1922 Peace Dollar
After briefly being struck in high relief, starting with the 1922 Peace Dollar, the design was modified and coins were struck in lower relief. This change was made to eliminate the problem of excessive die breakage and allow the coins to be stacked properly. With a full year of production possible, mintage levels rose significantly, making this year’s issues some of the most available.
The 1922 Peace Dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint had a mintage of 51,737,000, which would represent the high mark for the series. The coins remain abundant in grades through MS65, with availability dropping at grades MS66 and higher.
The Denver and San Francisco Mints struck Peace Dollars for the first time this year, with production of 15,063,000 and 17,475,000, respectively. The 1922-D is typically well struck, but often seen with lengthy die cracks. These usually appear near the base of Liberty’s neck, but may extend upwards into the left field. These do not effect the grade and are not generally viewed as a detraction. The 1922-S is usually weakly struck and bag marked, as would be the case for most San Francisco Mint issues of the series. This issue commands a significant premium in grades MS65 and higher.
1922 Peace Dollar Mintage and Specifications
Mintages: 51,737,000 (Philadelphia), 15,063,000 (Denver), 17,475,000 (San Francisco)
Designer: Anthony de Francisci
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Weight: 26.73 grams
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Edge: reeded
