The Peace Dollar is a United States dollar coin struck from 1921 to 1928 and 1934 to 1935, then resumed briefly from 1934-1935 before silver dollar coinage ended. The 1934-S Peace Dollar is an important date among the series demanded by collectors because of its rarity and unique characteristics. It was designed by Anthony de Francisci, the coin was the development of a competition to find designs symbolic of peace.
Its obverse side has the head and neck of the Goddess of Liberty in profile. The reverse side of the coin has a bald eagle at rest clutching an olive branch and with the legend “Peace”. It was the last United States dollar coin in silver to be struck for circulation.
In this article, you can explore A complete guide of 1934-S Peace Dollar.
Introduction to the 1934-S Peace Dollar
The 1934-S Peace Dollar is one of the rarest coins in the Peace Dollar series from 1921 to 1928 and 1934 to 1935. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 1,011,000 coins. While this is not the lowest mintage in the series, the coin’s rarity in uncirculated condition has made it very demand among numismatists.
This coin was minted in silver dollar production after a five-year hiatus and marks an important date in American numismatic history.
Mintage and Circulation
- Mintage: 1,011,000
- Mint: San Francisco (S mintmark)
- Material: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
All coins were struck after October 26, 1934. The majority entered circulation, and only a few were preserved in mint-state condition. Despite hopes of finding these coins in the Treasury Department releases during the 1960s, collectors were disappointed by their absence.
Market History and Auction Highlights
The 1934-S Peace Dollar gained recognition as a key coin within a decade of its release. By 1945, it fetched $4.50 at auctions, a significant sum. Here’s how its value evolved:
- 1945: Sold for $4.50 in the F.C.C. Boyd Collection auction.
- 1950: Listed at $15 in the Red Book, quadruple the price of the 1921 Peace Dollar.
- 1976: A dealer offered $11,500 for a roll of brilliant uncirculated (BU) coins.
- 1978: GEM BU examples sold for $2,500 each.
In recent years, the coin has commanded record-breaking prices:
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions (2019): $79,313 for a PCGS MS66+ CAC coin.
- Heritage Auctions (2024): $55,200 for a lustrous coin graded PCGS MS66+ CAC.
Noteworthy Examples and Population Reports
The coin is known for its low survival in mint-state grades, with bag marks and weak strikes being common issues. Some top examples include:
- PCGS MS66+ CAC:
- Heritage Auctions (2024): $55,200 with vivid toning in gold, green, and magenta.
- Legend Rare Coin Auctions (2021): $70,500 for a brilliant example.
- NGC MS67: A single coin exists but failed to meet a reserve price of $75,000 in 2020.
Varieties and VAM Designations
- VAM-3 (Doubled Die Obverse, Doubled Tiara):
- Features doubling on Liberty’s tiara.
- Notable sales: $45,600 (PCGS MS66 CAC) at Heritage Auctions in 2024.
- VAM-4 (Doubled Die Reverse):
- Doubling visible on “PLURIBUS” and sun rays.
- Notable sales: $6,612 (PCGS MS65) in 2011.
Design Features
Obverse
- Miss Liberty’s Bust: A left-facing Liberty wearing a radiant tiara symbolizing freedom.
- Inscription:
- “LIBERTY” at the top.
- “IN GOD WE TRUST” spread across the lower field.
- Date (“1934”) below Liberty’s bust.
- Designer: Anthony de Francisci’s monogram (“AF”) appears below Liberty’s neck.
Reverse
- American Bald Eagle:
- It is perched on a rock with an olive branch, symbolizing peace.
- Facing the sunrise represents hope for peace.
- Inscriptions:
- “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top side of the coin.
- “ONE DOLLAR” near the eagle’s tail.
- “PEACE” at the bottom.
- Mint Mark: An “S” for San Francisco appears below the denomination.
Specifications
- Country: United States
- Year of Issue: 1934
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Mintage: 1,011,000
- Alloy: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.10 mm
- Edge: Reeded
Rarity and Collectability
The 1934-S Peace Dollar is the rarest in mint-state condition. Its value increases significantly in higher grades, with MS66 and above extremely scarce. Problems like bag marks and weak strikes add to its collectability and challenge.
Conclusion
The 1934-S Peace Dollar is a treasure among American coins, blending history, rarity, and artistic design. It is a must-have for dedicated Peace Dollar collectors, reflecting the end of an era in U.S. silver dollar production. Its high auction prices and limited mint-state examples ensure it remains a cornerstone of numismatic collections worldwide.