Peace Dollars: Key Dates, Errors & Pricing
Discover the rich history, rare varieties, key dates, and growing collector excitement behind Peace Dollars — America’s silver tribute to a new era of hope and prosperity after World War I.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page expert resource on U.S. coin collecting.
Why Peace Dollars Matter
Peace Dollars, minted from 1921 to 1935, aren’t just silver coins — they are historic emblems of America’s aspirations for peace after the First World War.
Created by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Dollar design is instantly recognizable:
- Obverse: A radiant Lady Liberty crowned in rays of sunlight.
- Reverse: A powerful eagle at rest atop a mountain, clutching an olive branch.
Collectors love Peace Dollars for:
🕊️ Art Deco Beauty — A bold new style, breaking from traditional designs.
🥈 Hefty Silver Content — 90% silver (0.7734 troy oz) in each coin.
🔑 Rare Dates and Varieties — 1921 High Relief, 1928 low mintage.
🧩 Exciting Errors — Doubled dies, weak strikes, off-center pieces.
🔥 Rising Popularity — Modern collectors are driving up prices fast.
Whether you’re stacking silver, building a registry set, or chasing VAM varieties, Peace Dollars offer historical significance, aesthetic beauty, and long-term investment potential.
Peace Dollar Values & Key Dates by Year
| Year | Mint Mark | Est. Value (Avg.) | Rare Variant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | No Mint | $150–$2,500+ | High Relief, First-Year Type |
| 1928 | No Mint | $300–$2,000+ | Lowest Regular Mintage |
| 1934-S | S | $150–$3,000+ | Scarce in High Grades |
| 1935-S | S | $150–$1,200+ | Final-Year Rarity |
| 1924-S | S | $100–$500+ | Striking Weakness |
✅ Tip: Peace Dollars graded MS65 and above often sell for 5x–10x their lower-grade counterparts!
Key Features of Peace Dollars
✨ Design
Created by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Dollar depicts Liberty wearing a radiating crown on the obverse and a powerful bald eagle perched with an olive branch on the reverse — an elegant blend of strength and peace.
🏛️ Historical Significance
The Peace Dollar was introduced after World War I to commemorate the end of global conflict and mark the peace between the United States and Germany.
🛠️ Mintage Periods
Peace Dollars were produced from 1921 to 1928, briefly paused, and minted again in 1934 and 1935. A modern reissue began in 2021 for collectors, reflecting their lasting appeal.
🥈 Composition
Original Peace Dollars are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing approximately 26.73 grams.
💎 Collection Appeal
Peace Dollars are prized by collectors for their striking design, historical meaning, and the challenge of finding high-grade examples, especially from the San Francisco Mint.
✅ Tip: Full strike details on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers sharply increase coin value!
Most Valuable Peace Dollars (Detailed Breakdown)
1. 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar — $150–$2,500+
- First-year issue with sharp, high-relief artistry.
- Striking these coins was difficult, making high-grade survivors scarce.
2. 1928 Peace Dollar — $300–$2,000+
- Only 360,649 minted — the lowest regular issue in the entire series.
- Essential to completing a Peace Dollar set.
3. 1934-S Peace Dollar — $150–$3,000+
- Especially rare in grades MS65 and higher.
- A tough find even for seasoned collectors.
4. 1927-D Peace Dollar — $100–$800+
- Lower survival rates at the Denver Mint.
- Well-struck examples bring solid premiums.
5. 1935-S Peace Dollar — $150–$1,200+
- Last year of issue for the Peace series.
- Highly sought after by final-year collectors.
Comparison: Peace Dollars vs Morgan Dollars
| Feature | Peace Dollar (1921–1935) | Morgan Dollar (1878–1921) |
|---|---|---|
| Theme | Hope and Peace After WWI | Industrial Growth of the U.S. |
| Obverse Design | Liberty with Crown of Rays | Liberty Head |
| Reverse Design | Resting Eagle with Olive Branch | Heraldic Eagle |
| Silver Content | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | Same |
| Key Rarities | 1921 High Relief, 1928, 1934-S | 1893-S, 1889-CC, 1895 Proof |
| Strike Quality | Tough Early Strikes | Generally Good |
| Collector Base | Growing Rapidly | Legendary Strong |
✅ GoldSilver Insight: Peace Dollars offer incredible opportunities for affordable rarity — Morgans are already pricey, but Peace coins are catching up fast.
Common Peace Dollar Errors and Varieties
🛠️ Top Peace Dollar Errors and Varieties:
- 1922 Weak D Mintmark — Lightly struck Denver mintmark (D).
- 1923 Doubled Die Reverse — Doubling on “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
- 1934 Doubled Die Obverse — Bold doubling on Liberty’s profile, highly collectible.
- Off-Center Strikes and Broadstrikes — Rare and premium-worthy when found.
✅ Error Tip: Graded and certified Peace Dollar errors can double or triple their market value!
Comparison: Common vs Rare Peace Dollars
| Year | Mint Mark | Typical Value | Rarity Level | Collector Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1922 | No Mint | $30–$50 | Very Common | Mass-produced post-WWI |
| 1924 | No Mint | $40–$100 | Common | Often well-struck |
| 1928 | No Mint | $300–$2,000+ | Ultra-Rare | Lowest mintage |
| 1934-S | S | $150–$3,000 | Rare in MS65+ | Registry Set Key |
| 1935-S | S | $150–$1,200 | Final Year Rarity | Last of the series |
How to Sell Peace Dollars
Step 1: Authenticate and Grade
- Key dates and mint errors = Professional grading (PCGS/NGC recommended).
Step 2: Choose Your Sales Platform
- eBay: Ideal for circulated and raw coins.
- GreatCollections: Perfect for MS63–MS65 coins.
- Heritage Auctions: Best for 1921 High Relief, 1928, and certified rarities.
✅ Selling Tip: Clear, high-resolution photos showing full strike details will help you sell faster and at higher prices.
How to Store and Preserve Peace Dollars
- Archival Materials: Store coins in acid-free holders, flips, or capsules — no PVC!
- Climate Control: Keep in low-humidity, cool places to prevent tarnishing.
- No Cleaning: Cleaning Peace Dollars erases value — toned coins are often worth more.
- Protect Natural Toning: Gentle, colorful toning can boost auction premiums by 20–50%.
✅ Bonus: “Rainbow toned” Peace Dollars are auction favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peace Dollars
What are Peace Dollars?
Peace Dollars are U.S. silver coins minted between 1921 and 1935. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, they feature a crowned Lady Liberty on the obverse and a resting eagle on the reverse, symbolizing America’s desire for peace after World War I.
Why are Peace Dollars collectible?
Peace Dollars are collectible due to their bold Art Deco design, 90% silver content, historical symbolism, and famous rarities like the 1921 High Relief and the 1928 low-mintage issue. Growing collector demand continues to drive up prices.
What is the rarest Peace Dollar?
The rarest regular-issue Peace Dollar is the 1928 Philadelphia coin, with only 360,649 minted. The 1921 High Relief issue is also highly sought after, especially in Mint State grades.
How much silver is in a Peace Dollar?
Each Peace Dollar contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. With their large size and 90% silver composition, Peace Dollars are prized both by stackers and collectors.
What is a 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar?
The 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar was the first issue of the series, struck with deep, bold designs. Because the striking process was difficult, many coins show soft details, making well-struck examples especially valuable.
How can I tell if my Peace Dollar is valuable?
Check for rare dates like 1921, 1928, and 1934-S. Condition matters — Peace Dollars graded MS63, MS64, and MS65+ are worth significantly more. Errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes can add major premiums.
What are common Peace Dollar errors?
Notable Peace Dollar errors include the 1922 Weak D Mintmark, the 1923 Doubled Die Reverse, and the 1934 Doubled Die Obverse. Off-center strikes and broadstrikes are also highly collectible.
Should I clean my Peace Dollar before selling it?
No! Cleaning a Peace Dollar destroys its original surfaces and sharply reduces its value. Collectors pay more for natural toning and original luster, even if the coin shows signs of age.
Where is the best place to sell rare Peace Dollars?
Rare Peace Dollars, especially graded ones, should be sold through platforms like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections. Common circulated coins can be sold effectively on eBay or through reputable local dealers.
Are Peace Dollars a good investment?
Yes, Peace Dollars offer a strong combination of historical value, silver bullion backing, growing collector demand, and relatively affordable entry points compared to Morgan Dollars. They’re a popular choice for both investing and collecting.