Peace Dollar represents As the era of the Morgan dollar came to an end in 1921, the U.S. Mint began work on a new coin honoring America’s role in ending World War I. The result was the Peace dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci. His depiction of Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a rising sun crowning her was a symbol of optimism and strength. On the reverse, a bald eagle perched on a rock was shown holding an olive branch, leaving no doubt—this coin was a symbol of peace, not war.
The Peace dollar was not mandated by Congress—it was born out of public sentiment and numismatic advocacy. In fact, the American Numismatic Association played a major role in proposing the concept.
Why Collect Peace Dollars?
Peace dollars combine artistry, silver content and historical symbolism like few other coins.Peace Dollar represents Here’s why collectors are drawn to them:
- Historical resonance – A tribute to the end of World War I and the beginning of modern America.
- Attractive design – A departure from militaristic symbols, with soft features and graceful lines.
- Silver content – Each coin contains 0.77344 troy ounces of silver.
- Limited run – Minted from 1921 to 1935, none were produced during the Great Depression (1929-1933).
- Accessibility to collectors – Many coins are affordable, while others – such as high-grade 1921 and 1928 specimens – can be prized possessions.
Where to Begin: Starting Your Peace Dollar Collection
KNOW THE KEY DATES
Some Peace Dollars are harder to find or more valuable than others. Notable examples include:
- 1921 (High Relief): The first year of issue; struck in high relief and only at the Philadelphia Mint.
- 1928 (Philadelphia): The lowest mintage of the series with only 360,649 coins produced.
1934-S: Often difficult to find in higher grades and commands a premium in AU or better.
Fun Fact: The 1921 Peace Dollar was struck in high relief, resulting in rapid die wear. Peace Dollar represents The design was lowered in 1922 for mass production.
2. UNDERSTAND MINT MARKS
Peace Dollars were produced at three mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver (D)
- San Francisco (S)
The mint mark can be found on the reverse, below the word “ONE” and left of the eagle’s tail feathers, near the rim. Peace Dollar represents Want help spotting mint marks? Download our free Mint Mark Reference Guide.
FOCUS ON GRADE AND EYE APPEAL
Peace Dollars are often found in circulated condition, but uncirculated examples—especially with strong luster and minimal marksare highly desirable.
- Common Circulated Grades: Good (G), Very Fine (VF), Extremely Fine (XF)
- Investment-Grade: Mint State (MS-60 to MS-65+), with higher premiums for 1921 and 1928
Look for coins with clean fields, sharp detail, and natural toning. Avoid harshly cleaned coins—they lose both eye appeal and value.