1923 United States Peace Sterling Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, San Francisco, or Denver branches). Designed by Anthony de Francisci, an Italian-American sculptor chosen through a competition by the Commission of Fine Arts.
Pattern: Peace Dollar series (1921-1928, 1934-1935). This is the 1923 issue, which is one of the most common dates in the series.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, San Francisco, or Denver branches). Designed by Anthony de Francisci, an Italian-American sculptor chosen through a competition by the Commission of Fine Arts.
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver). Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches). Standard Weight: 26.73 grams. Thickness: 2.4 mm.
Description
The 1923 Peace Dollar is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history. Featuring Anthony de Francisci's iconic Art Deco rendition of Lady Liberty, the coin was struck to celebrate the end of the 'Great War'. This specific specimen shows moderate toning and circulation wear consistent with a coin that survived the pre-depression era.
Key Features
Radiant crown on Liberty, 'V' in 'TRUST' (a stylistic choice by the designer), and the 'PEACE' inscription on the reverse. 1923 is noted for having a high mintage, making it accessible to collectors.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver). Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish. Features Liberty in profile with a radiant crown (obverse) and an eagle perched on a rock holding an olive branch with the word 'PEACE' (reverse). Style is Art Deco/Neoclassical.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', '1923' on obverse. Designer's monogram 'AF' located at the base of Liberty's neck. Mint marks (S or D) would be on the reverse above the eagle’s tail; absence indicates Philadelphia.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a government mint using hydraulic presses. The planchet (blank) was struck between obverse and reverse dies within a collar to create the reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge to prevent clipping or shaving of the silver; legal tender for one US dollar; circulated currency.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a coin; however, it is currently housed in a 2x2 cardboard and mylar staple-closure flip for protection.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent strike quality for a mass-produced coin; clear lettering and distinct profile lines characteristic of early 20th-century US Mint precision.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles for the date, specific 'AF' monogram placement, and correct diameter relative to the 2x2 holder. Genuine wear patterns on high points (hair, cheek).
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Most likely Philadelphia (no mint mark), though Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) also produced coins this year.
Era & Period
Interwar Period (1920s), specifically the 'Roaring Twenties'. Designed to commemorate the peace following World War I.
Age Estimate
Dated 1923; exactly 101 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American sentiment of isolationism and peace following WWI. It was the last silver dollar struck for circulation in the US before the bullion-only era.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (Circulated). Visible surface bag marks, light tarnish/patina, and softening of the hair detail above the ear. Overall structural integrity is solid with no major gouges.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $35.00 (based on silver spot price plus a small collector premium for common circulated dates).
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Cleaning removes the original 'mint luster' and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in the current PVC-free mylar flip to prevent further tarnish.
Similar Pieces
1921 Morgan Silver Dollar (older design), 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar (rarer/valuable), and post-1986 American Silver Eagles (bullion).
Interesting Facts
The model for Lady Liberty was the designer’s wife, Teresa de Francisci. The 1921 high-relief version proved too difficult to mint, leading to the lower-relief design seen here in 1923.