Peace Silver Dollar

The Peace Silver Dollar is a highly collectible coin due to its unique place in history.  In 1921, it was commissioned as a “victory coin” to commemorate the end of World War I.  

Over 108 million of these coins were minted between 1921 and 1928.  At the time, these coins were used as currency.  The coin was retired in 1928. However, later legislation brought the Peace Silver Dollar back in 1934 for two years.

Award-winning author Roger Burdette refers to the Peace Silver Dollar as “something of a mystery coin” in his 2011 book on the topic, A Guide Book of Peace Dollars.   He writes that only the most superficial information about it was released publicly, and initial press releases promoted the sculptor’s use of his attractive wife as the model.

The coins were designed based on the Morgan Silver Dollar.  It is said that this coin’s beauty promoted hoarding by the banks, who preferred to hold these as collateral instead of other options.

President Lyndon Johnson tried to bring the coin back in 1964 and 1965.  It was said that 300,000 coins were minted, but Congress did not agree with Johnson’s idea, so it was believed that all those coins were melted down before issuance.  Today, it is rumored that some of those 1965 still exist and consequently could be worth over a million dollars each.

In reality, you are more likely to encounter copies of the coins dated 1922.  That’s not bad since this 1922 version of the Peace Silver Dollar is also valuable.  That’s because it was the last silver dollar to circulate as hard money.  It was also the last U.S. coin explicitly created to help fund a war.

More details about the Peace Silver Dollar:

• The coin is made up of 10% copper and 90% silver.
• The design was created by Anthony de Francisci and features Lady Liberty’s face on the obverse (front side) and a bald eagle clutching an olive branch on the reverse.
• The Peace Dollar was produced in several U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia (no mintmark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mintmark can be found on the reverse, just below the word “ONE.”

• There are a few notable varieties of the Peace Silver Dollar, including the High Relief and Low Relief versions. The High Relief 1921 coin has a more pronounced and detailed design, making it a sought-after collector’s item

• Among the Peace Silver Dollars, certain years are considered key dates and are especially valuable for collectors. These include the 1921 High Relief, 1928, 1934-S, and 1935-S.

• Like all coins, the condition or grade significantly impacts the Peace Silver Dollar’s value. Coins in mint state (uncirculated) condition and those with minimal wear are highly desirable.

For current pricing and more information, please call us at (877) 444-0923.