1921-1935 Peace Dollar Values
Determining the current price of silver coins is a straightforward process once you know the silver content of the coin and the current market price, often referred to as the silver spot price.
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $29.87 | $29.87 | $298.71 |
1921-1935 Peace Dollar
The Peace Dollar, minted from 1921 to 1935, was designed by Anthony de Francisci to symbolize peace after the devastation of World War I.
The Peace Dollar was the last U.S. silver dollar intended for circulation and contains 90% silver, making it valuable for its silver content and numismatic significance.
Design and Specifications
- Obverse (front): The profile of Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown, modeled after Anthony de Francisci's wife, is featured.
- Reverse (back): Depicts a bald eagle perched on a rock, holding an olive branch, with the word "PEACE" inscribed below.
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Silver Content: 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches)
- Edge: Reeded
- A standard silver dollar bankroll contains 20 coins, equivalent to $20 face value, and 15.468 troy ounces of silver.
Mint Marks and Mints
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- Denver ("D")
- San Francisco ("S")The mint mark, when present, is located on the reverse just below the eagle's tail feathers.
Key Dates and Rarity
Specific years and mint marks of the Peace Dollar are more valuable due to their low mintage or condition rarity. Here are some key dates and varieties:
- 1921 High Relief: This was the first year of the Peace Dollar series, struck in high relief, making it highly sought after by collectors.
- 1928-P: Known for its low mintage, the 1928 Peace Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint is the rarest regular-issue coin in the series and is especially valuable in higher grades.
- 1934-S: Another key date with a relatively low mintage, making it one of the more valuable Peace Dollars, particularly in high grades.
Value Calculation
A Peace Dollar's value depends on its silver content and numismatic value. Here's how to calculate the intrinsic silver value:
For example, if silver is priced at $25 per troy ounce:0.7734 × $25 = $19.34 (silver melt value).
However, in good condition, most Peace Dollars have significant collector value beyond their silver content.
Special Editions and Proof Coins
No Proof Coins were issued for circulation during the original production run from 1921 to 1935. However, some 1921 and 1922 high-relief coins were struck as proofs for presentation purposes, and these are extremely rare and valuable.
In 2021, to celebrate the centennial of the Peace Dollar, the U.S. Mint released a special 2021 Peace Dollar in a high-relief design, but this is a modern issue and not part of the original series.
Values in Various Conditions
For common-date Peace Dollars (non-key dates), values typically range based on condition:
- Good (G) to Fine (F): $25-$35 (close to silver melt value for common dates)
- Very Fine (VF): $35-$50
- Extremely Fine (XF): $50-$75
- About Uncirculated (AU): $75-$125
- Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS60-MS63): $125-$200 for common dates
- MS64-MS65: $200-$400 for common dates in higher mint-state grades
Key Dates and High-Grade Examples
- 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar:
- In Good (G) condition, it's worth around $100-$150.
- In Mint State (MS64-MS65), it can fetch $2,000-$3,000+.
- 1928-P (Key Date):
- In Good (G) condition, it's worth around $300-$400.
- In Mint State (MS65), it can be worth $5,000-$6,000 or more.
- 1934-S Peace Dollar:
- In Good (G) condition, it's worth $50-$100.
- In Mint State (MS65), it can fetch $3,000-$4,000+.
Auction Records
High-grade Peace Dollars and rare varieties have commanded significant prices at auction:
- 1922 High Relief Peace Dollar (MS67): Sold for $132,250 at auction in 2014.
- 1921 Peace Dollar (MS66+): Sold for $120,000 in 2021.
- 1928-P Peace Dollar (MS66): Sold for $89,125 at auction in 2005.
Investment Potential
Peace Dollars are considered a solid investment for several reasons:
- Silver Content: As 90% silver coins they have intrinsic value that rises and falls with the price of silver, providing a hedge against inflation.
- Numismatic Value: Many Peace Dollars, especially key dates like the 1921 High Relief and 1928-P, carry significant premiums due to their rarity and collector demand. Even common dates in high mint-state grades can be valuable.
- Historical Appeal: The Peace Dollar commemorates the end of World War I and has artistic and historical significance, making it appealing to collectors and investors alike.
- Limited Supply: The Peace Dollar series was short-lived, making it more desirable as an investment than other longer-running coin series.
While less widely collected than the Morgan Dollar, Peace Dollars are gaining popularity, and key dates or high-grade examples can be appreciated over time.
The 1921-1935 Peace Dollar is a valuable and historic coin series that appeals to collectors and investors. Its value depends on silver content and numismatic factors, with key dates and high-grade coins commanding significant premiums. While finding them through coin roll hunting is rare, they are widely available through dealers, and certain coins from the series offer strong investment potential.
US Mint Silver Coin Values
| Description | Face Value | ASW | Silver Value | Per $1 Face Value | Per Bankroll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel | 1942-1945 "War Nickel" | $0.05 | 0.0563 | $2.17 | $43.49 | $86.97 |
| Roosevelt Dime | 1946-1964 Roosevelt Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.76 | $27.61 | $138.07 |
| Mercury Dime | 1916-1945 Mercury Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.76 | $27.61 | $138.07 |
| Barber Dime | 1892-1916 Barber Dime | $0.10 | 0.0715 | $2.76 | $27.61 | $138.07 |
| Washington Quarter | 1932-1964 Washington Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.90 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916-1930 Standing Liberty Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.90 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| Barber Quarter | 1892-1916 Barber Quarter | $0.25 | 0.17875 | $6.90 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| 40% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1965-1970 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.147893 | $5.71 | $11.42 | $114.23 |
| 90% Kennedy Half Dollar | 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.81 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| Franklin Half Dollar | 1948-1963 Franklin Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.81 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916-1947 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.81 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| Barber Half Dollar | 1892-1915 Barber Half Dollar | $0.50 | 0.3575 | $13.81 | $27.61 | $276.13 |
| 40% Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1976 Eisenhower Silver Dollar | $1.00 | 0.3161 | $12.21 | $12.21 | $122.08 |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 Peace Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $29.87 | $29.87 | $298.71 |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1904 & 1921 Morgan Dollar | $1.00 | 0.77345051 | $29.87 | $29.87 | $298.71 |
Calculating Silver Coin Values
Coin melt value refers to the intrinsic value of the precious metal contained within a coin. It's the intrinsic value of the metals if a coin were sent to a refinery and melted down to recover the metal. The melt value is primarily determined by the metal's weight and purity and is calculated based on current market trading prices for the metal.
Most circulated junk silver coins are composed of an alloy containing 90% pure silver. Others may have a specific weight and purity denoted on them. This high silver content gives them a significant intrinsic value based on the current spot price of silver. Silver's weight is measured in troy ounces, which differ from the more common avoirdupois ounce used to measure most other goods in the U.S. An avoirdupois ounce contains roughly 28.35 grams, but a troy ounce contains roughly 31.1035 grams.
Silver Coin Melt Value Calculator
Determining the current price of silver coins is quick and easy. Simply enter the quantity of each coin denomination below and click the calculate button. The values are instantly calculated based on today's silver spot price.
Potential Numismatic Value
Beyond the silver content, pre-1965 silver coins may also have numismatic value for collectors. The melt value doesn't consider the numismatic or collector value that a coin might have. Specific key dates, mint marks, or conditions can make some coins worth significantly more than their melt value. Collectible coins may be worth more than their melt value due to rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand from collectors.
If you have questions about whether a coin has numismatic value, you can visit a local coin store in your area for a professional appraisal.
Silver Coin Melt Values
Historically, investors have utilized silver as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. As a tangible asset, silver can help preserve wealth over time. Many pre-1965 coins are valued for their 90% silver content.
By understanding the melt value, buyers can ensure they pay only a little over the intrinsic value. Melt value calculations require accurate information about the piece's purity and weight. Understanding these can help you verify that the silver coin you're buying is not counterfeit.
If your primary goal is to invest in precious metals, knowing the melt value allows you to assess the potential for profit or loss. You can track silver's market price and make informed decisions about buying or selling based on price.
When considering different forms of silver (e.g., coins vs. bars), knowing the melt value helps you compare them equally. For instance, you can compare the premium (the amount over melt value) you're paying for a coin to determine if it's a better or worse investment than a bar.
Silver investors often track their holdings' value to gauge their investment portfolio's overall performance. Knowing the is also important when selling.
Collector or numismatic coins derive much of their value from factors other than their melt value, such as rarity and historical significance.
