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The Certified Peace Silver Dollar 1922-S MS64 PCGS is a remarkable specimen from one of America’s most iconic silver coin series, graded Mint State 64 by the Professional Coin Grading Service. This particular issue, minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1922, embodies both historical significance and aesthetic appeal, representing a time of peace following World War I. The Peace Dollar was intended to symbolize a new era of optimism and prosperity, and the 1922-S is one of the most widely collected dates due to its position early in the series and its striking West Coast mint origin.
The Peace Dollar series was introduced in 1921 and minted through 1935, designed to commemorate the conclusion of World War I and celebrate peace. Anthony de Francisci, a young Italian-American sculptor, won the design competition and created a Liberty portrait inspired by his wife, Teresa. The obverse features a radiant Liberty facing left, wearing a diadem of light reminiscent of classical representations of the sun god. The word “LIBERTY” arches above her head, “IN GOD WE TRUST” is split by her neck, and the date “1922” rests below. This design remains one of the most beautiful depictions of Liberty in U.S. coinage history.
The reverse of the coin is equally compelling, showcasing a powerful bald eagle perched on a mountaintop, facing east as the sun rises. The eagle clutches an olive branch symbolizing peace, and behind it, rays of light fan out across the background. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curve above the eagle, while the denomination “ONE DOLLAR” and the word “PEACE” appear below. The bold imagery and its message of hope made the Peace Dollar an instant symbol of national recovery and postwar strength, with the reverse often praised for its quiet dignity and serenity.
The 1922-S issue marks the second year of the Peace Dollar and was struck at the San Francisco Mint, denoted by the small “S” mintmark located just above the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse. The San Francisco Mint, known for producing coins with relatively sharp strikes and good luster, produced 17,475,000 Peace Dollars in 1922, making it one of the higher mintage years of the series. However, despite the high mintage, most coins saw extensive use or suffered from weak strikes and bag marks, making well-preserved, high-grade examples more challenging to acquire.
Coins graded MS64 by PCGS are considered near-gem uncirculated examples, showing full original mint luster, only minor marks, and above-average eye appeal. The MS64 grade is a significant threshold for Peace Dollars, as values and desirability increase notably at this level. Many examples of the 1922-S are found in lower Mint State grades due to the typically soft strikes and abrasions from heavy handling and transportation. A coin certified by PCGS at MS64 guarantees authenticity, condition, and market acceptance, adding significant collector confidence and long-term value.
The strike quality of the 1922-S can vary, with many coins exhibiting flatness in Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s wing feathers. However, examples at the MS64 level generally show good central detail and strong peripheral elements, along with clean surfaces and vibrant luster. PCGS-graded coins at this level are typically encapsulated in a secure, tamper-evident holder with a clear label indicating the coin’s grade, date, mintmark, and unique certification number. This secure encapsulation protects the coin and enhances its appeal to collectors and investors alike.
The 1922-S Peace Dollar holds particular appeal among collectors of type coins and Peace Dollar specialists. It is an essential piece for any complete set of Peace Dollars, and its San Francisco mint origin adds regional interest for those focused on West Coast coinage. The coin’s historic context, beautiful design, and accessibility in mid-to-high Mint State grades make it a popular and rewarding addition to any numismatic collection. The MS64 grade offers an excellent balance between visual quality and affordability, making it especially attractive to discerning buyers who seek premium coins without entering the upper price tiers of MS65 or higher.
Peace Dollars were originally struck in high relief in 1921, but the U.S. Mint quickly determined that the design was too difficult to mass-produce with that level of detail. By 1922, the relief was lowered, and the series transitioned to a more practical strike. This makes the 1922 and later issues technically easier to find in high grade than the 1921, but they remain susceptible to surface abrasions and contact marks due to the coin’s large, heavy format. MS64 examples avoid many of these problems and are often selected by collectors for their quality-to-value ratio.
The silver content of each Peace Dollar is .900 fine, with a total silver weight of 0.77344 troy ounces per coin. This intrinsic value has helped support collector interest even in lower-grade examples. However, certified coins like this MS64 1922-S also carry substantial numismatic premiums due to their scarcity in high condition. The combination of silver bullion content, historical resonance, and beautiful artistry ensures that Peace Dollars remain a cornerstone of 20th-century American numismatics.
The Certified Peace Silver Dollar 1922-S MS64 PCGS represents a shining piece of postwar American history, frozen in mint state for future generations to admire. With its bold strike, near-gem surfaces, and iconic imagery, it stands as both an artifact of a past era and a timeless reminder of the nation's aspirations for peace and prosperity. It continues to attract collectors who value its legacy, aesthetic charm, and certified assurance of quality, making it an enduring favorite in the world of silver dollar collecting.