Grading the Peace Dollar
The Peace dollar (1921-1935, revived 2021) is a large 90% silver coin designed to mark peace after World War I. To grade it, look at the hair over Liberty's ear and the eagle's feathers, these high points wear and strike weakly, especially on the dramatic high-relief 1921. The 2021 coins are a different. 999 fine silver product, not the old 90% alloy.
At a glance
| Years | 1921-1935; revived 2021 |
|---|---|
| Designer | Anthony de Francisci. |
| Denomination | One dollar (silver) |
| Specifications | Vintage: weight 26.73 g; diameter 38.1 mm; reeded edge. 1921 (and a little of 1922) struck in very high relief. 2021 revival: 0.858 oz silver, 38.1 mm. |
Composition over time
| Period | Composition |
|---|---|
| 1921-1935 | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| 2021 revival | 99.9% silver (NOT the vintage 90/10 alloy); not struck in high relief |
Where wear shows first
- Obverse: the ridge of vertical hair over Liberty's ear
- Reverse: where the eagle's wing meets its leg, and the eagle's feathers
Common weak-strike areas
- Central devices, Liberty's hair over the ear and the eagle's feathers, are typically weak, especially on the 1921 High Relief
Strike designations
No official Full Head/Full Bands-type designation; strike is described narratively.
Common problems
- Weak central strikes (hair over ear); cleaning; die-struck counterfeits
Counterfeit & alteration risks
- 1921 High Relief is a frequent target; NGC counterfeit indicators include odd proof-like fields, raised lumps on devices, pitting around letters, and excess thickness on non-silver fakes
For the advanced grader
Central weakness on the hair over the ear and eagle is common, so distinguish strike from wear; the 1921 High Relief is especially soft and short-lived in die life. Watch for die-struck fakes (odd prooflike fields, raised lumps, pitting) and weigh non-silver fakes. Keep the vintage 90% silver coin distinct from the 2021 .999 revival.
Photographic examples
Click any image to enlarge and zoom. Where shown, obverse, reverse, and edge views are of the same coin and year.
Same coin: 1921 Peace dollar (high relief, first year)
Sources: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) · Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) · United States Mint · Coin World
Evidence pages
Related terms
Weak Strike · Luster · Contact Marks · Counterfeit · Cast Counterfeit