Description
The Silver Peace Dollar is a silver coin that was minted by the United States from 1921 to 1935. It holds a special place in American numismatic history as it was struck to commemorate the end of World War I and promote peace. Here’s a brief history of the Silver Peace Dollar:
Origin and Design: The Silver Peace Dollar was introduced following the conclusion of World War I, which officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The coin was the result of a competition held by the United States Mint to design a commemorative coin that would symbolize peace and reflect the post-war sentiments.
The winning design was created by Anthony de Francisci, an Italian-American sculptor. The obverse (front) of the coin features the profile of Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown, representing freedom and peace. The reverse (back) depicts an eagle perched on a rock, holding an olive branch, symbolizing peace, in its talons. The coin also bears inscriptions such as “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “PEACE,” and the year of mintage.
Mintage Years and Varieties: The Silver Peace Dollar was minted from 1921 to 1935, excluding the years 1922, 1924, 1925, and 1927. During its production, there were a few variations and changes:
- High Relief (1921): The initial mintage of the Peace Dollar in 1921 featured a high-relief design, which means the design elements were deeply struck into the coin. However, this caused production difficulties, and the relief was subsequently lowered to a more practical level for regular coinage.
- Low Relief (1922-1935): Starting in 1922, the design was modified to have a lower relief, making it easier to strike the coins. The lower-relief version continued to be minted until the end of the series in 1935.
Significance and Legacy: The Silver Peace Dollar holds both historical and cultural significance. It was struck as a representation of peace and served as a commemorative coin to honor the end of World War I. The coin’s design embodies the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Silver Peace Dollar is also notable for its silver content. Each coin contains 90% silver and 10% copper, with a total silver weight of 0.7734 troy ounces. This makes it a popular choice among both coin collectors and investors who value the intrinsic precious metal content.
In 1935, the production of the Silver Peace Dollar was halted, and it was followed by the introduction of the commemorative Silver Peace Medal in 1971, which was awarded to individuals who made significant contributions to peace efforts.
The Silver Peace Dollar remains a beloved and sought-after coin among collectors and numismatists due to its historical significance, artistic design, and silver content. It serves as a reminder of the United States’ pursuit of peace and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the early 20th-century peace movement.
