The 1921 Peace Dollar is a limited edition version of the US Silver Dollar that was originally minted between 1921 and 1928; it was also minted in 1934-1935 and again in 1964. Even though there was a version of the Dollar that was minted in 1964 this coin never actually made it into circulation and it is thought that all of the coins that were struck at this time were actually melted down again. More information below:
1921 Peace Dollar Prices
After the end of the First World War the American public and government felt that it was fitting for a coin to be put into circulation that marked the end of the war and portrayed an image of peace. The current image of a broken sword was not popular with American public as they thought it was symbolic of defeat, not good for silver prices. So the American government at the time thought it was a good idea to launch a competition that asked for entrants to design a new emblem for the 1921 Peace Dollar that would portray the notion of peace. The first prize for the winner was $1500 and the runners up got $100 each.
The winner of the competition was a sculptor by the name of Anthony Francisci. His design depicted the American eagle holding an olive branch (the international symbol for peace). He was the youngest of all of the competitors and the design that was his brainchild had a bold and iconic design. The way in which the 1921 Peace coin was struck meant that it was minted in high relief and this made it look almost like a medallion in its form.
1921 Peace Value
He used his wife as his inspiration for the features for the Statue of Liberty that was featured on one side of the coin. It was highly fitting that he used his wife for this reason as she had come over to American from Italy as a child. In a letter from her to her brother she recalls how she was fascinated by the Statue of Liberty as the boat that she was on sailed passed, she was grateful and honored that she was linked with such an iconic symbol of Americanism and was proud of her involvement in the project. Although others do say that the only reason why Francisci used his wife was because he had not time to employ a model as the deadline of the competition loomed closer.
There was a scandal involving the artist who designed the Peace Dollar. Just before Minting it was released by the US Minting office that the reverse, back of the Peace Dollar there was an Eagle with a sword and an olive branch. Symbolizing strength and peace both in their duplicity. However, the sword was broken. At a time in the Unites States such as this we were a very sensitive people.
What is my 1921 Peace Coin worth?
Because of the Great War, very sensitive to symbols of our strength as a people. The broken sword meant to many citizens that the country was not quite whole, or broken, or not united. This was of course not the case. The artist and the Treasury decided to remove the sword altogether as a sign of goodwill. All of this took place in the month leading up to the coining and 1st minting of the 1921 Peace Dollar.