Hi, Chapman and Zerbe are names of previous owners. A pedigree, so to speak as both these people were collectors of excellent high grade coinage. Have Fun, Bill
Bill, it's more than that. in 1921 there were slightly different reverses on the proof morgans minted and the Zerbe/Chapman designations are how they are differentiated. I didn't follow Doug's link, but if it's the one I think it is, it should spell that all out.
That is correct. There are two different versions of the proof examples of the 1921 Morgans. Defferences in the counts of berries and so on. Thanks for adding that info to the post. Have Fun, Bill
Zerbe Proofs are those 1921 Morgan dollars specially struck for numismatist and Mint friend Farran Zerbe. The proofs are not of the same quality as the other proof Morgan dollars. The Philadelphia Mint allegedly produced these coins for Farran Zerbe as mates for his 1921-S proofs, and as consolation for their failure to place the high relief Peace dollars into circulation during the 1921 calendar year. While not of the same quality as the Chapman proofs, also dated 1921, those struck for Farran Zerbe are much more available, some estimate as many as 200 may have been produced. The other proofs minted that year were of a higher quality and are known as Chapman proofs. The 1921 Morgan dollar proofs were supposedly struck for coin dealer Henry Chapman. They have cameo devices and deeply mirrored surfaces like most Morgan dollar Proofs. (George Morgan did bill Henry Chapman for 10 proof Morgan dollars in 1921. Possibly, more coins from these dies were struck for others as there apparently more known than ten.) The mintage of the rest of the 1921 business strike coins are similar to the above proofs, but obviously were struck from less prepared planchets, dies, and with only one strike. Hope this helps...Mike
