The Peace silver dollar, minted by the U.S. Mint in 1921, has become one of the most sought-after coins for collectors. Its significance as a symbol of peace following World War I has solidified its place in numismatic history.
While many of these coins were produced for circulation, some rarer editions have fetched incredible prices at auctions.
Let’s explore what makes these coins so valuable and how you might find one hidden in your spare change.
Design of the Peace Dollar
The Peace silver dollar was designed by Anthony de Francisci and introduced in 1921. The coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse, adorned with a radiant crown symbolizing peace, and an American eagle perched on a rock on the reverse.
The unique design was created to mark the end of World War I, reflecting a sense of hope and renewal for the United States. Though it was minted between 1921 and 1928 and briefly in 1934 and 1935, the coin’s rarity, particularly in certain conditions, continues to drive demand among collectors.
Rarity and Value of Peace Silver Dollars
While many Peace silver dollars were produced for general circulation, not all are valuable. The value of these coins often depends on their condition. Coins in less-than-ideal shape hold a nominal value based on their silver content. However, coins that are in excellent condition or are rare varieties can command much higher prices.
For example, coins like the 1928-P Peace dollar, with only 360,000 coins minted, have a premium due to their rarity.
1928-P Peace Dollar
Among all the Peace silver dollars, the 1928-P stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable. With a mintage of just 360,000, this particular variety is highly coveted by collectors.
Most circulated versions are worth between $150 to $300, but in higher grades, this coin can fetch upwards of several thousand dollars. The scarcity of the 1928-P makes it a prized possession in the numismatic community.
High-Relief Peace Dollars
Another notable variation of the Peace dollar is the 1921 high-relief version. These coins were struck with higher-than-normal relief, which led to issues during production. The result was a partially struck image in many coins, making the fully struck versions extremely rare and highly sought after.
In 2018, one such coin sold for a record-breaking $132,000 at auction. While such extreme prices are outliers, they show just how valuable certain coins in perfect condition can become.
Most Valuable Peace Dollars
Many other Peace silver dollars are valuable, especially those in exceptional condition. Below is a table that outlines some of the most valuable coins from the series:
| Coin Type | Price (Approx.) | Mintage | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928-P Peace Dollar | $150-$300 | 360,000 | Circulated | $3,500 |
| 1921 High Relief | $132,000 | Limited | Uncirculated | $132,000 |
| 1928-S Peace Dollar | $16,500 | 1,600,000 | Uncirculated | $16,500 |
| 1924-S Peace Dollar | $8,200 | 1,200,000 | Excellent | $8,200 |
The Peace silver dollar remains one of the most iconic coins in American history. While the majority of these coins might not command the enormous prices of rare varieties like the 1921 high-relief, they still hold historical significance and continue to appreciate in value over time. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, owning a Peace dollar connects you with a significant period in U.S. history.
FAQs
The 1921 high-relief Peace dollar is highly valuable due to its production issues. The coin’s higher-than-normal relief caused partial strikes, making the fully struck versions incredibly rare and expensive.
The 1928-P Peace dollar is considered one of the rarest coins in the series due to its low mintage of just 360,000 coins. Its scarcity drives up its value, especially in higher grades.
It’s possible to find a rare Peace dollar in your spare change, but the odds are slim. Most Peace dollars in circulation are not highly valuable unless they are in excellent condition or come from rare mintage years.
Most Peace dollars found in circulation are worth their silver content, which is around $15-$30, depending on the price of silver. However, rare and well-preserved coins can fetch significantly higher prices.
You can sell Peace dollars to coin dealers, at auctions, or through online numismatic marketplaces. Ensure you have an expert appraise the coin’s condition and rarity to get the best price.
