Silver Peace Dollar Values
How Much Peace Dollars are Worth: Peace Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $148 | $164 | $199 | $300 | $350 | $578 | $987 | $1,535.00 | $3,265.00 | $9,210.00 |
| 1922 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $51 | $73 | $94 | $455 | $591 |
| 1922 | D | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $56 | $61 | $155 | $220 | $538 | $1,494.00 |
| 1922 | S | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $50 | $67 | $112 | $269 | $1,275.00 | $22,000.00 |
| 1923 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $51 | $73 | $94 | $145 | $479 |
| 1923 | D | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $53 | $118 | $1,719.00 | $417 | $1,068.00 | $3,955.00 |
| 1923 | S | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $63 | $117 | $312 | $2,443.00 | $62,500.00 |
| 1924 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $51 | $80 | $100 | $193 | $2,409.00 |
| 1924 | S | -- | -- | $48 | $50 | $52 | $61 | $92 | $268 | $668 | $1,328.00 | $6,625.00 | $44,500.00 |
| 1925 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $51 | $73 | $94 | $151 | $504 |
| 1925 | S | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $50 | $55 | $66 | $144 | $379 | $797 | $35,995.00 | $82,500.00 |
| 1926 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $50 | $81 | $200 | $314 | $1,119.00 | $1,745.00 |
| 1926 | D | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $49 | $59 | $147 | $450 | $512 | $1,084.00 | $2,445.00 |
| 1926 | S | -- | -- | $48 | $48 | $48 | $48 | $54 | $92 | $250 | $371 | $891 | $3,025.00 |
| 1927 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $49 | $49 | $51 | $58 | $68 | $146 | $295 | $551 | $1,660.00 | $24,250.00 |
| 1927 | D | -- | -- | $49 | $49 | $50 | $71 | $120 | $400 | $796 | $1,405.00 | $3,308.00 | $30,550.00 |
| 1927 | S | -- | -- | $49 | $49 | $52 | $73 | $115 | $328 | $797 | $1,430.00 | $4,815.00 | $74,600.00 |
| 1928 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $226 | $241 | $254 | $350 | $318 | $510 | $1,379.00 | $1,200.00 | $3,720.00 | $25,825.00 |
| 1928 | S | -- | -- | $49 | $49 | $51 | $70 | $101 | $220 | $600 | $1,328.00 | $19,995.00 | $69,300.00 |
| 1934 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $49 | $50 | $51 | $55 | $71 | $154 | $284 | $422 | $2,009.00 | $3,335.00 |
| 1934 | D | -- | -- | $49 | $51 | $53 | $80 | $75 | $143 | $365 | $709 | $1,784.00 | $6,250.00 |
| 1934 | S | -- | -- | $50 | $66 | $77 | $148 | $450 | $2,915.00 | $6,610.00 | $8,285.00 | $9,820.00 | $33,770.00 |
| 1935 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $49 | $49 | $52 | $59 | $70 | $134 | $247 | $382 | $780 | $2,655.00 |
| 1935 | S | -- | -- | $49 | $50 | $54 | $73 | $118 | $300 | $650 | $1,929.00 | $1,615.00 | $4,290.00 |
History of the Peace Dollar
The Peace Dollar, struck from 1921 to 1928 and again from 1934 to 1935, represents one of the most significant chapters in American coinage. Conceived in the aftermath of World War I, the coin was designed to embody the nation’s transition from the ravages of war to the promise of peace. Created by Anthony de Francisci, a young Italian-American sculptor, the Peace Dollar captured the modern spirit of America through bold symbolism and design innovations that distinguished it from any coin before it.
The Peace Dollar came about due to the Pittman Act of 1918, which required the melting and recoinage of millions of silver dollars. When the Mint sought to replace the aging Morgan Dollar, de Francisci’s design was selected through a national competition. His obverse features Lady Liberty with flowing hair and a radiant crown, modeled after his wife, Teresa de Francisci. The reverse, depicting a bald eagle resting on a rock and clutching an olive branch, bears the word “PEACE”.
The first Peace Dollars were struck in high relief in 1921, giving the design a high-relief appearance, though production challenges soon required lower-relief modifications beginning in 1922. Over its brief ten-year production span (1921–1928 and 1934–1935), the Peace Dollar stood as both a circulating coin and a symbol of national optimism.
Rarest Coins in the Series
Although millions of Peace Dollars were minted, only a handful of dates and varieties are considered true rarities, significantly affecting Peace Dollar value among collectors. The most famous of these is the 1928 Peace Dollar, struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of fewer than 400,000 coins, it is the lowest-mintage business strike in the entire series. Well-preserved specimens can command prices well into the thousands.
Other standout issues include:
- 1921 High-Relief Peace Dollar: The inaugural issue, featuring de Francisci’s original, deeply engraved design. Its bold relief makes it visually stunning and one of the most collected coins in U.S. numismatics.
- 1934-S Peace Dollar: Has a mintage of just over one million, but notably scarce in high Mint State grades.
- 1922 Proof and Matte Specimens: Experimental strikes and presentation pieces that are exceptionally rare and highly coveted.
Collectors also prize varieties featuring die cracks, doubled dies, and weak strikes. These are all fascinating artifacts of the mint’s efforts to balance artistry with mass production.
Types of Collections
Collectors approach the Peace Dollar series in multiple ways, reflecting its manageable scope and historical depth. Some prefer complete date-and-mint-mark sets, which include Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) issues. Others focus on type sets, obtaining only a single high-relief 1921 example and a standard relief piece from later years to represent the series.
Specialized collectors may also pursue toned coins, proof-like examples, or variety sets that highlight minting quirks and die variations. Because of its relatively short production span and accessible price range, the Peace Dollar appeals equally to casual collectors and advanced numismatists.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginners, Peace Dollars offer a perfect entry point into classic American silver coinage. Common-date coins from the mid-1920s, such as 1922–1924, are widely available in circulated condition and often trade near their silver melt value, though uncirculated examples command notable premiums. These coins allow new collectors to own a tangible piece of history without a significant financial commitment.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, meanwhile, pursue top-graded or rare-date examples certified by grading authorities like PCGS or NGC. High-grade 1921 high-relief and 1928 Philadelphia issues are among the most prominent coins in any Peace Dollar collection. For specialists, the discovery of subtle die varieties or error coins adds a further layer of depth and intrigue to collecting.
Regardless of level, the Peace Dollar remains an appealing coin for anyone interested in design, symbolism, and the story of America’s post-war optimism.
Investment Potential
Beyond its historical significance, the Peace Dollar possesses a longstanding appeal to collectors and investors. Its 90% silver composition ensures intrinsic metal value, while its collectible demand offers additional long-term appreciation. Prices for rare and high-grade specimens have generally shown strong long-term demand, though coin values can fluctuate with market conditions.
Certain issues, like the 1921 High-Relief and 1928 Philadelphia coins, regularly achieve record auction prices, highlighting the Peace Dollar’s enduring importance as both a collectible and historical artifact. Modern revivals, such as the 2021 Peace Dollar commemorative issue, have further strengthened collector enthusiasm and awareness, reinforcing the coin’s status in the market.
For investors, the combination of silver content, historical appeal, and limited mintage offers a tangible, historically rooted asset that some collectors view as a historically backed tangible asset. Whether acquired for beauty or profit, the Peace Dollar value has remained strong among collectors, reflecting both its artistic brilliance and symbolic power.