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Complete Guide to Collecting Peace Silver Dollars
By GOVMINT:
Peace Silver Dollars are among American numismatics' most iconic and visually striking coins. First struck in the aftermath of World War I, these coins were designed to commemorate peace and the nation’s resilience. In 2021, the iconic series was resurrected to honor the 100th anniversary of its first year of issue. Learn more about the Peace Dollars’ design, unique features, historical significance, and tips on collecting and preserving them.
Table of Contents
What Are Peace Silver Dollars?
Why Were Peace Dollars Created?
Key Features and Designs of Peace Silver Dollars
What Mints Produced the Peace Dollar?
What Is the Composition of the Peace Dollar?
Where Is the Mint Mark on a Peace Dollar?
Peace Dollar Key Dates & Popular Issues
Tips for Collecting Peace Silver Dollar Coins
How to Store & Handle Your Peace Dollars
What Are Peace Silver Dollars?
Peace Silver Dollars are classic U.S. coins first minted in 1921 and last struck for circulation in 1935, with a special modern reissue beginning in 2021. Each coin has a face value of $1 and was designed by renowned sculptor Anthony de Francisci. Silver Peace Dollars stand out for their elegant imagery and historical depth and remain popular for novice and advanced collectors today.
Why Were Peace Dollars Created?
The Peace Dollar was born from a desire to celebrate the end of the First World War. Following the large-scale melting of silver dollars mandated by the Pittman Act of 1918, the U.S. Mint resumed dollar coin production. After producing millions of Morgan Dollars, officials opted for a new design to symbolize the nation’s objective for peace. The Peace Dollar was approved in late 1921 and replaced the Morgan Dollar, closing one iconic chapter of U.S. coinage and opening another.
Key Features and Designs of Peace Silver Dollars
The Peace Dollar features Lady Liberty on the obverse, crowned with sun rays, symbolizing enlightenment and renewal. The reverse displays a bald eagle resting on a mountaintop with an olive branch and the word “PEACE” engraved below. Each coin weighs approximately 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 mm. Its stylistic artistry and symbolism have earned it a revered place as one of the most recognizable 20th-century American coins and one of the last widely circulating Silver Dollars in the U.S.
What Mints Produced the Peace Dollar?
Peace Silver Dollars were struck at three U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
What Is the Composition of the Peace Dollar?
Vintage Peace Dollars comprise 90% silver and 10% copper, a standard composition for circulating U.S. silver coins at the time. Each contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. The modern Peace Dollar reissue is struck with purer, 99.9% fine silver.
Where Is the Mint Mark on a Peace Dollar?
Silver Dollars produced at the Philadelphia Mint had no mint mark, while those from the Denver and San Francisco Mints were marked by a “D” and “S,” respectively. The mint marks are found on the reverse below the word “ONE” and help collectors track mint origin and production figures.
1921 Peace Dollar
The 1921 Peace Dollar is especially notable as the first year of issue and the only year struck in high relief. Its elevated design presented challenges for mass production, prompting a switch to lower relief in 1922. This issue’s artistic detail and limited mintage make it a standout among collectors.
1928 Peace Dollar
Struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1928 Peace Dollar boasts one of the lowest mintages of the series at just 360,649 coins. This low mintage has elevated the 1928-P Peace Dollar to “key date” status, making it a prized acquisition for serious numismatists seeking completeness.
High Relief vs. Standard Peace Dollars
The 1921 Peace Dollar was minted with a high-relief design, meaning its details rise more prominently from the coin’s surface. The coin was aesthetically stunning, but the relief style proved impractical for mass production. Beginning in 1922, the U.S. Mint transitioned to a standard (lower) relief format for easier striking, though the high-relief 1921 issue remains an artistic favorite.
2021 99.9% Fine Peace Dollars
In 2021, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Peace Dollar, the U.S. Mint revived the iconic Silver Dollar series (along with the Morgan series) in 99.9% fine silver. After skipping a year of issue in 2022, modern Peace and Morgan Dollars are now a highly anticipated annual release. The series has allowed collectors to own dazzling proof and reverse proof Peace Dollars struck with modern minting technology that stay true to the coin’s classic, post-WWI-inspired designs.
Tips for Collecting Peace Silver Dollar Coins
Getting started with Peace Silver Dollars can be exciting and rewarding. Begin by focusing on common-date coins to build a solid foundation before seeking more challenging issues like the 1928 Peace Dollar. Always buy from reputable dealers or certified sources to ensure authenticity and quality. Pay close attention to each coin’s condition—original luster, minimal wear, and strong strikes indicate higher appeal. As your collection grows, consider storing coins properly and learning how to spot counterfeits.
How to Store & Handle Your Peace Dollars
Store Peace Silver Dollars in acid-free holders such as 2x2 flips, coin capsules, or archival-quality albums. Always handle coins by the edges and wear gloves to avoid fingerprints and corrosion. Keep your collection in a cool, dry environment to prevent tarnishing or humidity damage.
Start Your Peace Dollar Collection with GOVMINT
Whether you’re just starting or adding an elusive date to your existing collection, GOVMINT offers an expertly curated selection of Peace Silver Dollars for sale. Choose between ungraded gems and options certified by top-tier grading services.
Explore Peace Dollars for sale at GOVMINT and take the next step in building a historic Silver Peace dollar collection of your own.
References:
https://www.govmint.com/coin-authority/post/complete-guide-to-storing-your-coin-collection
https://coinweek.com/1928-peace-dollar-a-collectors-guide/
https://coinweek.com/1921-peace-dollar-a-collectors-guide/
https://coinmintages.com/peace-dollars-mintage/
https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/peace-dollar-1921-1935/26
https://www.money.org/story-behind-the-peace-dollar/
https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/morgan-and-peace-silver-dollar-coins/
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