1921 $1 Peace, Satin Finish PR

Designer: Anthony de Francisci. Weight: 26.73 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper (net weight .77344 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 38.1 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mint: Philadelphia.

Key to Collecting: You can opt not to include the 1921 Peace dollar as a separate type, but I recommend that you add this interesting issue. The obverse and reverse are both in high relief, quite unlike the later issue, and thus even at quick glance constitute, in my opinion, a different type. Circulated coins are available easily enough, but I suggest that a low-grade Mint State piece is a better option. Most pieces have deep rich luster. Typical grades are up through and including MS-63 and MS-64, with finer pieces being elusive.

Note: For Peace-design dollars struck under the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act, see the end of chapter 19.

Aspects of Striking and Appearance: All examples seen have some lightness of strike at the hair details at the center of the obverse, the portion of the hair that covers the ear. Sometimes the outlines of the neck truncation can be irregular or lightly struck as well. On the reverse, the details of the eagle, particularly the areas in the higher relief just behind the eagle’s neck, are often indistinct.

Proof Coins: A few Sand Blast Proofs were made of this year, perhaps a couple dozen. Be very careful, and if you are contemplating a purchase, consult with a trusted professional numismatist. In addition to the foregoing, somewhat fewer than a dozen Proof 1922 High Relief pieces of this design exist.