1922 Peace Dollar United States Sterling Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia), designed by Anthony de Francisci. De Francisci was an Italian-American sculptor whose design won a competition by the Commission of Fine Arts.
Pattern: Peace Dollar Series, 1921-1935 (briefly 1964). 1922 is the first year of the low-relief design change.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia), designed by Anthony de Francisci. De Francisci was an Italian-American sculptor whose design won a competition by the Commission of Fine Arts.
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm; Weight: 26.73 grams; Thickness: 2.4 mm.
Description
This 1922 Peace Dollar represents a pivotal moment in American numismatics, transitioning from the classical Morgan design to a modern Art Deco aesthetic. It features a left-facing profile of Liberty with flowing hair and a spiked crown, symbolizing victory and peace. The surface shows a light golden patina often seen on vintage silver stored in albums or envelopes.
Key Features
Low-relief design (standardized after the 1921 high-relief issues proved difficult to strike), 'V' in 'TRUST' following Latin tradition, and the absence of a mint mark.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Low-relief striking. Obverse features Lady Liberty with a radiant crown; Reverse features a bald eagle perched on a rock holding an olive branch with the word 'PEACE'. The style is definitive Art Deco.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (indicating Philadelphia). 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRVST' (Latin spelling) on obverse. Designer's monogram 'AF' near the neck of Liberty.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using standardized steel dies and high-pressure steam/electric coin presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting and to prevent 'clipping' of silver; legal tender for one US dollar.
Handle & Grip Details
None; round numismatic form intended for circulation or specimen holding.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck with precision. While a mass-produced item, the design level of the die engraving shows high artistic merit characteristic of the Renaissance of American Coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Weight, diameter, and reeding are primary indicators. The alignment of the '1922' numerals and the specific texture of Liberty's hair are consistent with authentic strikes.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint. Traditional American minting standards of the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Interwar Period / Art Deco (1920-1941). Specifically minted to commemorate the peace following WWI.
Age Estimate
Dated 1922; 102 years old since production.
Cultural Significance
Commissioned to celebrate the end of the 'Great War' (WWI), it became a symbol of American isolationism and postwar prosperity during the Roaring Twenties.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (VF-XF). Obverse shows significant wear on the hair above the ear and the tips of the crown rays. Surface displays scattered contact marks and a warm yellowish oxidation/tarnish. Grade: Circulated.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $35.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by current silver spot prices plus a small numismatic premium for its grade.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean with chemicals; cleaning silver coins destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Morgan Silver Dollar (different design, same metal content), 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar (sharper detail, more valuable), 2021/2023 Peace Dollar Commemoratives (Modern .999 silver).
Interesting Facts
The model for Lady Liberty was the designer’s wife, Teresa de Francisci. 1922 is the most highly produced year in the series with over 51 million struck at Philadelphia alone.