The Ultimate Guide To Collecting The Elusive 1921 Quarter Dollar

What is the 1921 quarter dollar?

The 1921 quarter dollar is a United States coin that was struck in 1921. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it weighs 6.25 grams. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of George Washington, and the reverse features an eagle in flight.

The 1921 quarter dollar is a popular coin among collectors, and it is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

The 1921 quarter dollar is an important coin in the history of the United States coinage. It was the first quarter dollar to be struck in over 20 years, and it marked the beginning of a new era in American coinage.

1921 quarter dollar

The 1921 quarter dollar is a United States coin that was struck in 1921. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it weighs 6.25 grams. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of George Washington, and the reverse features an eagle in flight.

• Obverse: George Washington portrait
• Reverse: Eagle in flight
• Year: 1921
• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
• Weight: 6.25 grams
• Diameter: 24.3 mm
• Thickness: 1.75 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The 1921 quarter dollar is a popular coin among collectors, and it is often used in jewelry and other decorative items. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for thousands of dollars.

1. Obverse

The obverse of the 1921 quarter dollar features a portrait of George Washington. This is a significant design element, as it is the first time that a portrait of a real person had been featured on a US coin.

• Historical significance: The use of George Washington's portrait on the quarter dollar commemorates his role as the first president of the United States. It is a symbol of the nation's gratitude for his service and leadership.
• Artistic merit: The portrait of George Washington on the quarter dollar is a well-executed work of art. It is a realistic and dignified depiction of the nation's first president.
• Collectibility: The 1921 quarter dollar is a popular coin among collectors. The presence of George Washington's portrait on the coin makes it a desirable item for collectors of both coins and historical memorabilia.

The obverse of the 1921 quarter dollar is a significant design element that contributes to the coin's historical, artistic, and collectible value.

2. Reverse

The reverse of the 1921 quarter dollar features an eagle in flight. This is a significant design element, as it is the first time that an eagle had been featured on a US coin.

The eagle is a symbol of strength, power, and freedom. It is also the national bird of the United States. The use of the eagle on the quarter dollar is a powerful statement about the nation's values and aspirations.

The eagle on the quarter dollar is depicted in flight. This is a dynamic and visually appealing image. It suggests that the United States is a nation on the move. It is a nation that is constantly striving to improve and to reach new heights.

The reverse of the 1921 quarter dollar is a significant design element that contributes to the coin's historical, artistic, and collectible value. It is a powerful symbol of the nation's values and aspirations.

3. Year

The year 1921 was a significant year in the history of the United States. It was the year that the country emerged from World War I and began to rebuild its economy and society. It was also the year that the 1921 quarter dollar was introduced.

The 1921 quarter dollar was the first quarter dollar to be struck in over 20 years. It was also the first coin to feature the portrait of a real person, George Washington. The coin was designed by sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil and was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

The 1921 quarter dollar was a popular coin, and it remained in circulation for many years. It is still a popular coin among collectors today.

The connection between the year 1921 and the 1921 quarter dollar is significant. The year 1921 was a time of change and renewal in the United States. The 1921 quarter dollar was a symbol of this change. It was a new coin for a new era.

4. Composition

The 1921 quarter dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a number of desirable qualities, including durability, luster, and a distinctive color.

• Durability: Silver is a very durable metal, and the addition of copper makes the 1921 quarter dollar even more resistant to wear and tear. This makes the coin ideal for circulation, as it can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
• Luster: Silver is also a very lustrous metal, and the 1921 quarter dollar has a beautiful shine. This luster is one of the things that makes the coin so attractive to collectors.
• Color: The addition of copper to the silver gives the 1921 quarter dollar a distinctive color. This color is often described as "silver-white" or "grayish-white." The color of the coin can vary depending on the amount of copper that is present.

The composition of the 1921 quarter dollar is an important factor in its value and desirability. The coin's durability, luster, and color make it a popular choice for collectors and investors.

5. Weight

The weight of the 1921 quarter dollar is 6.25 grams. This is a significant detail because it provides insights into the coin's composition, value, and historical context.

• Composition: The weight of the 1921 quarter dollar indicates that it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This composition gives the coin a number of desirable qualities, including durability, luster, and a distinctive color.
• Value: The weight of the 1921 quarter dollar is also a factor in its value. Silver is a precious metal, and the amount of silver in a coin is a major determinant of its worth. The 1921 quarter dollar contains 0.1808 ounces of silver, which gives it a melt value of around $3.50.
• Historical context: The weight of the 1921 quarter dollar can also tell us something about the historical context in which it was produced. The coin was struck during a time of great economic uncertainty. The weight of the coin suggests that the government was trying to maintain the value of the coinage by using a higher percentage of silver.

The weight of the 1921 quarter dollar is a small detail, but it can tell us a lot about the coin's composition, value, and historical context. This information can be useful for collectors, investors, and anyone who is interested in the history of American coinage.

6. Diameter

The diameter of the 1921 quarter dollar is 24.3 mm. This is a significant detail because it affects the coin's overall appearance, weight, and value.

The diameter of a coin is important because it determines the coin's size and shape. The 1921 quarter dollar is a relatively small coin, which makes it easy to carry and use. The coin's small size also makes it difficult to counterfeit.

The diameter of a coin also affects its weight. The 1921 quarter dollar weighs 6.25 grams. This is a relatively light weight for a coin of its size. The coin's light weight makes it easy to handle and use.

The diameter of a coin can also affect its value. The 1921 quarter dollar is a valuable coin, and its value is partly due to its small size and light weight. The coin's small size and light weight make it easy to carry and use, which increases its desirability among collectors.

In conclusion, the diameter of the 1921 quarter dollar is a significant detail that affects the coin's overall appearance, weight, and value.

7. Thickness

The thickness of the 1921 quarter dollar is 1.75 mm. This seemingly minor detail plays a significant role in understanding the coin's composition, durability, and value.

The thickness of a coin is determined by the amount of metal used in its production. The 1921 quarter dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The thickness of the coin ensures that it contains the correct amount of silver and copper to meet the specifications set by the United States Mint.

The thickness of a coin also affects its durability. A thicker coin is more resistant to wear and tear, which is important for a coin that is intended to circulate widely. The 1921 quarter dollar's thickness makes it a durable coin that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.

Finally, the thickness of a coin can affect its value. Thicker coins are often more valuable than thinner coins, as they contain more precious metal. The 1921 quarter dollar's thickness contributes to its value as a collectible coin.

In conclusion, the thickness of the 1921 quarter dollar is a significant detail that affects the coin's composition, durability, and value. Understanding the importance of this detail provides valuable insights into the coin's history, production, and significance.

8. Edge

The edge of the 1921 quarter dollar is reeded, meaning that it has a series of parallel grooves running around the circumference of the coin. This design element serves several important purposes and provides valuable insights into the production and use of the coin.

• Enhanced Grip: The reeded edge provides additional grip when handling the coin, making it easier to pick up and manipulate. This feature is particularly useful for vending machines and other automated devices that require coins to be inserted and ejected.
• Counterfeit Protection: Reeded edges make it more difficult to counterfeit coins. The grooves create a distinctive pattern that is difficult to replicate with precision, acting as a deterrent to counterfeiters.
• Coin Stacking: The reeded edge facilitates the stacking of coins, allowing them to be aligned and counted more easily. This feature is beneficial for banks and other institutions that handle large quantities of coins.
• Production Efficiency: Reeding the edge of the coin is a relatively efficient and cost-effective production process. The grooves are created by passing the coin between two dies with reeded surfaces, resulting in a uniform and consistent pattern.

In conclusion, the reeded edge of the 1921 quarter dollar serves multiple purposes, including enhancing grip, protecting against counterfeiting, facilitating coin stacking, and optimizing production efficiency. These design elements contribute to the coin's practicality, security, and overall functionality.

FAQs about the 1921 quarter dollar

The 1921 quarter dollar is a significant coin in the history of American coinage. It was the first quarter dollar to be struck in over 20 years, and it marked the beginning of a new era in American coinage. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1921 quarter dollar:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1921 quarter dollar?

Answer: The 1921 quarter dollar is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.

Question 2: What is the weight of the 1921 quarter dollar?

Answer: The 1921 quarter dollar weighs 6.25 grams.

Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1921 quarter dollar?

Answer: The 1921 quarter dollar has a diameter of 24.3 mm.

Question 4: What is the thickness of the 1921 quarter dollar?

Answer: The 1921 quarter dollar has a thickness of 1.75 mm.

Question 5: What is the edge of the 1921 quarter dollar?

Answer: The edge of the 1921 quarter dollar is reeded.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1921 quarter dollar. For more information about this historic coin, please consult a reputable source such as the American Numismatic Association.

Key takeaways:

• The 1921 quarter dollar is a significant coin in the history of American coinage.
• It is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
• It weighs 6.25 grams, has a diameter of 24.3 mm, and a thickness of 1.75 mm.
• The edge of the coin is reeded.

Transition to the next article section:

The 1921 quarter dollar is a valuable and collectible coin. If you have one in your possession, it is important to have it appraised by a qualified expert to determine its worth.

Conclusion

The 1921 quarter dollar is a significant coin in the history of American coinage. It was the first quarter dollar to be struck in over 20 years, and it marked the beginning of a new era in American coinage. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it weighs 6.25 grams. It has a diameter of 24.3 mm and a thickness of 1.75 mm. The edge of the coin is reeded.

The 1921 quarter dollar is a valuable and collectible coin. If you have one in your possession, it is important to have it appraised by a qualified expert to determine its worth. The coin is a reminder of the rich history of American coinage, and it is a valuable addition to any collection.