| Description: |
An extremely rare Branch Mint Proof Morgan dollar issue. Brilliant silver gray with just a
trace of toning at lower reverse. Evenly reflective, not deeply mirrored but showing
distinctive Proof surfaces of unique quality. The strike and die preparation is far
different from that seen on other 1921-S dollars, with sharp squared denticles around both
sides and shelf-like stars that stand out from the fields rather than the rounded relief
seen on even high-quality specimens of normal circulation mintage. The lettering likewise
stands out boldly, and raised die polish lines are seen in great number around the
peripheries—Walter Breen correctly noted in his Proof Encyclopedia that they are most
notable above TES of STATES, including two diagonal lines that run parallel to the top of
the upright in E and another diagonal at a lower angle that connects the dentiles to the
outside of the upper curve of S. Other heavy lines are present at the wing tips, joining C
of AMERICA to dentiles, and below LL of DOLLAR, and a notable one from the left top of the
final 1 in the date. The cheek shows similar flatness to circulation strikes, with many of
the minute contact marks on the planchet still present. A tiny planchet depression outside
star 4 will identify this specimen, some light hairlines should not be confused with the
raised die finish lines. |
