1921 $1 Chapman PR64 PCGS....

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Legendary Chapman Proof 1921 Morgan Dollar, PR64

1921 $1 Chapman PR64 PCGS. The story of the Chapman proof dollars is best understood when told in the context of the other proof Morgan dollars from 1921, the Zerbe proofs. And, like the Zerbe strikings, the best summation of the story of the Chapman proofs is in Wayne Miller's 1982 Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook:

"Late in 1921 Henry Chapman of Philadelphia, who had for over forty years been one of the most influential coin dealers in America (he conducted his first numismatic auction in 1879 with his brother Samuel) decided that if Farran Zerbe could persuade the Philadelphia mint to issue a 1921 proof-quality Morgan dollar, that he should be able to do the same. At his urging, twelve silver dollars, now known as Chapman proofs, were struck."

Side-by-side comparison to a Zerbe proof shows the difference in production of the two strikings. On a Zerbe dollar the fields show notable die polish to the unaided eye. This Chapman proof shows much closer attention to detail. Examination with a loupe shows fine die polishing lines, but not the dense polishing seen on a Zerbe coin. In fact, the overall appearance of this coin is similar to proofs produced from the early 1900s (Miller specifically cites comparison to the proofs from 1902-1904). The striking details are fully brought up on this piece, as one would expect from a proof dollar. On 1921 Morgan dollars the weakest portion of the design (which was redesigned specifically for this year) is the wreath on the reverse. On this piece, the wreath is completely defined. The hair above Liberty's ear is also fully detailed. Both sides are brilliant, and the only grade-limiting mark is a shallow scrape along the chin of Liberty.
Numismatic lore states that only 12 Chapman proofs were struck. Like other proof mintages, including that for the Zerbe dollars, this number is suspect. To date (3/09), a total of 62 coins have been certified in all grades by both PCGS and NGC, suggesting a mintage more in the range of 35-50 pieces. Population: 10 in 64, 2 finer (3/09).
From The Joseph C. Thomas Collection.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2579, PCGS# 7342, GSID# 7872)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 26.73 grams
ASW: 0.77346oz

View all of [The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part One ]

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