Silver dollars minted in the United States between 1921 and 1935 bore the legend of Peace on the reverse side and became known as the Peace Dollar. Created following World War I, the War to End All Wars, it was a time when everyone simply wanted a return of peace to their daily lives and hope for the future.

Designed by Anthony de Francisci, his wife, Teresa, was reportedly used as the model for Miss Liberty on the obverse side. On the reverse an eagle standing on a rock is awash in rays of the sun. The motto Peace is on the rock the Eagle stands on.

First produced late in 1921, production of the silver Peace Dollar continued through 1928. Unfortunately demand for silver coins was low and production was halted in 1928 and resumed for only a short time in 1934 and 1935.

The Peace Silver Dollar is very collectible. They are the last big US silver dollars to be minted of 90 percent silver. It only takes 24 date and mint mark combinations to build a complete set.

Putting together a complete collection of all mint marks is relatively inexpensive even in the upper grades when compared to the earlier Morgan and Trade dollars. It’s possible to find many dates, certified by PCGS, NCG or ANACs, reasonably inexpensive prices. Those looking only for certified coins can view them in the Certified Peace Dollar section.

If your goal is to complete a set at the highest grade levels the price goes up significantly. At MS66 and above prices skyrocket quickly. According to the current PCGS Price Guide no silver Peace dollars have been graded above MS67.

Raw coins can be found for less than $50. Obviously you must be willing to accept lower grades. I have found some very nice coins at coin shops and on eBay that would certainly be graded by the better grading services if submitted.

Rumors abound that several thousand silver Peace Dollars were minted in 1964 but all were allegedly recovered and destroyed by the U.S. mint and the existence of a handful in private hands has never been confirmed. There’s a great story there about politics and government skullduggery.

Take some time to get to know your local coin store owner and coin clubs, develop a few contacts through the many coin forums and auctions on the Internet and you’ll be able to find these great coins for very reasonable prices. Enjoy the search for your collection. In the right hand column you’ll find links to the various listings.

You’ll find the circulated mintage of each years coins on that years individual page. The best place to start is at the beginning, the silver 1921 Peace Dollar.