1921 S$1 MATTE

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Sold on Jun 1, 1995 for:

$39,600.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder ‡ Note: The owner placed a late bid on this unreserved lot and repurchased it, subject to applicable commission.

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Description

1921 Satin Finish PR 66 NGC. An exceptionally rare proof striking. Conservatively graded, in our opinion, with claims to an even higher grade. Breen believes that the first 20 coins produced from this pair of dies were proofs, and of that number perhaps only 7-10 are recognizable as such today. While the matte proof strikings have been known for decades, the Satin Finish variant did not surface until the 1975 ANA. Afterward, in 1979-80 a number were authenticated by Breen, but several of these were later discredited as business strikes struck after the limited run of proofs. Thus, the importance of this coin being encased in a reputable holder from one of the major authentication and grading services.
The surfaces of this coin are bright and, obviously, satiny with just the slightest tinge of peripheral golden color at the bottom of the reverse. There are numerous raised polishing lines in the left obverse fields--one of the diagnostics for Satin Finish proofs. Also, the triangular pellet after TRVST is unusually bold, as are the rays on the reverse. There are also several raised die marks in the field behind S and OF on the reverse.
The striking quality is extraordinarily bold with complete definition on all the design elements. The surfaces show only the slightest evidence of contact. There is a shallow luster graze that runs vertically down the neck on the obverse. There are several marks on the reverse that serve as identifiers for this important coin. First, there is a long vertical mark across the ray above the first L in DOLLAR. Second, a short horizontal mark is noted out from the M in UNUM. And last, a small milling mark is barely discernable toward the front of the bottom row of feathers on the wing of the eagle. The sheen of the coin's surfaces resembles that of a gold coin that was annealed between multiple strikings, leaving a thin layer of molten metal over each side.
The proof Peace dollars of 1921 are by far the rarest and most valuable issues in this short and widely collected series. They are also by far the most expensive coins in the series, far surpassing the few gems known of the famous strike rarities in the Peace dollar series. But this coin is important not only to collectors of the Peace dollar series, but also to 20th century type collectors. If a person completed a type set of 20th century coins, and then wanted to advance to the next level, the Satin Finish and Matte Finish 1921 dollars would be a required coin, especially given the 1921 dollar's status as a one-year type within the Peace dollar series. Of the several Satin Finish proofs graded, this is the finest example certified by two points, the closest coin in grade is a PR 64 (PCGS has not certified any Satin Finish proofs). As such, it would be difficult to overstate the importance of this amazing coin, and impossible to duplicate its beauty. It is very likely that this coin is the most valuable Peace dollar in existence.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2UAU, PCGS# 7382, Greysheet# 7888)

Weight: 26.73 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View Certification Details from PCGS