In the midst of the Roaring Twenties, a special silver coin made its debut: the coin we now recognize as the “Peace dollar.” Fast forward to the present day, and the question looms: does this vintage coin hold any significant value in our modern market?
Let’s embark on a journey, delving deep into the valuation of the 1925 silver coin. Along our way, we’ll uncover the unique characteristics that differentiate a coin from its peers and get a glimpse into the intricate history and artistry behind the creation of the Peace dollar.
Curious about the potential treasure you might hold in a 1925 silver coin? Let’s decipher its worth!
Contents
Valuation Guide for 1925 Silver Dollar
| Indicator | Superior Condition | MS63 Grade | MS65 Grade | Peak Condition (MS67) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 Silver Dollar (Standard) | $42 | $90 | $215 | $3,750 |
| 1925 Silver Dollar (S Variant) | $46 | $96 | $400 | Not Available |
The Tale of the 1925 Peace Coin
In the early 20th century, a special coin, later known as the “Peace dollar,” marked its place in the U.S. Mint’s legacy. This unique coin succeeded the Morgan dollar series, introduced to commemorate the tranquility that followed the devastating First World War.
Imagine a time when silver coins flooded the markets. Thanks to the Pittman Act of 1918, the scene took an intriguing twist. This legislation came into play to assist our friends across the Atlantic, the British. Why? The Germans, during the war, initiated a crafty narrative in India, suggesting the British Empire lacked the silver reserves to back their paper money.
This insinuation ignited a silver frenzy. People everywhere began amassing silver coins, causing its value to soar. This economic ripple risked undermining the British war operations. The U.S., in a gesture of solidarity, aided the British by offering them silver at a predetermined cost, even if it meant melting countless Morgan dollars.
To replenish the domestic silver supply, the U.S. Treasury made a strategic move. They began sourcing silver from national mines, fashioning new coins in its place. Think of it as the transformation of a butterfly: countless Morgan dollars morphing into the iconic Peace dollars. Between 1920 and 1933, a staggering 270 million such coins emerged.
But where did the inspiration for the Peace dollar arise? It seems a piece in The Numismatist might hold a clue. Penned by Frank Druffield, he cited a coin enthusiast, Farran Zerbe. Zerbe drew a poetic parallel: just as the surrender of silver dollars had fortified the war, their resurgence should symbolize the fruits of victory and harmony.
This novel concept did face hurdles, notably from Congressman James R. Mann of Illinois. Yet, a legislative loophole played in favor of the coin. Given that the Morgan dollar had been in circulation for over a quarter of a century, a green light from the Treasury Secretary sufficed for its successor’s birth.
1921 was a landmark year. Not only did the Peace dollar make its debut, but the U.S. also formalized peace with Germany, independent of the Treaty of Versailles.
By 1925, the Mint’s presses were in full swing, producing nearly 12 million of these symbolic coins. Philadelphia’s mint took the lion’s share, crafting over 10 million, with the rest hailing from San Francisco.
An Overview of the Iconic 1925 Peace Dollar
A Glimpse into the Front Side of the 1925 Peace Dollar
When one thinks of sculptors who have imprinted their vision onto currency, a brilliant yet young artist, Anthony de Francisci, comes to mind. By the tender age of 34, he had already left his mark with the crafting of a commemorative half dollar celebrating Maine’s centennial in 1920.
Imagine a setting where several seasoned coin designers were in a race against time, vying to etch their artistry on the 1925 silver dollar. Amidst this intense competition, Anthony’s conception emerged triumphant. The secret? He drew inspiration close to home – quite literally. His wife, Teresa, became the muse for his rendition of Lady Liberty.
Picture this: Morgan dollar had previously featured Liberty, inspired by Anna Willess Williams, who was hesitant to be the face. But for Teresa, this role held deep resonance. As a young girl, she arrived in the US on a ship, catching her first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. Overwhelmed by emotion, she mimicked the statue’s stance to her family. To her, being portrayed as Liberty on the Peace dollar wasn’t just a role; it was the embodiment of a cherished memory.
In a subtle artistic twist, Anthony chose to modify Teresa’s features, giving a more elongated touch to her face. This ethereal depiction of Liberty, on the Peace dollar, showcases her gazing towards the left. The winds playfully tousle her hair, and her lips seem to whisper tales of freedom. Hovering above her, one can spot the engraving “Liberty”, while the historical year of issue rests beneath. Parallel to the gentle curve of her neck runs the profound declaration, “In God We Trust”, split on either side. Not to forget, Anthony’s artistic signature finds its place subtly beneath.
Unveiling the 1925 Silver Dollar’s Past
On examining the Peace dollar from 1925, one can see the fingerprints of Francisci, a master of his craft. Picture this: An elegant eagle, symbolizing the very essence of America, stands proud atop a stone with the word “Peace” etched upon it. Beneath its claws, an olive branch signifies peace.
However, Francisci’s initial visualization for this coin was different. Imagine an eagle, not of serenity, but of power and might, clutching a shattered sword. It was the embodiment of a nation that was ready to fight but chose peace. Yet, when Raymond T. Baker, the man helming the Mint, reviewed this design, he suggested a significant alteration. He visualized both, the olive branch and the fragmented sword, side by side.
The press soon caught wind of this design. Unexpectedly, the shattered sword, intended to represent peace, was perceived as a symbol of national defeat. As the storm of controversy brewed, Baker was en route to the San Francisco Mint, rendering him unreachable. In his absence, Mary Margaret O’Reilly, the stand-in Director, tried to salvage the situation, but her efforts were in vain. Ultimately, the Treasury Undersecretary, Seymour Parker Gilbert, took matters into his hands and decided to erase the sword from the narrative.
Now, a new challenge arose – to seamlessly erase the sword without leaving a trace. This task fell to George T. Morgan, the Mint’s foremost engraver. With his unparalleled skill, he made modifications so intricate that it took nearly nine decades for the world to spot them.
Diving Deeper into the 1925 Silver Dollar
With a diameter spanning 38.1 mm and a weight of 26.73 grams, the 1925 silver dollar carries a legacy. Constituted of a blend of 90% silver and a mere 10% of copper, the coin’s edge is adorned with intricate ridges.
Interestingly, the design of the Peace dollar underwent a refinement in 1921. To enhance its longevity, the elevated portions of the coin were subtly recessed, offering them protection against the ravages of time. As a result, the 1925 version is noticeably more subdued in its relief when juxtaposed with the inaugural 1921 design. Not to mention, Liberty’s diadem underwent its own transformation, with its prongs becoming slenderer and more defined.
A Deep Dive into the 1925 Silver Dollars
The Tale of the 1925 Philadelphia Minted Silver Dollar
Did you know that 1925 saw a surge in the creation of Peace dollars? Indeed, these coins were minted in such vast numbers that finding one today in a regular condition is hardly a challenge. Those pristine pieces, untouched by wear and tear, while not exorbitantly priced, can fetch a neat sum if they represent the peak of minting perfection.
The illustrious Philadelphia mint took it upon themselves to craft over 10 million of these shimmering coins. Should you come across a 1925 silver dollar sans any specific mintmark, it’s a souvenir from Philadelphia. While the intrinsic value of the silver cannot be denied, these coins, for the most part, aren’t going to make you a millionaire overnight.
Enter the esteemed coin evaluators – the PCGS. According to their assessments, a coin in a splendid condition, akin to a vintage car kept in impeccable shape, might fetch you around $42. As the coin’s condition ascends towards perfection, so does its price, albeit staying within the two-digit realm, until we touch the pristine condition of MS63, which could earn you close to $90.
It’s beyond the MS67 grade that the rarity of this dollar soars. Imagine owning a coin so rare that only 24 others like it exist, assessed at MS67+. Such a coin’s worth catapults to a staggering $28,500. And if we talk about the crown jewel – a solitary piece at MS68 – this exquisite coin last found a new home in 2011 for an impressive $89,125. However, today’s estimate places it even higher, at $95,000.
The Enigma of the 1925 San Francisco Minted Silver Dollar
Shifting our gaze to the west, San Francisco had a different tale to tell in 1925. Their mintage was distinctly less abundant, with the number slightly exceeding 1.6 million, a mere fraction compared to their Philadelphia siblings. Owing to this rarity, if your coin sports the San Francisco mintmark, you’re in for a treat as it possesses a slightly elevated value.
As per the PCGS, a coin preserved as if locked in a time capsule since 1925 from San Francisco is evaluated at $46. This is marginally higher compared to its eastern counterpart. The pricing difference remains relatively stable until you reach the MS63 grade. At this juncture, the San Francisco minted coin, owing to its rarity, demands a price of around $400, nearly doubling its Philadelphia counterpart.
When we ascend to the MS65 echelon, the San Francisco coin’s value skyrockets due to its limited presence. With only 54 graded at this level by the PCGS, each could command a whopping $40,000. The pinnacle of this collection, a singular MS65+ graded coin, changed hands in August 2022, fetching a breathtaking $132,000 at auction.
A Glimpse into the Rich Tapestry of the 1925 Silver Dollar
In the numismatic realm, the 1925 silver dollar holds a special place, akin to its predecessors – the Morgan dollars. These coins come bearing distinctive markers, endearingly referred to by coin aficionados as “VAM numbers”. These identifiers trace their lineage back to two remarkable researchers, Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis, who bequeathed the numismatic world with an unparalleled catalog of these varieties.
The 1925 edition, minted in the historic Philadelphia Mint, is particularly intriguing. This variant has six unique markers. Some of these peculiarities include a subtle scratch on the headdress of Lady Liberty or the inexplicable absence of a singular ray on the coin’s reverse side. Another intriguing observation? An uncanny twin impression on the eagle’s shoulder.
Now, journeying to the west, the 1925 silver dollar from San Francisco offers its own trio of idiosyncrasies. Here, one might observe the coin’s reverse side bearing a replicated pattern, or perhaps even spot the majestic eagle displaying a mirrored wing.
Diving Deeper: The Mystique of the 1925 Philadelphia Mint’s Tiara Mark
Ranked among the “Top 50” in the Peace Dollar catalog, this variety is nothing short of a treasure trove for the discerning collector. One must harness the power of a magnifying tool to uncover this secret. Direct your gaze just above the band of Liberty’s crown. And if you wish for a guiding star, let the “B” in “Liberty” be your north.
Now, should you be lucky enough to possess a coin of this lineage graded MS60, a handsome sum of roughly $65 awaits you. But the value escalates exponentially with the coin’s quality. There are a select few that have achieved the MS66 grade, fetching a princely sum of $700 each. And there’s a singular gem graded MS66+, its value, a mystery yet to be unraveled.
The Enigma of the Double-Stamped Eagle
Another gem from the Philadelphia Mint of 1925 sits proudly among the Top 50 VAMs. The eagle’s glorious form on the reverse side hides a secret. A keen eye might discern a shadow – a doppelganger of the rays adorning the bird.
In the world of coin trading, an MS60 grade of this variation could make you richer by about $85. And for those with a penchant for exclusivity, a singular coin exists, graded MS66. This coin, last seen under the hammer in 2013, was acquired for a sum just under $400. But today, it’s a treasure estimated to be worth $750.
The Enigma of the 1925 (P) VAM 1T (5) Variant
Delve into the world of coin collecting and you’ll come across a fascinating anomaly – a 1925 dollar that appears to have a ray amiss just adjacent to the regal eagle’s talons. Upon closer scrutiny, using sophisticated magnification tools, you’ll notice not only this absence but also another ray near the magnificent bird’s shoulders, fainter and more delicate. What’s more, a minuscule imperfection – resembling a chip – graces the vicinity.
Now, if you stumble upon this dollar in a mint state of MS60, consider it a tiny treasure worth approximately $85. The crème de la crème of this variant, with an MS66 grade, is prized at an impressive $750.
The Allure of the 1925 S Dollar VAM 2 Variant
Moving on to another gem from 1925, this dollar, originating from San Francisco, holds its own allure. Its distinctive characteristic is a subtle double impression, especially evident when one observes the rays adjacent to a boulder, and the delicate fringes on the eagle’s powerful limbs.
For a collector, finding this dollar in an MS60 grade would mean possessing an artifact valued at about $130. Yet, the Holy Grail among these is the singular coin of gem quality – rated MS65. This rarity is astoundingly estimated to be worth a staggering $27,500!
To truly appreciate the nuances and subtleties of these 1925 silver dollar variants, consider immersing yourself in a visual treat. There’s a captivating video by Couch Collectibles on YouTube that delves into these and other captivating quirks of 1925 silver dollars.
Silver Dollar Secrets: Delving into the 1925 Edition
The Elusiveness of the 1925 Silver Coin
Though you might stumble upon a 1925 silver coin without much effort, getting one in pristine condition is a game of odds. The more impeccable the coin, the harder it becomes to find. For example, consider you’re searching for a needle in a haystack. While finding a rusty needle might be relatively simple, locating a needle that’s shiny and sharp takes a lot more effort.
San Francisco-crafted coins from this era have a dash of mystery to them, making them a rare find compared to their Philadelphia siblings. Moreover, certain unique versions of these coins exist, adding layers of intrigue.
Take, for instance, a fictional book. A first edition might be special, but a first edition with the author’s personal notes in the margins? That’s a collector’s dream. Similarly, the 1925 Silver Dollar with the ‘S VAM 2’ mark, especially one that’s in impeccable condition (MS65), is like a jackpot in the coin world, fetching prices as high as a small car – think $27,500!
Decoding the 1925 Peace Dollar
For those embarking on the exciting treasure hunt for the 1925 silver dollar, a vital clue lies in the mintmark. While many of these coins were produced in the bustling heart of Philadelphia and thus lack a mintmark, the San Francisco edition boasts an elegant “S” marking.
Imagine you’re examining a classic painting, looking for the signature of the artist. On the 1925 Peace Dollar, this signature, the “S”, is discreetly tucked near the rim. It subtly sits just beneath the letter “O” in the word “One”.