History of the Peace Silver Dollar
The Peace Dollar is one of America's most recognizable twentieth-century silver coins. Introduced in December 1921, its design celebrated the restoration of peace following World War I.
Sculptor Anthony de Francisci designed the coin, featuring Liberty wearing a radiate crown on the obverse. The reverse depicts an eagle at rest, with the word PEACE beneath it.
Original circulation-era Peace Dollars were produced from 1921 through 1928 and again from 1934 through 1935. The U.S. Mint revived the design for modern collector issues beginning in 2021.
Collectors pursue Peace Dollars by date, mintmark, strike quality, certified grade, rarity, and overall eye appeal.
Peace Dollar Specifications
| Specification | Original Peace Silver Dollar |
|---|---|
| Denomination | One U.S. dollar |
| Designer | Anthony de Francisci |
| Original years | 1921–1928 and 1934–1935 |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Standard weight | 26.73 grams |
| Actual silver weight | Approximately 0.77344 troy ounce |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Historic mint locations | Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco |
Peace Dollar Key Dates & Collectible Issues
Some dates are particularly important to collectors building a complete Peace Dollar set. Availability and premiums depend on the specific coin and its condition.
1921 High Relief
The first-year issue features a distinctive high-relief design. It is a major type coin and popular with certified silver dollar collectors.
1928 Philadelphia
The 1928 Philadelphia issue has the lowest regular-issue mintage of the original Peace Dollar series. It is a recognized key date.
1934-S
The 1934-S Peace Dollar is an important condition rarity. High-grade examples can be especially desirable.
1925-S & 1928-S
San Francisco issues are often studied for strike quality, surface preservation, and availability in higher Mint State grades.
1922 & 1923
These dates are popular starting points for collectors seeking affordable examples of the historic design.
Modern Peace Dollars
Modern U.S. Mint issues appeal to collectors interested in contemporary strikes, Proof finishes, and certified high grades.
1921 High Relief vs. 1922 Peace Dollars
The original 1921 Peace Dollar was struck in high relief, giving the design pronounced depth and sculptural detail. High-relief production presented manufacturing challenges for circulation coinage.
In 1922, the Mint adopted a lower-relief design suitable for regular mass production. Most surviving 1922 Peace Dollars are the standard lower-relief type.
Rare experimental and special-strike varieties exist, but ordinary 1922 Peace Dollars should not be advertised as high relief without appropriate attribution.
Peace Dollar Mintmarks: P, D & S
Original Peace Dollars were struck at three United States Mint facilities:
Philadelphia
Historic Philadelphia Peace Dollars normally carry no mintmark. Dealers sometimes use the letter P in catalog listings for convenience.
Denver (D)
Denver-minted issues carry a D mintmark and are collected as part of the complete date-and-mintmark set.
San Francisco (S)
San Francisco issues carry an S mintmark. Several are challenging in attractive, higher-grade condition.
Where Is the Mintmark?
On original Peace Dollars, look on the reverse near the eagle's tail and the word ONE.
Certified Peace Dollar Grades Explained
Third-party grading helps collectors compare coins using a standardized numerical scale. The Sheldon grading system ranges from 1 through 70.
| Grade | General Description |
|---|---|
| AU-50 to AU-58 | About Uncirculated; slight circulation wear remains visible. |
| MS-60 to MS-62 | Uncirculated coins that may have significant contact marks or weaker eye appeal. |
| MS-63 | Choice Mint State, with moderate marks or other imperfections. |
| MS-64 | Choice Mint State with generally stronger preservation and eye appeal. |
| MS-65 | Gem Mint State, typically with fewer distracting imperfections. |
| MS-66 and higher | Premium Mint State preservation; scarcity varies substantially by date and mint. |
PCGS, NGC, ICG & ANACS
IDC's Peace Dollar listings include coins graded by several third-party grading companies. Each listing should identify the issuing service, assigned grade, and any special designations.
A certified grade is an important reference point, but buyers should also examine the coin's strike, luster, surface marks, toning, and market value.
What Are Peace Dollar VAM Varieties?
VAM refers to the die-variety attribution system associated with Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.
VAM collecting includes Morgan and Peace Dollars. Collectors study die characteristics such as doubled elements, die cracks, polishing, and other distinctive features.
Not every VAM variety carries a substantial premium. Accurate attribution and collector demand are important.
IDC Verified Peace Silver Dollars
IDC Verified is an authentication and preservation program developed by IDC Coin & Bullion, part of International Diamond Center.
Participating coins undergo IDC's review process alongside independent third-party authentication and grading through Independent Coin Graders (ICG).
Eligible participating coins feature IDC Verified program identification. The independent grading company's assigned grade remains distinct from IDC's program identity.
How to Buy a Slabbed Peace Dollar
Start by identifying the date, mintmark, and grade that fit your collection. Then examine the certification holder and available images.
Compare similar coins using recent relevant sales, population data, and grading information. Be especially careful when comparing a common-date circulated example with a scarce date or high-grade coin.
A certified holder can help document authenticity and condition, but certification numbers should be checked through the grading company's official verification system.
For higher-value purchases, consider the individual coin's originality, luster, strike, toning, and overall eye appeal.
Are Peace Silver Dollars Valuable?
Peace Dollars have value from their silver content, historical importance, and numismatic demand.
Original circulation-era Peace Dollars contain approximately 0.77344 troy ounce of silver. Their collectible value may exceed their precious metal value.
Important factors include date, mintmark, condition, certification, rarity, strike quality, and collector demand.
Buy & Sell Peace Dollars in Clearwater, Florida
IDC Coin & Bullion, part of International Diamond Center, is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida.
IDC operates 11 retail locations across Florida and Georgia and sells collectible coins nationwide through its ecommerce website.
Collectors throughout Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, and the greater Tampa Bay area can contact IDC about Peace Dollars and other collectible coins.
Have raw or certified Peace Silver Dollars to sell? Contact IDC about your specific dates, mintmarks, grades, and collection.
Peace Silver Dollars: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Peace Silver Dollar?
A U.S. one-dollar silver coin first issued in 1921, featuring a design by Anthony de Francisci commemorating peace after World War I.
When were original Peace Dollars minted?
Original Peace Dollars were struck from 1921 through 1928 and again from 1934 through 1935.
How much silver is in a Peace Dollar?
Original circulation-era Peace Dollars contain approximately 0.77344 troy ounce of silver. Modern Peace Dollars have different specifications.
What is a 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar?
It is the first-year issue with a more pronounced high-relief design than later regular circulation strikes.
What is the rarest regular-issue Peace Dollar by mintage?
The 1928 Philadelphia Peace Dollar has the lowest regular-issue mintage in the original series.
Why is the 1934-S Peace Dollar important?
The 1934-S is a recognized condition rarity, particularly in higher Mint State grades.
Where is the mintmark on a Peace Dollar?
On original Peace Dollars, the mintmark appears on the reverse near the eagle's tail and the word ONE.
What does MS-63 mean on a Peace Dollar?
MS-63 identifies a Mint State coin assigned grade 63 on the standard 70-point grading scale.
Are slabbed Peace Dollars authenticated?
Coins encapsulated by legitimate third-party grading services generally undergo authentication and grading. Buyers should still verify the holder and certification details.
What is the difference between PCGS and NGC?
PCGS and NGC are separate third-party coin authentication and grading companies.
What is a Peace Dollar VAM?
A VAM is an attributed die variety identified using the Van Allen–Mallis system for Morgan and Peace Dollars.
Are modern Peace Dollars made of 90% silver?
No. Modern Peace Dollars issued beginning in 2021 use .999 fine silver rather than the 90% silver composition of the original series.
Does IDC sell certified Peace Dollars?
Yes. IDC's online category includes certified Peace Dollars, with inventory and availability changing over time.
Does IDC buy Peace Silver Dollars?
Contact IDC Coin & Bullion about your raw or certified Peace Dollars to discuss current purchasing interest.
Where can I buy Peace Dollars in Clearwater?
IDC Coin & Bullion is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and offers collectible coins through its online catalog. Contact IDC about local purchase or evaluation options.
Explore More Certified Silver Dollars
Shop Certified Peace Silver Dollars at IDC
Explore historic Peace Dollars, 1921 High Relief issues, certified Mint State coins, and participating IDC Verified silver dollars.
Browse available inventory online or contact IDC about Peace Dollars you are considering selling.
