The Peace Silver Dollar is a cherished American coin that symbolizes a time of hope and change. Originally minted to celebrate the end of World War I, this historic coin has captivated collectors for its beauty, rarity, and symbolic message of global peace. Today, certain rare Peace Silver Dollars are worth a fortune, with the top five fetching prices that add up to an impressive $1.5 million.
Let’s explore the five most valuable Peace Silver Dollars, their unique characteristics, and why collectors prize them so highly.
What is the Peace Silver Dollar?
Minted from 1921 to 1935, the Peace Silver Dollar was designed by Italian-American sculptor Anthony de Francisco. The coin’s obverse displays a graceful portrait of Lady Liberty, while the reverse features an eagle resting atop a mountain, clutching an olive branch—a powerful symbol of peace.
Although millions were produced, only certain dates and variations have become extremely valuable due to their rarity and historical importance.
1. 1935 Peace Dollar (Proof) – Worth up to $750,000
The 1935 Peace Dollar Proof is the ultimate gem of the Peace Dollar series. Only a handful of proof specimens were struck, and these coins were never intended for general circulation.
Crafted with an immaculate mirror-like finish and stunning details, the 1935 Proof is one of the rarest Peace Dollars. Today, a well-preserved example can be worth up to $750,000.
- Key Features: Extremely limited production, flawless proof finish, high collector demand.
2. 1928 Peace Dollar – Worth up to $350,000
The 1928 Peace Dollar stands out as the lowest mintage coin in the series, with only 360,649 pieces produced. Many of these coins were melted down, making them incredibly rare today.
In top-grade condition, the 1928 Peace Dollar can fetch as much as $350,000, especially among collectors aiming to complete their collections.
- Key Features: Lowest mintage, high demand, rarity in uncirculated condition.
3. 1927-S Peace Dollar – Worth up to $180,000
The 1927-S Peace Dollar, minted in San Francisco, is another highly valued coin due to its scarcity in mint state. While 800,000 were produced, most of these coins saw heavy use and wear.
As a result, finding a pristine 1927-S Peace Dollar can be challenging, with high-grade examples reaching up to $180,000.
- Key Features: Low mintage, heavy circulation, difficulty in finding high-quality examples.
4. 1934-S Peace Dollar – Worth up to $125,000
The 1934-S Peace Dollar is difficult to locate in top condition. Though over 1 million were minted, most were heavily circulated, leading to a limited supply of well-preserved coins. A 1934-S Peace Dollar in Mint State can bring in up to $125,000 due to its scarcity in high grades and strong collector interest.
- Key Features: Scarcity in top grades, San Francisco Mint origin, historical appeal.
5. 1921 Peace Dollar (High Relief) – Worth up to $100,000
As the first year of the series, the 1921 Peace Dollar is iconic for its high-relief design, which made it challenging to mint.
This unique feature resulted in production issues and a smaller supply compared to other years. A well-preserved 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar can be valued at $100,000 due to its historic and visual appeal.
- Key Features: High-relief design, low mintage, strong visual impact.
Top 5 Most Valuable Peace Silver Dollars
| Rank | Peace Silver Dollar | Value (Up to) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1935 Peace Dollar (Proof) | $750,000 | Ultra-rare proof coin, flawless finish |
| 2 | 1928 Peace Dollar | $350,000 | Lowest mintage, high collector demand |
| 3 | 1927-S Peace Dollar | $180,000 | Low mintage, scarcity in high grades |
| 4 | 1934-S Peace Dollar | $125,000 | Scarce in high grades, San Francisco Mint |
| 5 | 1921 Peace Dollar (High Relief) | $100,000 | High-relief design, first year of issue |
What Factors Make Peace Silver Dollars So Valuable?
Several aspects contribute to the high value of Peace Silver Dollars, particularly those at the top end of the market:
- Rarity: Peace Dollars with low mintage numbers or that are challenging to find in good condition are more valuable. The 1928 Peace Dollar and the 1935 Proof Peace Dollar are prime examples.
- Condition (Grade): A coin’s grade is crucial in determining its value. Mint State (MS) coins in pristine condition, particularly those graded MS65 or higher, command premium prices.
- Historical Significance: The Peace Dollar commemorates the end of World War I and symbolizes global peace, adding an extra layer of appeal for collectors. Coins from significant years, like the first and last production years, hold special value.
- Mint Marks: Coins minted at the San Francisco Mint, identified by an “S” mint mark, are generally rarer in high grades compared to those from Philadelphia or Denver.
FAQs
The rarity, historical significance, and condition of Peace Dollars make them valuable. Coins with low mintage numbers or those in exceptional condition can command high prices.
Factors like the year, mint mark, and coin condition play a significant role. Coins from key years, such as 1921, 1928, and 1935, tend to be more valuable, especially if they are in high grades.
A high-relief coin has design elements that are more raised from the surface, creating a more detailed and visually striking appearance. The 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar is especially prized for this reason.
Yes, Peace Dollars from the San Francisco Mint, like the 1927-S and 1934-S, are often rarer in high grades due to fewer well-preserved examples, making them more valuable.
Proof coins are specially made for collectors with a polished, mirror-like finish and sharp details. The 1935 Peace Dollar Proof is an extremely rare example, worth up to $750,000.
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