The Zerbe Proof 1921-S Morgan dollar is one of the rarest and most enigmatic issues of the Morgan dollar series. The Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin that was struck at each branch of the United States Mint in operation between 1878 and 1904 and then once more in 1921.
What makes a Morgan Dollar Proof like?
Hold the coin on its edge on the table next to the beginning of the ruler. If you can clearly see 2 to 4 inches reflected in the field of the coin, this will receive the Proof-Like designation. If you can clearly see between 6 and 8 inches of the ruler, this would receive the Deep Mirrored Proof-Like designation.
Which is true about the Zerbe proof silver dollar?
But it is doubted by many knowledgeable numismatists that the silver dollars, long known as the “Zerbe Proofs,” exhibit true proof details, like the 16 coins mentioned above, known as “Chapman Proofs.” Some experts even believe the true “Zerbe Proofs” should carry the “S” mintmark, for the reason previously stated.
What’s the difference between Zerbe and Chapman dollars?
It is important to note that coins labeled as “Struck from Zerbe dies” are most likely NOT Proofs, and they may not be “Zerbe” dollars at all! Needless to say, the Zerbe dollars are controversial, and confusion reigns. The catalog description in the Matthew Bryan Collection Sale, quoted above, even confuses the Zerbe coins with the Chapman coins.
Where was the 1921 Zerbe proof Morgan Dollar made?
Some experts of these coins believe that the story of these presentation coins, referred to as “Proofs,” that were struck in San Francisco from dies made at the Philadelphia Mint and bearing the “S” mintmark, have been confused with traditional “Proof” Morgan dollars that were customarily struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Do you need mintmark on Zerbe silver dollar?
Some experts even believe the true “Zerbe Proofs” should carry the “S” mintmark, for the reason previously stated. Author, Q. David Bowers, in his book Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States, remarks: “In my opinion, true Proofs with deep mirror surfaces are exceedingly rare.
