A Peaceful Start to a New Era

The 1921 Peace Dollar isn’t just another silver coin. It’s a symbol of hope, minted to commemorate the end of World War I. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, this stunning silver dollar introduced a bold new look for American coinage.

Before the Peace Dollar, the U.S. had been producing the Morgan Dollar since 1878. By 1921, the country was ready for a fresh design reflecting optimism and peace.

Quick Facts About the 1921 Peace Dollar

• Metal Content: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Diameter: 38.1 mm

• Weight: 26.73 grams

• Designer: Anthony de Francisci

• Mint Mark: None (all struck in Philadelphia in 1921)

• Mintage: Approx. 1,006,473 coins

High Relief—and High Drama

One of the most fascinating aspects of the 1921 Peace Dollar is its high-relief design. De Francisci envisioned Lady Liberty with bold, sculpted details and a radiant crown. However, the high relief caused production headaches:

• Striking the coins required immense pressure, wearing down dies quickly.

• Many coins didn’t strike up fully, leaving weak details in areas like Liberty’s hair.
  
  

Because of these challenges, the Mint shifted to a lower-relief design starting in 1922, making the 1921 issue unique in appearance and collectible appeal.

How Rare Is the 1921 Peace Dollar?

While over one million coins were minted, the 1921 Peace Dollar remains highly sought after due to:

• Its status as the first year of issue

• The high-relief design, unique to 1921

• Historical significance tied to post-WWI peace

Coins in mint state grades (MS63 and above) can command significant premiums. Well-struck examples with crisp details are especially desirable.

How to Identify the 1921 Peace Dollar

Key indicators:

• No mint mark (Philadelphia only in 1921)

• High-relief Liberty profile, creating deeper shadows

• Sharp rays in Liberty’s crown (if well struck)

• Reverse eagle perched on a rock, wings at rest, with the word PEACE in the exergue

Fun Facts About the 1921 Peace Dollar

• The coin’s initial design included a broken sword on the reverse, symbolizing peace, but public backlash led to its removal.

• The Peace Dollar became the last true silver dollar minted for circulation in the U.S.

• The U.S. Mint resumed production in 2021 for the coin’s centennial, thrilling collectors.

Should You Collect the 1921 Peace Dollar?

Absolutely. The 1921 Peace Dollar offers:

• Historical significance

• Unique high-relief artistry

• A tangible link to America’s hope for peace
  
  

If you’re building a silver dollar collection, the 1921 issue is a cornerstone piece and one of the most beautiful silver coins ever struck.

Coin Info Page: 1913 Liberty Nickel

The Mystery of the Million-Dollar Nickel

Few coins stir as much intrigue as the 1913 Liberty Nickel. It’s the stuff of legends—a coin that officially shouldn’t exist, yet five examples slipped into the world under mysterious circumstances. For collectors, it’s the Holy Grail of American numismatics.

Quick Facts About the 1913 Liberty Nickel

• Metal Content: 75% copper, 25% nickel

• Diameter: 21.2 mm

• Weight: 5.0 grams

• Designer: Charles E. Barber

• Known Specimens: Only five confirmed

• Mint: Philadelphia

A Coin That Was Never Meant to Be

The Liberty Nickel series officially ended in 1912, replaced in 1913 by the Buffalo Nickel. However, five Liberty Nickels dated 1913 surfaced years later, sparking decades of speculation.

So how did they come to exist?

• Many believe a Mint employee, Samuel Brown, struck them secretly at the Philadelphia Mint.

• Brown later publicly displayed the coins in 1920, cementing their fame.

• Official records list zero 1913 Liberty Nickels minted, making these coins an enduring mystery.

How Rare Is the 1913 Liberty Nickel?

Only five examples exist:

1. Eliasberg Specimen – The finest known, graded PR66 by NGC.

2. Olsen Specimen – Once owned by King Farouk of Egypt and featured on an episode of Hawaii Five-O.

3. Norweb Specimen – In private hands with minimal wear.

4. Walton Specimen – Lost for decades and rediscovered in 2003.

5. McDermott Specimen – Notable for heavy handling marks.
   
   

Each coin is unique, with subtle differences and fascinating histories. When one surfaces at auction, prices routinely exceed millions of dollars. In 2018, one sold for over $4.5 million.

Controversy and Intrigue

• Some numismatists suspect the coins were minted illicitly after regular production ceased.

• Their legal status has never been challenged, but the backstory adds a cloak-and-dagger aura.

• The Walton specimen was hidden in a closet for decades, misidentified as a fake until confirmed genuine in 2003.

How to Identify the 1913 Liberty Nickel

Key indicators:

• Date: 1913 on the obverse (front)

• No mint mark (Philadelphia only)

• Sharp strike with proof-like surfaces

• Portrait of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY

• Reverse shows the Roman numeral “V” for five cents, surrounded by a wreath

But remember if you find one in your pocket change… it’s almost certainly a fake. Genuine coins are well-documented and virtually all accounted for.

Fun Facts About the 1913 Liberty Nickel

• It’s been called the “King of American Coins.”

• The Olsen specimen appeared on national TV in the 1970s, sparking public curiosity.

• The coin’s mystery has inspired countless articles, books, and documentaries.

• Only the 1933 Double Eagle rivals it in fame and value among American coins.

Should You Collect the 1913 Liberty Nickel?

Unless you’ve got millions burning a hole in your pocket, owning a 1913 Liberty Nickel might stay a dream. But studying it, viewing it at exhibitions, or collecting replicas can still be part of your numismatic journey.

The 1913 Liberty Nickel remains an icon and reminder that even in the world of coins, secrets sometimes slip through the cracks.