Peace Dollars

The United States Peace dollar coin was minted in the early 1920s as a symbol of peace and reconciliation after the tumultuous period of World War I. It was designed by renowned sculptor Anthony de Francisci, who won a national competition to create the coin’s design. The Peace dollar was first issued in 1921, replacing the Morgan dollar, which had been in circulation since 1878. The coin featured a striking depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse side, wearing a radiant crown with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed, and rays of light surrounding her head. The reverse side featured a majestic bald eagle perched on a rock, with an olive branch in its talons and the word “PEACE” inscribed above. The Peace dollar had a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a weight of 26.73 grams. It was minted in various locations, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

The Peace dollar’s issuance faced some initial challenges, with controversies surrounding the design, including concerns about the depiction of Lady Liberty and the eagle’s appearance. However, it soon gained popularity among collectors and the general public for its symbolic representation of peace and hope in the aftermath of a devastating global conflict. The coin was issued annually from 1921 to 1928, and then again in 1934 and 1935. However, production was halted in 1935 due to the passage of the Pittman Act, which required the melting of millions of silver dollars to help stabilize the price of silver. Many Peace dollars were melted down, making certain years and mintmarks scarce and valuable for collectors.