Tonight we revisit the state of Missouri and the celebration of its statehood centennial. In my last post, we took a look at the ˜2*4 variety of the coin, this time out we have a quick look at the ‘Plain' variety via an example in PCGS MS-64.
The ˜Plain designation refers to the fact that the obverse does not include an incuse ˜2*4 to the left of the obverse portrait; the ˜2*4 signified Missouri's admission as the 24th state of the Union. As much of the original Missouri post remains relevant, I offer a link to it here vs. a repeat of its content:
http://goccf.com/t/115710I do want to revisit the previous discussion of the coin's design, however, with some supplemental information and a correction...
Read More: Commems CollectionThe Robert Aiken designs that would ultimately appear on the Missouri half-dollar were not the first or only designs considered. James Montgomery, Chairman of the Missouri Centennial Exposition, in a letter to Charles Moore, Chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, suggested for the obverse a "standing figure of Daniel Boone, coon skin cap, deer skin clothes, with an Indian sitting at his feet...[and for the reverse]...the Great Seal of the State of Missouri."
Aiken sketched Montgomery's design suggestions, along with one that featured two allegorical figures (one figure being Lady Liberty and the other symbolizing Missouri) and several variations of the approved obverse and revers designs.
In my original post, I questioned whether the portrait on the obverse and the frontiersman figure on the reverse were meant to be Daniel Boone, and suggested that "generic" frontiersmen were more likely due to Boone having weak ties to Missouri (vs. Kentucky). After a review of the correspondence related to the coin, it is clear that it was in fact Daniel Boone being depicted on the coin -- mea culpa!
I close with the same thoughts as in my ‘2x4' post: "The coin shown here is a blast white coin with good cartwheel luster (seems like I say that a lot!). It is on my list for upgrade, but I will need to find one that clearly beats this one in eye appeal before I spend the significant amount needed to own an MS-65 example."
Enjoy!
1921 Missouri Statehood Centennial, Plain Variety -- Obverse
1921 Missouri Statehood Centennial, Plain Variety -- Reverse
Posted 04/22/2012 11:09 pm
