Lot 1177
1921-S. NGC graded MS-65. The key date to the Walking Liberty half series, and one of the most challenging coins to find in gem or finer grades. The 1921-S is more available in lower circulated grades than other low mintage dates, but in grades like this gem there are precious few around. The technical break starts at the modest VF20 level, where only small numbers are reported to exist in the population reports. For this amazing coin, the surfaces are virtually perfect, with no distrating nicks or marks in the fields or on the devices. The strike is rather sharp too, with good separation on the thumb of Liberty and her hand, with some of the skirt lines present too.
In 1921 the American economy took a rapid dip, after the return of the soldiers from WWI, things seemed to be okay, but then there was a sharp economic downturn in 1921 affecting many areas such as farm goods, and other non necessities. Demand for new coins dropped quickly too, which is reflected in the mintages of these 1921 half dollars. The mintage was 548,000 pieces, but nearly all entered circulation and very, very few were saved in Mint Condition. Gems like this are a real challenge to find. Interestingly, as the economy dipped the solution of easy credit came to pass. With new inventions like ice boxes, toasters and irons that plugged into wall sockets, and easy terms from the stores that sold them, soon the Roaring 20s was born. However, it was not before these 1921-S half dollars were well circulated by and large. A nice frosty coin. Pop 21; 2 finer in 66. Value $65,000 - UP
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