Peace Dollars (1921-1935)

Silver Peace Dollars: A Tribute to Harmony (1921-1935)

The Peace silver dollar, designed by Anthony DeFrancisci, was first minted in December 1921 as a tribute to the peace following World War I, a concept promoted by Farran Zerbe. The obverse features Miss Liberty wearing a diadem, with LIBERTY above and IN GOD WE TRUST alongside the date below. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a rock, clutching a laurel branch, with PEACE inscribed underneath, framed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM above.

Initially, high-relief coins were produced in 1921 and some in 1922, but due to striking difficulties, the design was modified to a shallower relief starting in 1922. The series continued through 1928, with additional minting in 1934 and 1935. A notable episode occurred in 1964 when the Denver Mint struck 316,076 Peace Dollars, all of which were destroyed before release, leading to rumors of a few surviving pieces.

While there are no extreme rarities in this series, the 1928-P is considered the key date, commanding a significant premium even in well-circulated grades. Many San Francisco issues, particularly the 1927-S and 1928-S, are difficult to find in high Uncirculated grades. Common issues from 1921 through 1925 are relatively easy to obtain, but sharply struck Uncirculated pieces with full luster and minimal marks are quite scarce.