Peace Silver Dollar Value
1921–1935 · $1 · 90% silver, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $28.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $32.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $38.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $65.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $195.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $975.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 | High relief only — visually distinct from all later issues | $100–$2,000 |
| 1928 | Lowest Philadelphia mintage of the series | $150–$2,500 |
| 1934-S | Key San Francisco date | $80–$1,500 |
| 1925-S | Semi-key San Francisco issue | $45–$500 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Anthony de Francisci
- Years
- 1921–1935
- Denomination
- $1
- Composition
- 90% silver, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 38.1 mm
- Weight
- 26.73 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Peace Silver Dollar: History & Background
The Peace Dollar was designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci as a celebration of peace following World War I. The obverse depicts a radiant Liberty, modeled after de Francisci's wife. The reverse shows an eagle perched on a rock with the word PEACE — the only US coin to explicitly reference peace. The 1921 Peace Dollar was struck in high relief only and is notably different from subsequent years. Production ended in 1935 as the Depression reduced demand for silver dollars.
How to Grade a Peace Silver Dollar
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Peace Silver Dollar Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Peace Silver Dollars is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $28.00 in Poor to $65.00 in Uncirculated — a 2× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $195.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Peace Silver Dollar series has 4 notable key dates. The 1921 is valued at $100–$2,000, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 90% silver, 10% copper and a weight of 26.73g, the Peace Silver Dollar carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When silver prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Silver Dollar (38.1mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Peace Silver Dollar
The Peace Silver Dollar (1921–1935) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, this $1 coin was struck in 90% silver, 10% copper with a diameter of 38.1mm and weight of 26.73 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Peace Silver Dollar series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $38.00 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 4 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Peace Silver Dollar in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $195.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Peace Silver Dollar valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Peace Silver Dollar: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Peace Silver Dollar worth today?
A Peace Silver Dollar (1921–1935) is worth between $28.00 in Poor condition and $65.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $38.00. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $195.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of silver.
▶What is the most valuable Peace Silver Dollar?
The most valuable Peace Silver Dollar is the 1921 — high relief only — visually distinct from all later issues. This date is valued at $100–$2,000 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Peace Silver Dollar?
Grading a Peace Silver Dollar starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$38.00) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$65.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Peace Silver Dollars?
For common-date Peace Silver Dollars in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Peace Silver Dollar?
Yes. Known Peace Silver Dollar errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Peace Silver Dollar is real?
Authentic Peace Silver Dollars weigh 26.73 grams and measure 38.1 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 90% silver, 10% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Peace Silver Dollar the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Peace Silver Dollars are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $33.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1921 command large premiums; (3) Silver spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Peace Silver Dollars were made?
The Peace Silver Dollar was produced from 1921–1935. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1921 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Peace Silver Dollar?
Never clean a Peace Silver Dollar or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Peace Silver Dollar a good investment?
Peace Silver Dollars in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic silver value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Peace Silver Dollar dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.