A famous silver coin known as the 1928-S Peace Dollar was struck in San Francisco in 1928 to mark the end of World War I and the subsequent peace. The coin’s obverse has a beautiful design of Lady Liberty with a brilliant tiara, which represents light and hope. The reverse shows a beautiful falcon holding an olive branch while perched on a rock, with the sun rising in the distance in the background.
Peace and strength are embodied in this design. The 26.73-gram coin is made up of 90% silver and 10% copper. It is defined as a traditional work of numismatic art by its 38.1-millimeter diameter and reeded edge. In 1928, 1,632,000 of these Peace Silver Dollars were struck by the San Francisco Mint.
History of 1928-S Peace Dollar
First issued in 1921, the Peace Dollar series ran until 1928 before making a brief comeback in 1934 and 1935. These coins were commonly utilized as legal money, especially during the challenging Great Depression of the 1930s and the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties. Peace Dollars are extremely demanded by collectors because only an estimated 16% of all Peace Dollars have survived in any condition over time.
The Peace Dollar is the only silver dollar made especially to honor peace, giving it a special place in American history. Collectors frequently strive to collect examples from each year of mintage because of its very small production.
What is the 1928-S Peace Dollar?
Coins of MS-60 to MS-63 state are more extensively available, however, MS-64 and MS-65 coins are extremely rare. This coin was listed as one of the top three rarest Peace Dollars in high-grade Mint State by famous numismatist Wayne Miller in his 1982 study, The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook. The 1928-S might be the rare Peace Dollar at the MS-65 level, according to my research.
The coin frequently has a weak striking, particularly on the reverse, because of sufficient die pressure during the minting process. High-quality examples are extremely hard to find because bag marks are another common issue. Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) have designated fewer than 100 coins as MS-65. Only one coin has achieved an MS-66 grade from each grading service.
Specifications of the 1928-S Peace Dollar
- Country: United States of America
- Year of Issue: 1928
- Denomination: One Dollar (USD)
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 1,632,000
- Alloy: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.10 millimeters
- Edge: Reeded
- Obverse Designer: Anthony de Francisci
- Reverse Designer: Anthony de Francisci
- Strike Type: Business Strike
How Much is a 1928-S Peace Dollar Worth?
According to the NGC Price Guide, the value of circulation 1928-S Peace Dollars is estimated to be $34 to $200 as of December 2024, according to their condition. On the other hand, coins in perfect, uncirculated condition may be sold for much more on the open market; premium examples can be for up to $50,000. Using a Coin Value Checker can give collectors who want to know the exact value of their coin a precise estimate based on current market trends.
What are Common and Rare 1928-S Peace Dollar Errors?
The story of the 1928-S Peace Dollar is enhanced by the unique feature of errors. They are more desirable to collectors since some are quite rare, while others are rather common.
Common Errors:
- Doubled Die Obverse:
- This error occurs when certain details on the obverse, such as the lettering or the date, appear slightly doubled due to a misaligned die.
- Weak Strike:
- A common issue with the 1928-S Peace Dollar is weakly struck details, especially around the edges and on the reverse design.
Rare Errors:
- Missing Design Element:
- Rare instances include coins missing significant design details, such as a letter from “PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- Cuds Error:
- This occurs when a raised portion of the coin blank distorts the design, resulting in an incomplete or misshapen image.
- Off-Center Strike:
- Coins struck off-center exhibit a portion of the design missing on one side, making them highly collectible.
- Doubled Die Reverse:
- Although less common than the obverse error, some 1928-S coins show a doubling on the reverse.
Key Points to Remember:
- Professional grading is crucial for identifying and authenticating errors. Services like PCGS and NGC are highly recommended.
- The rarity and value of an error depend on its type and severity. Consulting a numismatist can help assess authenticity and potential value.
The Mystery of the 1928-S Peace Dollar No Mint Mark
The 1928-S Peace Dollar is famous for its condition rarity and issues like bag marks. Some forgers have even been known to file off the “S” mintmark to pass these coins off as the Philadelphia-minted 1928 Peace Dollar, which is a key date in the series.
How to Collect and Protect the 1928-S Peace Dollar
To collect and protect the historical and monetary value of a 1928-S Peace Dollar:
Consider Professional Grading:
Grading services like PCGS and NGC provide an unbiased assessment of a coin’s condition, ensuring its value is accurately determined.
Proper Storage:
Use protective coin holders or airtight capsules to prevent damage from handling, moisture, or air exposure.
Handle with Care:
Always handle coins by the edges to avoid fingerprints or scratches on the surface.
Conclusion
The 1928-S Peace Dollar is a cherished piece of American numismatic history, symbolizing the nation’s desire for peace after World War I. With its elegant design, historical significance, and rarity in higher grades, it is a treasure for both collectors and history enthusiasts. Whether you are drawn to its beautiful design, intrigued by its errors, or captivated by its scarcity, the 1928-S Peace Dollar remains a remarkable piece worth preserving and celebrating.