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The Certified Peace Silver Dollar 1922-D MS65 PCGS with light toning is a superior example of a historic and widely collected issue from the early years of the Peace Dollar series. As a Denver Mint issue struck in the first full year of regular Peace Dollar production, this coin holds significance for both its historical context and its exceptional state of preservation. Graded Mint State 65 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), this coin exhibits full uncirculated brilliance, sharp strike detail, and subtle rim or surface toning that adds originality and visual appeal. It stands out as one of the finest representations of a date often plagued by strike weakness and bag marks, making it a notable addition to any high-grade silver dollar collection.
The Peace Dollar series was introduced in late 1921 to commemorate the end of World War I and to symbolize America's hope for lasting peace. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Dollar replaced the long-running Morgan Dollar and was minted from 1921 to 1935. While the 1921 issue was struck in high relief, the design was quickly modified in 1922 to lower relief due to difficulties in mass production. This adjustment made the 1922 coins more practical for minting but also slightly reduced the depth and artistry of the original design. The 1922-D Peace Dollar was among the first struck in this new low-relief format, yet it remains an essential component of the series and an important collectible in its own right.
The obverse features a youthful Liberty facing left, modeled after de Francisci's wife, Teresa. Her hair flows freely in the wind, and she wears a radiant crown reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. The word “LIBERTY” arches across the top rim, while “IN GOD WE TRVST” spans the field, with the classical “V” used in place of “U” in “TRUST.” The date “1922” is placed prominently at the bottom. In this PCGS MS65 specimen, the obverse is sharply detailed, with strong definition in the facial features, hair strands, and tiara. The fields are clean and lustrous, with light toning likely appearing along the rim in soft hues of gold or silver-gray, enhancing the coin’s vintage character without obscuring any design elements.
The reverse displays a perched American bald eagle resting on a mountaintop, clutching an olive branch in its talons. Behind the eagle, sun rays radiate upward to symbolize a new era of peace. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR” form an arc around the eagle, while the word “PEACE” is boldly inscribed below. The Denver Mint’s “D” mintmark is located just above the tip of the eagle’s tail feathers. In MS65, this reverse is fully struck with a well-defined eagle and sharp rays, which is somewhat unusual for the 1922-D, a date and mint often noted for flat or incomplete strikes.
The Denver Mint produced a total of 15,063,000 Peace Dollars in 1922, making it the lowest-mintage mint for that year but still a relatively high output in the context of the entire series. The bulk of these coins entered general circulation or were stored in bags where they were subjected to heavy contact. As a result, most surviving examples are found in circulated grades or lower Mint State levels, such as MS60 to MS63. True gems in MS65 are significantly scarcer and carry a premium due to their quality, eye appeal, and the difficulty of finding such well-preserved examples with clean surfaces and minimal bag marks.
The MS65 grade assigned by PCGS signifies that this coin is in gem uncirculated condition, with above-average strike quality, strong luster, and excellent surface preservation. A coin of this caliber will have only minor and unobtrusive marks, with no major distractions on the focal points such as Liberty’s cheek or the eagle’s wing. The luster on an MS65 Peace Dollar is expected to be full and vibrant, and any toning should be subtle, even, and attractive—such as the light peripheral toning found on this example, which often results from decades of careful storage in original mint packaging or paper envelopes.
PCGS is one of the most respected and trusted grading services in the numismatic community. Their encapsulation not only confirms the authenticity and condition of the coin but also provides long-term protection in a secure holder that resists tampering and environmental damage. The PCGS label includes the coin’s grade, mintmark, date, and unique certification number, which can be used to verify the coin in PCGS’s online database. Collectors value this assurance when buying or selling, especially for coins at the MS65 level, where condition is critical to market value.
Light toning on this coin adds to its appeal without compromising any design detail. Toning can develop naturally over decades as silver reacts with sulfur in paper, cloth, or the air. The result is often a soft halo of gold, lavender, or steel-blue hues around the rim or across the fields. On this 1922-D MS65, the toning is likely subtle and uniform, lending the coin a sense of age and authenticity that collectors admire. It also distinguishes the coin visually from bright white examples, making it more appealing to those who favor originality and natural patina in their high-grade coins.
While the 1922-D Peace Dollar is not a key date in circulated condition, it becomes far more desirable in gem Mint State, particularly with pleasing toning and strong strikes. The Denver Mint had a reputation for producing coins with average or weak strikes during the early 1920s, and many 1922-D Peace Dollars show mushy detail in the hair or eagle’s feathers. This certified MS65 example stands above the norm, with full design features, shimmering luster, and premium eye appeal. It would be a standout in a high-grade date set or type collection of Peace Dollars.
For collectors of early 20th-century U.S. coinage, the 1922-D Peace Dollar in MS65 is an ideal way to capture the essence of the post–World War I American spirit. The Peace Dollar series marked a shift away from classical allegory toward a more modern, symbolic representation of national ideals. This example, with its gem condition and light toning, reflects not only the technical brilliance of early Mint craftsmanship but also the subtle beauty that time has added through natural toning. It embodies a blend of history, artistry, and preservation that few coins can offer at this level.
The Certified Peace Silver Dollar 1922-D MS65 PCGS with light toning is more than just a high-grade coin—it is a remarkable survivor of America’s transition into a new century and new international role. It carries both numismatic and historical value, offering collectors an opportunity to own a gem from a pivotal year in U.S. coinage. With its PCGS certification, strong eye appeal, and outstanding preservation, this coin is a worthy highlight in any serious collection of American silver dollars.