Peace Dollar Paydays- Which Dates Break The $10,000 Barrier?

The Peace Dollar, minted from 1921 to 1935, stands as one of the most iconic and beloved American silver dollars ever produced.

Designed by Anthony de Francisci to commemorate the end of World War I, the coin features the radiant profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic bald eagle perched on a rock with an olive branch on the reverse.

Its powerful imagery symbolized peace, strength, and hope for a nation stepping into a new era.

For most collectors, a typical Peace Dollar trades close to its silver bullion value or a modest premium depending on grade.

However, not all Peace Dollars are created equal. Certain rare dates, low mintages, unique varieties, and high-grade examples can shatter expectations, regularly crossing the $10,000 price barrier at auctions.

These coins are prized not only for their scarcity but also for their role as condition rarities, where even a slight improvement in grade can multiply their market worth dramatically.

Why Peace Dollars Can Be Worth Over $10,000

Not every Peace Dollar is valuable, but some factors push certain coins into five-figure territory:

• Low mintage numbers – fewer coins struck means higher rarity.
• High-relief designs – such as the 1921 issue, which had a short production run.
• Condition rarity – certain mint years are common in circulated condition but extremely rare in Gem Mint State.
• Collector demand – key dates are highly sought after, which pushes auction prices higher.

Peace Dollars That Break the $10,000 Barrier

1. 1921 High Relief (Philadelphia)

The first-year issue was struck in high relief, giving it incredible design detail. In Mint State 66 and above, it can command $15,000–$20,000 or more.

2. 1922 High Relief (Proof/Specimen)

A few experimental strikes were made in high relief. These are extremely rare and have been known to sell for well over $100,000, making them the holy grail for collectors.

3. 1928 (Philadelphia)

The lowest mintage Peace Dollar, with fewer than 400,000 coins struck. In MS66, it regularly exceeds $10,000, with some selling for over $25,000.

4. 1928-S (San Francisco)

While not rare in circulated grades, true Gem Mint State examples are almost impossible to find. MS65 coins can fetch $12,000–$15,000.

5. 1925-S

Another condition rarity, especially tough in high grade. In MS65, this coin has sold in the $15,000–$30,000 range.

6. 1927 (Philadelphia)

In lower grades it is affordable, but in MS66, it can break the $10,000 mark easily.

7. 1934-S

One of the last years of issue, and a key condition rarity. In MS65, sales have crossed $11,000.

Quick Reference

Date/Mint	Why It’s Valuable	Grade for $10k+	Value Range
1921 (P) High Relief	First-year, special relief	MS66–MS67	$15,000–$20,000+
1922 High Relief (Proof/Specimen)	Ultra-rare trial strikes	Any	$100,000+
1928 (P)	Lowest mintage	MS66	$25,000+
1928-S	Condition rarity	MS65	$12,000–$15,000
1925-S	Difficult in Gem	MS65	$15,000–$30,000
1927 (P)	Rare in Gem	MS66	$10,000–$20,000
1934-S	Late series rarity	MS65	$11,000+

How to Know if You Have a Valuable Peace Dollar

• Check the date and mintmark carefully. Key dates are often overlooked in collections.
• Evaluate the condition. Coins with minimal wear, bright luster, and strong strikes bring the most money.
• Get professional grading. Submitting coins to PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity and unlock top-market values.

The Peace Dollar series offers collectors both beauty and investment potential. While most coins are affordable, dates like the 1921 High Relief, 1922 High Relief Proof, 1928, 1928-S, 1925-S, 1927, and 1934-S can break the $10,000 barrier when found in exceptional grades.

If you have one of these coins, it could be far more valuable than you realize—grading and proper evaluation are the keys to uncovering its true worth.

FAQs