The item under discussion is a United States silver coin minted in 1921 featuring the Morgan design and exhibiting surface discoloration. The discoloration, known as toning, is a chemical process that alters the coin’s original luster, often resulting in aesthetically pleasing color patterns. A specific example would be a coin struck in Philadelphia and showing hues of blue, gold, and purple across its surface.
These coins are significant due to their historical connection to the end of the Morgan dollar series, their silver content, and the subjective desirability created by the unique toning patterns. Collectors value them for their beauty and rarity, with the intensity and pattern of the toning often dramatically influencing the price. The year of minting reflects a period of economic recovery following World War I, and the coin represents a tangible artifact from that era.