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Vintage GuideBy Coin Curator11 min readUpdated Report a correction

Peace Dollar Collecting Guide

Struck to mark peace after World War I, the Peace Dollar is one of the most attainable classic US silver dollars, a complete date set is within reach, and a handful of keys give it depth.

Bottom Line: The 24-coin regular series (1921-1935) is easy to complete in circulated grades for a modest sum. The 1921 High Relief, the low-mintage 1928, and the condition-rarity 1934-S are the dates that make it interesting.

The series at a glance

Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Dollar ran 1921-1928 and 1934-1935 (with a modern 2021 revival). The reverse's perched eagle and the word PEACE made it a deliberate contrast to the martial designs that came before. Most dates are common and trade close to bullion-plus in circulated grades, which makes the keys stand out.

The key dates

DateWhy it matters
1921 High ReliefFirst year, struck in high relief only, a one-year type within the series.
1928 (Philadelphia)Lowest mintage of the series (~360,000), the blue-chip key.
1934-SCommon in low grade but a major condition rarity in mint state.
1927-D, 1924-S, 1925-SBetter dates that get tough, and pricey, in higher grades.
1934-DA semi-key with strong demand in mint state.

How to collect them

A circulated date set

One possible goal is each date and mintmark in a consistent circulated grade range. Build the budget from current exact-date records, especially for key and better San Francisco issues.

A mint-state type or short set

Strike quality varies a lot on Peace Dollars, so for MS coins, eye appeal and a full strike are worth paying for. The 1921 High Relief and a sharp common-date MS-65 make a beautiful two-coin showcase.

Buy the keys graded

For the 1928 and high-grade S-mints, stick to PCGS/NGC slabs, strike and grade swing the price enough that certification pays for itself. More on which grade to buy.

Browse Peace Dollars

See the Peace Dollars in our catalog, each links to current graded listings across the major marketplaces.

View the Peace series →

Storage & handling

Silver dollars tone fast in the wrong holder. Air-Tite capsules sized for 38mm dollars or PVC-free Saflips keep surfaces original, and a Dansco album displays the 24-coin date set as it fills in. See our collector gear guide →

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