1921 Missouri

Very nice coin, I like the reverse very much

Very nice coin. I have always enjoyed the visual 'heft' this coin has based on the wide rim that was employed for the design. To my eye it makes the portraits and legends appear to be extra bold.

This coin has the added notoriety of being the first of a series of commemorative design to use the marketing gimmick of adding a trivial design element to create a new 'variety' ... all with the goal of extracting more $$$ from the collectors of the day.

Struck in July 1921, the initial coins were struck with a 2x4 on the obverse (above the date 1821). It was intended to signify Missouri's status as the 24th State admitted to the Union. This design element was raised on the die, resulting in an incuse impression on the coin, and was polished off following the initial strikes such that the subsequent coins were 'plain'.

There are no accurate records of how many of each variety was struck ... best estimates of the total net mintage of 20,400 coins is appx 9,000 with the 2x4 and 11,400 'plain'.

Both Missouri varieties are of comparable price in the market ... so for us type set collectors just choose whichever meets your standards and move on.

Your example appears to be very well preserved. Curious what the luster looks like ... unable to determine from the photos.

David

Shiny bright is not necessarily bad ... what matters is original luster.

As I asked above ...




Does this coin have original mint luster? ... or is the shiny bright a result of being dipped to death?

David

I too really like this coin.

I have only a few of the classic commemorative half dollars,
But would not mind getting more, once I complete some of my
other sets .. I am trying to stay focused.

Seeing post like these with some very nice looking classic coins
makes staying focused hard