You might want to take a moment and rummage through any old drawers or boxes of family heirlooms because sitting there could be a silver dollar that’s worth a small fortune. If you’ve ever come across a “Peace” silver dollar, you could own a coin that, in rare cases, has been valued at up to $132,000.
But what exactly is a Peace Dollar, and why is it so valuable? Let’s take a closer look.
A Coin Born from the End of War
The Peace silver dollar has deep historical roots. Following the chaotic events of World War I, everyone seemed to crave peace, and the United States wished to honor that hope. The minting of the Peace priestess began in the year nineteen twenty-one with the introduction of the Peace dollar. One side depicted the image of Lady Liberty, while the other showed a soaring, bright-eyed eagle, clearly illustrating the positive outlook on life and the inspired creativity of people at that moment in history.
These coins were produced in 1921 through 1928 and later in 1934 and 1935, thus making them quite rare when compared to the other coins produced during that period. Most of the Peace dollars were distributed for general circulation and therefore became very worn, but a few were saved intact, resulting in their current high price.
How Much Are Peace Dollars Worth?
If you’re lucky enough to own a Peace silver dollar, its value depends largely on its condition and rarity. According to experts, most Peace dollars that have been in circulation are valued primarily for their silver content. This means they might be worth around $150 to $300 if they show signs of regular use.
However, the real treasures are in the rarer versions of the coin. The 1928-P Peace dollar, for instance, is highly sought after due to its low mintage of only 360,000 coins. These can fetch upwards of $300 depending on condition, and in mint condition, they can go for much more.
The Holy Grail: The $132,000 Peace Dollar
The most sought-after piece in the Peace Dollar series is the exceedingly rare 1921 High Relief. Owing to its unique structure and the previously existing striking difficulties, the 1921 Peace Dollar has turned into a coveted item for the numismatic market. As a matter of fact, one such coin was sold for a staggering $132,000 in the year 2018.
Now, this particular instance should be considered an exception rather than the norm. There are Peace dollars valued in the thousands, and most of them will not be worth six figures. For instance, the 1928-S Peace dollar has a price tag of $16,500, while the 1925-S variety is valued at approximately 15,000 dollars.
Should You Check Your Collection?
Evaluating the worth of your Peace dollar can best be achieved by understanding its date and mint mark (found under the bird on the reverse side of the coin). For example, coins of the 1928-P, 25-S, or even 1921 editions can still be sold for a few thousand if condition permits. So, if you have an ancient collection, maybe it is time to get it out and wipe the dust off. Who knows? You may have a coin that is worth a fortune.
Assessing the value of your Peace dollar can most easily be achieved by looking at its age and the area where it was made (the region is shown directly underneath the eagle on the rear side of the coin). For instance, 1928-P, 1925-S, and even 1921 editions of the coins may still go for thousands if the state permits. So, if you happen to possess an antique collection, perhaps this is the right moment to get it out and clean the ceaseless layers of dust off it. Who knows? You might have a coin that has the potential to change your life for good.
