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Peace Dollars
The Peace Dollar was minted from 1921 to 1928 and again in 1934 to 1935. It’s one of the most famous coins the United States Mint has ever produced and the last true U.S. dollar coin that was struck for circulation in silver.
What Are the Lady Liberty Peace Dollars?
The obverse of the Peace Dollar shows the head and neck of the Goddess Liberty. Her profile features a shining crown resting upon beautiful, cascading hair. The reverse shows an American eagle clutching an olive branch, symbolizing peace.
The coin’s obverse also has the phrase “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed across the top. Other inscriptions read “ONE DOLLAR” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The Peace Dollar: Mint Marks
The U.S. mint year is also inscribed. The mint marks on this 1921 coin were “S” and “D.” The “S” signifies “San Francisco,” and the “D” stands for the Denver Mint.
If you check the left of the tail feathers and see no mark, it could have come from the Philadelphia Mint.
The grade will partly determine the coin’s value. While coin collectors might be able to identify certain issues, third parties like the NGC and the PCGS can give a more accurate reading.
Anthony de Francisci: The Man Who Designed the Peace Silver Dollar
The infamous designer of the Peace Dollar, Anthony de Francisci, was born in Sicily on July 13, 1887. His family immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old, and he later became a naturalized American at 26.
At the age of 34, Anthony de Francisci designed the artwork and modeled Lady Liberty’s features after his wife, Teresa de Francisci.
How Did the Morgan Dollar Get Replaced by the Peace Dollar?
The history of the first Peace Dollars goes back to the early 20th century. A major part of the creation of the silver Peace Dollar was the Pittman Act, which aimed to preserve precious metals like gold in the face of heightening global conflict.
After this, the U.S. Mint chose the Morgan Silver Dollar design and began striking silver dollars in 1921. Eventually, a lobby formed and asked the U.S. Mint to strike a coin that symbolized peace after World War I.
This lobby wasn’t successful in getting Congress to agree on a coinage redesign through legislation, but their attempt made an impact. In December of 1921, Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, largely moved by numismatist Farran Zerbe’s written appeal, approved the design proposed for the Peace Dollar.
Where Can You Buy Peace Dollars?
If you’re looking at a silver coin and aren’t quite sure what you have your hands on, Bullion Shark can help. Experts in coin collecting, Bullion Shark, is the top purveyor of rare coins and a source of numismatic information.
