I was recently looking through an a collection of coins that my father passed down to me. There were a few Morgan Dollars in the collection that I have never really studied much. Because I have never really looked at the details on the Morgan Dollars, I decided to get them out and study them. I noticed that one of the 1921 Morgan Silver Dollars looked a little different. So on closer inspection, I started seeing the impression from another strike. I am not sure if it's another coin ( as in a double denomination) or a double strike because I have seen several double struck 1921 Morgan Silver Dolllars that were double struck in collar. It is difficult to see some of the details unless you have the coin in your hand. But the double strike is evident all over the coin. The first spot I noticed was the P on the side of the head. It is either a P or a D to the left of the ear. This could also be something else I guess, but it looks like a letter to me. I think maybe it was a peace dollar or something because I can see what look like the spikes that are on a peace dollar..... but I am not sure. The coolest part about this coin is the lips! It looks like a die break on the lips. At first glimpse, it did appear to be a die break, but when I looked at the "die break" head on, I noticed it was something different! There are 2 numbers printed on the lips! A 3 and a 0! Now I am not 100% sure if the second number is a 0 but the first is definitely a 3! When you look directly down at the coin, you can't see the numbers! But when you look straight at it, they are there! You must hold the coin flat and out in front of you to see the numbers! Its really crazy! I wonder if the person working at the mint tried to sneak his favorite number in on the coin or what? They did a really good job at hiding it, if it was done intentionally. I just thought this was a really cool coin!
Lets just start out by saying that I am not an expert in VAM's This date has more than a hundred. (might be an exaggeration, but there is a lot) searching through VAM world I could not find anything with a die break at the lips, this could be part of the original design. As far as seeing numbers on the lips and a p or D next to the ear? This is from the damage that the coin has. Your coin is not double struck or even struck over a peace dollar. There is zero evidence in your photos. A clash is going to show in the field. (flat areas of the coin) and not on the devices, the devices are recessed into the die face, and are not affected, in a clash. Collecting and looking for errors is a lot of fun, and if you don't know how the minting process works it is very easy to think you see something that isn't there. (called pareidolia) I am not trying to burst your bubble, But the coin has heavy damage from circulation, and also has been harshly cleaned. It is worth face value, and definitely not worth the time and effort to have it graded. Save your money for a coin that is in Mint state or a true error, variety, or VAM. PS I know I missed the VAM, (each Morgan has a VAM attribution) But, it don't think it is worth the effort.
No it's not! It's one of the worst 1921-D Morgans I've ever seen. So incredibly NOT worth having graded.
Sorry it's not and giving bad advice often leads to them having unrealistic hopes and sometimes animosity towards others who are looking to buy or give offers. Especially since OP already mentioned they'd eventually be interested in selling. Having bought and made offers on numerous inherited collections I've seen first hand what happens when people think their average coins or junk silver is worth a fortune. And often have those negative feelings directed towards me when I try and politely explain the truth and make a fair offer. In fact it's why I shy away from doing that anymore as it seems everyone has someone that tells them how valuable their average coins are. That coin pictured has been harshly cleaned within an inch of it's life and the only value remaining is the silver melt value currently $12.88
I'm going to assume you meant melt value. The good news is, the price of silver has spiked up a... <goes off to check silver price> ...oh, dear. Well, it's still worth more than face value, just not as much as it was yesterday.
There were over 80 million morgan dollars struck in 1921 between the philadelphia, denver and san francisco mints, sell that one and find a nice one, they're out there by the millions.
So, on closer inspection, I am positive that you are wrong about the condition of the coin. Also, the numbers are definitely numbers and not a die break. Each of the numbers are well formed and very detailed. I am not sure how they got there, but I am sure that they are there. I wish I could get a better picture, but I will not remove it from the plastic it is in until I get a new air tight case for it.
That's a good passion too keep, put it away and come to your own conclusion. But, if it is, then I would only ask that maybe you do a little more research into the following categories: luster, contact marks, eye appeal and strike?
Your coin had seen circulation, and your close-ups show cleaning scratches. Also, there aren't any numbers other than the date. A die crack would show as a raised line of metal on the coin.
Your coin was made in Denver. I see what you think are letters and numbers. They aren't. They are just damage.
You can, but it won't make a difference, I'm trying to help you. Please except that you are wrong, and do a little research into evaluating and grading coins.
I have to say that the great anticipation before opening this thread compared to the disappointment at seeing the posted coin is a heck of a chasm(?) (Gap)? Hard to find the appropriate word. Steve