The U.S. silver dollar has a fascinating story, going back to the first coinage act of the new nation in 1792. As the unit on which all U.S. currency would be based, the dollar got a lot of attention—and more than a little controversy—about its design over the course of our country’s history.
Design Symbolism Debates and Production
Most people wanted the dollar to represent the ideals of the nation, and after the horrors of the First World War, no wish was stronger than that for peace. However, that desire wasn’t always embraced by the U.S. Mint’s designers, newspapers, and politicians. The original Peace dollar design had an American bald eagle perched on a broken sword and olive branch, indicative, at least in the designer’s mind, of the wish for enduring peace. But many sources, including an influential newspaper, pointed out that a broken sword is more commonly a symbol of defeat, a message that a nation fresh from victory should not be sending.
After a few days of wrangling over the symbolism, a new design with the sword removed was rushed into production to meet a congressional deadline set in the Pittman Act.It required the mint to produce millions of silver dollars beginning in 1921 to meet a serious undersupply of the dollar coin in circulation. The existing Morgan dollar design was used for initial production until the new design was ready.
1921-35 Silver Peace Dollar Strikes
The first Peace dollar was struck on December 28, 1921, with just over a million coins bearing the 1921 date. Production of the coin ceased in 1928, when the requirements of the Pittman Act were met. Roughly 7 million more were produced in 1934 and 1935. Production of silver dollars ceased in 1935 until the Eisenhower dollar was introduced in 1971. The 1935 Peace dollar was the last U.S. dollar coin to be struck in silver.
Beautiful Coin for the Holiday Season
Its controversial design history notwithstanding, the Peace dollar that emerged is a beautiful coin. Its face has the head of the Goddess of Liberty facing left in profile. “Liberty” is engraved over her head, and “In God We Trust” flanks her neck. On the coin’s reverse, a bald eagle perches atop an olive branch on a mountaintop, the rays of a rising sun radiating from the lower right.In a season dedicated to peace, we can’t think of more appropriate gifts than these beautiful coins.
The Great American Coin Company® is delighted to offer 1922-1935 90% silver Peace dollars in grades from Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) to Extra Fine (EF) for collectors along with circulated and cull-quality coins to hold for their historical and bullion values. These coins are available individually or in bags of 100, whatever your needs may be.But act now for holiday shopping because demand for these items is high and some may sell out quickly.
These Peace dollars are just part of Great American Coin’s extensive selection of currency from around the world as well as collectible U.S. coins and paper currency. We keep adding unique collectibles as they become available, so be sure to visit us frequently for year-round shopping.