Peace Dollars are an important series of silver coins in American numismatic history. They were minted from 1921 to 1928 and then again in 1934 and 1935. The Peace Dollar was created to commemorate the end of World War I and to symbolize peace and hope for a better future.
Here are some key features and facts about Peace Dollars:
Design: The Peace Dollar was designed by Italian-American sculptor Anthony de Francisci. The coin’s obverse features the profile of Lady Liberty wearing a tiara of rays, symbolizing peace. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a rock, holding an olive branch in its talons, with the word “Peace” inscribed below.
Silver content: Peace Dollars contain 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin has a total weight of 26.73 grams and a silver content of 24.0575 grams (approximately 0.77344 troy ounces).
Series suspension: The Peace Dollar series experienced a temporary suspension in 1929 due to the Stock Market Crash and the ensuing economic depression. Minting resumed in 1934 and 1935 due to increased demand for silver dollars.
High relief and low relief: For the first year of 1921 Peace Dollars were struck with a high-relief design, making them difficult to strike properly. Later in 1922, the design was modified to a low-relief format, which made the coins easier to produce but resulted in slightly less detailed relief on the coin’s images.
Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints: Peace Dollars were minted at all 3 of these mints. Mintmarks “P”, “D” and “S” can be found on the coins, indicating their respective minting locations.
Circulation and collecting: Peace Dollars were intended for circulation but, like many silver coins of the era, were also collected by individuals who recognized their historical significance and intrinsic value. Today, they are highly popular among coin collectors and investors.
Rarity and key dates: Some Peace Dollar dates and mint marks are scarcer than others, leading to higher values in the collector’s market. Notable key dates include 1921 and 1928 Philadelphia and 1934-S Peace Dollars.
Last U.S. silver dollar series: The Peace Dollar series marked the end of the large silver dollar production in the United States until the release of the Eisenhower Dollar in 1971.
Due to their connection to a significant moment in history and their silver content, Peace Dollars continue to hold value and appeal to collectors and investors alike. The coins’ artistic design and symbolism make them a cherished part of American numismatic heritage.