR> The story of the creation of the Chapman proofs bears repeating here (courtesy of Bowers <I>Silver Dollar Encyclopedia:</B></I><BR><BR> In 1921, coin dealer 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> Further down in Bowers' discussion he quotes Walter Breen concerning diagnostics of the Chapman proofs or, as Bowers calls them, "mirror-surface Proofs":<BR><BR> On the five Proofs Engraver Morgan sold to Ambrose Swasey, 6/4/21, and the 10 Morgan sold to Henry Chapman a week later, a short line points from rim to third star, and ends about 1 mm away; two die polish lines up from rim to first 1; hollow around Morgan's initial M (from overpolished die). Reverse dash between right star and wreath, touching neither; another, fainter, slanting up from left upright of I(CA); a third between S(T) and I of <I>N , touching neither; faint scattered die striations around UN AM RICA.<BR><BR> The present example shows only slight contrast between the fields and devices, more so on the reverse than on the obverse, and it is untoned. The "short die line" appears at the rim a couple of dentils up from star 3, and points diagonally downward toward that star. The first of the "two die polish lines" starts four dentils left of the left side of the first 1 and runs diagonally upward through the top serif, while the second die line starts one dentil to the left and intersects the bottom of the 1. The "hollow" around Morgan's initial is clear. On the reverse the "dash between right star and wreath, touching neither" is plain; and the list goes on. The only die marker the present cataloger could not detect is the faint dash slanting from the top of I(CA).<BR> This coin is a must-have for the dedicated Morgan dollar proof specialist, especially those who already own the 1895 Morgan proof and the 1878 7 Tail Feathers proofs. This is undoubtedly a fleeting opportunity: only four pieces have been graded finer at both services, and it is all but certain that those coins lie in strong hands. Expect fierce bidding, and bring the boldest offer.<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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