The value of a 1921 silver dollar coin can range from roughly $30 to tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on several key factors:
Here’s a breakdown of the factors influencing a 1921 silver dollar’s value:
- Type: Two different silver dollars were produced in 1921:
– Morgan Silver Dollar: This was the last year the Morgan design was produced for general circulation.
– Peace Silver Dollar: This was the first year of issue for the Peace dollar, minted to commemorate the end of World War I.
– Peace Dollars from 1921 are generally rarer and more valuable than Morgan Dollars from the same year due to lower mintage numbers.
- Condition/Grade: The state of preservation significantly affects value.
– Circulated Coins: Coins with signs of wear are typically less valuable. For example, a circulated 1921 Morgan dollar might be worth between $30 and $50.
– Uncirculated Coins (Mint State – MS): Coins with little to no wear command higher prices. A 1921 Morgan dollar in Uncirculated condition (MS60-MS63) could be worth $60-$150, while higher grades like MS65 and above can reach $200-$500 or more. Some 1921-D Morgan Dollars in high grades have sold for over $44,000.
– Professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) authenticate and assign a numerical grade to a coin, which can enhance its market value.
- Mint Mark: The mint where the coin was struck also plays a role in its rarity and value.
– Philadelphia (no mint mark): Morgan dollars minted in Philadelphia are the most common.
– San Francisco (‘S’ mint mark): Morgan dollars minted in San Francisco are slightly more valuable than Philadelphia issues, particularly in higher grades.
– Denver (‘D’ mint mark): 1921 was the only year Morgan dollars were produced at the Denver Mint, making them unique. They can be more sought after by collectors, with high-grade examples potentially fetching higher prices.
- Errors and Varieties: Minting errors or specific varieties can increase a coin’s value significantly. Examples include:
– Thornhead error: A defect in the stamp creates a thorn-like appearance on Lady Liberty’s head.
– Off-center strikes: Occur when the die and planchet aren’t aligned correctly, potentially leaving a blank area on the coin.
– Missing ‘S’ in TRUST: A filled die or weak strike can result in the “S” being absent from the word “TRUST”.
– A 1921 Morgan silver dollar with a rare date error, graded MS 62 by PCGS, was offered for sale for $20,000.
In summary, a basic circulated 1921 Morgan silver dollar will hold a value close to its silver melt value, which is around $29.83 as of August 2025. However, the value can increase substantially with higher grades, rarer mint marks, and especially the presence of specific errors or varieties.
How much is a 1921 dollar coin worth?
Great question! According to the NGC Price Guide, as of July 2025, a Morgan Dollar from 1921 in circulated condition is worth between $41 and $45.
Are 1921 dollar coins silver?
Good point! Since the first day they were struck in 1878, these big, beautiful Silver Dollars have captured the hearts of American coin collectors. Possible the most coveted design type for all U.S. Coinage.