1924 $1 Peace Silver Dollar PCGS MS67+ (CAC)

Here is an absolutely stunning example of one of the most beautiful designs in American numismatics. Please take a close look at the images provided. Attractive gold, russet, green, and red patina is found on both sides near the rim. PCGS has graded 13 as MS67+ with only one finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $40,000.00 in MS67+. In CAC, there are 42 in MS67/67+ with one finer.

Ron Guth writes in PCGS Coinfacts of this issue: “the big drop-off in the population comes at the MS-67 level. Luster on the 1924 Peace Dollar ranges from soft, frosty (almost granular surfaces) to a bright, flashy luster. Generally, the strike is good, with none of the weakness associated with coins from the Denver and San Francisco mints (especially the latter). The overall eye appeal and above-average quality of the 1924 Peace Dollar make it an excellent choice for type collectors.”

It was after World War I that public opinion favored the creation of a silver dollar that would symbolize the end of conflict between the world powers, one that would promote the desire of Americans to live in peace. The American Numismatic Association (ANA), guided by their official historian, Farren Zerbe, worked tirelessly to prepare a bill to present to Congress so that it would consider the creation of a design of the new "Peace" dollar.

Due largely to the herculean efforts of the ANA, on May 9, 1921, a joint resolution was introduced to Congress that advanced the idea that such a coin be designed to honor the end of the "War to End All Wars." Because of governmental delays, however, it was not until November of 1921 that nine artists were asked to create designs for the new coin. They were given only three weeks to submit their designs, and a mere four days after that to craft models of their sketches. The winning design was by Anthony de Francisci, an Italian immigrant who used his young wife as the model.

Anthony de Francisci, the artist who crafted the beautiful Peace dollar design, and his wife Teresa, who served as model for Liberty upon it. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Upon its release, a newspaper in Philadelphia wrote, "Liberty is getting younger. Take it from the new 'Peace Dollar,' put in circulation yesterday, the young woman who has been adorning silver currency for many years, never looked better than in the 'cart wheel' that the Philadelphia Mint has just started to turn out. The young lady, moreover, has lost her Greek profile. [Hellenic] beauty seems to have been superseded by the newer 'flapper' type." Numismatic author Q. David Bowers writes, "In my opinion, the design is one of the most beautiful in American numismatics.... Peace dollars evoke a nostalgic era in United States history."