Lot 1709
1921. PCGS graded MS-65. A frosty example which displays luster supporting bright vibrant highlights on this, the first-year issue 1921 High Relief. More than adequately struck for a series that often shows weak centers, and a coin with the design comparable to the best preserved specimens of this date.
The federal Commission of Fine Arts announced a design competition, Nov. 23, 1921, inviting the nation's eight leading sculptors to submit models for the new Silver Dollar. The winner was Anthony de Francisci (pronounced fran-chee-shee), who portrayed his then 23-year-old wife Teresa as Liberty, with a "radiate" crown somewhat like that on certain ancient Roman coins, though more explicitly intended to recall that on the Statue of Liberty. Six days after the Commission had approved his sketches, Francisci submitted preliminary relief models, whose reverse showed the eagle breaking a sword, for disarmament. This device was publicized on Dec. 19, the same day the Commission approved his models -- only to meet with protest from officials who insisted that this design would be interpreted as defeat rather than as negotiated peace. Because of these objections, the Mint Bureau ordered changes, and Mint Engraver George Morgan remodeled the eagle, minus sword or arrows but with olive branch, atop an isolated mountain peak inscribed PEACE, in lettering of a style very different from that elsewhere on the coin. Once approved, it was even translated into working hubs and dies, and some 1,006,473 were struck Dec. 26-31, 1921, in high relief. A messenger delivered the first one to Pres. Harding, Jan. 3, 1922; others went the same day to the Secretary of Treasury and the Director of the Mint. Some of these are likely to have been among the matte-finish and satin finish 1921 Proofs (PCGS # 7356) Estimated Value $1,250 - 1,300
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| Realized $1,725 |
