Are you interested in enhancing your coin collection with 2021 dollar errors? Perhaps you’re looking to diversify your numismatic portfolio with high-value Morgan dollar coin varieties? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide to 2021 dollar coin errors is designed to help you identify modern Morgan dollar coins that can significantly elevate your collection.
Morgan dollar coins hold a special place in American coinage history. They were the first silver circulating coins produced by the United States after the Coinage Act of 1873, which ended the free coining of silver. These coins are emblematic of the country’s industrial modernization era.
The U.S. Mint struck Morgan dollars from 1878 to 1904, with a final year of production in 1921. In 2021, the Mint reintroduced the silver dollar as part of the Morgan and Peace Dollar Anniversary Program, commemorating 100 years since the coin was last struck.
While 2021 dollar coin errors are relatively rare, those that do exist are extremely valuable. Modern Morgan dollar errors can significantly enrich and add value to your coin collection.
Let’s explore some of the most valuable 2021 dollar coin errors you might consider adding to your portfolio.
1. 2021-O $1 Morgan Silver Dollar Obverse Struck Through Error (MS69)
This commemorative silver dollar exhibits an obverse struck-through error, one of the more common errors in the Morgan dollar series.
A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object – such as dust, debris, fiber, or a strand of hair – comes between the die and planchet during the minting process. When the die strikes the planchet, the pressure causes this foreign object to leave its impression on the coin’s surface, resulting in an unusual mark on either the obverse or reverse.
In this particular case, what appears to be a strand of hair or small wood splinter was struck through, leaving a visible impression on Liberty’s temple near her eyebrow.
Graded MS69, this gem-quality 2021-O Morgan silver dollar with an obverse strike-through error is valued at $899.
2. 2021-D $1 Silver Dollar Reverse Struck Through Error (MS68)
While obverse struck-through errors are more common, some dollar coins feature this error on the reverse side.
This coin displays a struck-through error on its reverse, where a faint, non-linear line extends from the edge of the left wing to the eagle’s beak. This could be the impression of a foreign object, possibly a hair strand.
This 2021 silver dollar with a reverse struck-through error was minted at the Denver facility and is graded MS68. It commands an impressive value of $385, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.
3. 2021-D Morgan Silver Dollar Grease Error (MS64)
A grease error can be classified as a type of struck-through error. It occurs when a layer of grease is present on either the die or the planchet during the minting process.
When the die strikes, this grease interferes with the transfer of the design and inscriptions from the die to the planchet. As a result, parts of the coin’s surface may appear dull and smudged, sometimes lacking detail due to the obscuring grease.
On this 2021-D dollar, the effects of the grease error are evident on Liberty’s hat, which appears washed out, abnormally smooth, and lacking the fine details typically seen on error-free coins. On the reverse, the grease error is visible on the eagle’s chest, which appears blurred or smoothed.
This 2021-D Morgan silver dollar, featuring a grease error on both obverse and reverse, is a true rarity. Moreover, it boasts gem-quality status with its MS69 grade.
Collectors are willing to pay up to $979 for this unique error coin.
4. 2021-D Morgan Silver Dollar Rim Die Break (MS68)
Beyond the obverse and reverse, a coin’s rim is also susceptible to minting errors.
One such error is the rim die break, which occurs when a crack forms on the die’s edge and fills with metal. When the die strikes the planchet, this filled-in crack is impressed on the surface, resulting in a raised line near the coin’s rim.
In this instance, a raised line on the reverse runs from the rim to the first L in the word “DOLLAR”. While subtle, this error, when discovered, makes for an excellent addition to any Morgan dollar collection.
This 2021-D Morgan silver dollar with a die error is graded MS68 and is valued at $389 in the open coin market.
5. 2021-D Morgan Dollar Cracked Planchet Error (MS65)
Cracked planchet errors, while rare, do occur occasionally. This type of error typically results from impurities in the metal used to create the planchet or from poor annealing processes, which can lead to weaknesses across the planchet’s surface.
As the name suggests, a cracked planchet presents as a fracture along or across the non-minted planchet. While this error is more commonly found in early Morgan dollars, some collectors have discovered a few 2021 dollars exhibiting similar defects.
This particular 2021-D Morgan silver dollar, graded MS65, features a crack on the reverse side. The fracture extends from the rim up to the laurel. This 2021 dollar coin error coin is valued at $70.
6. 2021-O Morgan Dollar, 75 Degree Rotated Die Error (MS65)
For a coin to be perfectly struck, the hammer and anvil dies must be precisely aligned. Any misalignment can lead to flaws such as the rotated die error.
A rotated die error occurs when either the hammer or anvil die rotates from its original upright position, causing the design on the obverse or reverse to be offset from the ideal 180-degree position. Generally, the greater the degree of rotation, the more valuable the coin becomes.
Professional grading organizations like the Professional Coin Grading Service and the Numismatic Guaranty Company typically only consider and grade rotated die errors with at least 15 degrees of rotation.
This 2021-O silver dollar exhibits a dramatic rotated die error on the reverse. While Liberty’s image on the obverse appears upright, the eagle’s image on the reverse is rotated at a 75-degree angle, with the left wing pointing north and the right wing pointing east.
This 2021-O Morgan dollar with such a significant rotated die error is valued at $100.
7. 2021-D Morgan Dollar Die Chip Alligator Eye Error (MS65)
This 2021 silver dollar features an interesting die chip error that gives Liberty’s eye the appearance of what collectors call “alligator eyes.”
A die chip error occurs when a small piece of the die’s face breaks off and is subsequently filled with metal. When the die strikes the planchet, it leaves an impression of this filled-in metal on the coin’s surface.
This type of error typically appears as a raised bump on the coin. In this specific case, the impression was made on Liberty’s eye, giving it an engorged appearance reminiscent of an alligator’s eye.
This 2021-D dollar coin with the die chip “alligator eye” error is valued at $49.
8. 2021-Morgan Silver Dollar Clipped Planchet Error (MS67)
Occasionally, errors can occur during the production of planchets or blank coins. The U.S. Mint uses specialized machinery to cut round blank coins from larger metal sheets. Sometimes, this machine may miscut the metal, resulting in coins with portions cut off.
The missing portion can be dramatically large, leaving a visible crescent shape on one side of the coin. In other instances, it may be a small chunk of metal curved out of the coin’s rim.
This particular 2021 Morgan silver dollar (without a mint mark) exhibits a small clipped planchet error where a tiny portion of the rim appears to be cut off, leaving a curved outline.
Graded MS66, this 2021 dollar coin error is valued at $67. It’s worth noting that generally, the larger the clip on the planchet, the more valuable the coin becomes. If you come across a 2021 dollar with a more substantial defect of this nature, it would likely be a valuable addition to your collection.
9. 2021-O Silver Dollar Reverse Die Cud Error (MS67)
A die cud error is a specific type of die break with distinct characteristics. Firstly, a die cud error must be attached to the rim of the coin. Another identifying feature is that it’s often flat and larger compared to other die breaks that typically appear as thin lines on the coin’s surface.
This 2021 silver dollar, minted in New Orleans, displays a dramatic die cud error on the reverse. The cud is visible between the word “AMERICA” and the coin’s rim.
A die cud error occurs when a portion of the die’s edge breaks. The broken part can either fall below the die’s surface or protrude above it. When the die strikes the planchet, it leaves an impression of this broken part on the coin.
In this instance, the broken portion of the die’s edge protruded above the surface, resulting in a large, flat impression that’s slightly raised relative to the rest of the coin.
This 2021-O silver dollar with a reverse die cud error is of gem quality and is valued at $527.
Final Thoughts
Morgan dollars hold significant historical and sentimental value, symbolizing the dawn of industrialization and the westward expansion of the United States. It’s no surprise that these coins command high values in the numismatic market.
Commemorative coins like the 2021 Morgan dollar are even more valuable due to their scarcity and inherent worth. Moreover, these coins are minted in pure silver, further enhancing their value.
Adding 2021 dollar errors to your collection is a sound strategy for increasing its overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the field, this comprehensive guide to 2021 dollar errors should serve as a valuable resource in your numismatic journey.