1922 Peace Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically minted at Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) was the primary producer in 1922.
Pattern: Peace Dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, introduced in 1921 and produced until 1928, and again in 1934-1935.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically minted at Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint (no mint mark) was the primary producer in 1922.
Material
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches); Weight: 26.73 grams; Thickness: 2.4 mm.
Description
The 1922 Peace Dollar is an iconic piece of American numismatic history. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the coin depicts a youthful Lady Liberty on the obverse, modeled after the artist's wife, Teresa Cafarelli de Francisci. This specific piece displays a circulated 'Very Fine' to 'Extremely Fine' grade, characterized by flattened hair details and wear on the high points of the crown, yet it retains a bold date and clear legends.
Key Features
The radiant crown of Liberty, the low-relief design characteristic of the 1922 issue, and the 'PEACE' inscription on the reverse rock. The 1922 is the most common year in the series.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver; 90% Silver and 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original mint luster with a satin-to-matte appearance. The obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown; the reverse features a bald eagle perched on a rock holding an olive branch with the word PEACE. This specific example shows circulating wear and natural gray toning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 1922. Reverse: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR, and PEACE. Artist's monogram 'AF' is visible near the neck truncation.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a silver planchet using high-pressure steam or electric presses. The 1922 issue transitioned from the high-relief of 1921 to a low-relief design to improve die longevity and stackability.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting and to prevent 'clipping' of the metal. Designed as legal tender currency for the United States.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as it is a coin; however, it is currently housed in a BCW brand protective acrylic snap-case with a black foam insert.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent low-relief die work intended for mass production. The design successfully captures the Art Deco aesthetic of the 1920s through the stylized rays of the crown and the sleek eagle profile.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (approx 26.7g) and diameter (38.1mm) are standard. Features correct lettering fonts and 'AF' designer initials. Reeding on the edge appears consistent with US Mint standards. The wear pattern is consistent with genuine circulation.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Most 1922 dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) to satisfy the requirements of the Pittman Act of 1918.
Era & Period
Interwar Period / Early 20th Century (1920s). The design celebrates the end of World War I, reflecting the 'Peace' sentiment of the era.
Age Estimate
Dated 1922 (102 years old).
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American isolationism and peace following the horrors of the Great War. It represents the last of the 'True' silver dollars intended for general circulation in the U.S. before the currency was detached from precious metals.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. Visible surface scratches, contact marks, and moderate tarnish/toning across the fields. No evidence of harsh cleaning, though light circulation wear has softened the hair lines and crown peaks. Grade estimate: VF (Very Fine).
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $35.00 USD based on current silver spot prices and numismatic premium for a common-date circulated piece.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish, as this removes the numismatic value. Keep in the current PVC-free acrylic holder to prevent further environmental oxidation or scratches.
Similar Pieces
1921 Morgan Silver Dollar (traditional design), 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar (sharper detail, more valuable), or modern American Silver Eagles (pure .999 silver).
Interesting Facts
The 1922 Philadelphia mintage of over 51 million remains the highest single-year mintage of any silver dollar in U.S. history. The model for Lady Liberty was the designer's 22-year-old wife.