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The 1928-S Peace Silver Dollar is a noteworthy issue from the San Francisco Mint and holds a place of distinction within the Peace Dollar series, which was minted from 1921 to 1935. This particular example, certified MS60 by NGC, represents a Mint State coin that has survived nearly a century with its original luster and detail intact, despite exhibiting numerous contact marks and abrasions characteristic of the lowest Mint State grade. As a product of the San Francisco Mint, the 1928-S carries with it the historical and regional significance of the West Coast’s role in American coinage. Though overshadowed by its Philadelphia counterpart—the key date 1928 (P)—the 1928-S is still a challenging coin in Mint State due to strike quality and handling, and MS60 examples provide collectors with an affordable yet complete representation of this scarcer later-date issue.
The obverse of the 1928-S Peace Dollar features the bold and elegant design of Lady Liberty created by sculptor Anthony de Francisci. She faces left, her hair windswept and crowned with a radiant tiara that symbolizes the light of liberty. “LIBERTY” spans the upper rim, with “IN GOD WE TRVST” inscribed along the lower center, utilizing the classical Latin “V” in place of “U.” The date “1928” is boldly positioned beneath the portrait. This design represented a new artistic direction for American coinage, honoring the end of World War I with themes of peace, hope, and national pride.
The reverse depicts a bald eagle at rest, perched upon a mountaintop and clutching an olive branch in its talon. The rising sun and radiating lines in the background further emphasize the coin’s peace theme. The eagle is powerful yet tranquil, facing eastward toward a hopeful future. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” along with “ONE DOLLAR” and the defining word “PEACE” along the bottom. The mintmark “S,” for San Francisco, is located just below the word “ONE” on the reverse, affirming the coin’s West Coast origin and its connection to a mint known for its technical skill and significant role in silver dollar production.
The San Francisco Mint struck 1,632,000 Peace Dollars in 1928, a relatively modest mintage for the series. While not considered a key date, the 1928-S is distinctly more difficult to find in attractive Mint State condition due to issues with strike sharpness and handling. Many coins from this mintage display soft central details, particularly on Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, as well as bag marks from being stored and transported in bulk. Unlike earlier Peace Dollar issues, the 1928-S was not hoarded in large quantities, and the number of high-grade survivors is limited. As a result, Mint State coins are considerably scarcer and increasingly valued by date-and-mintmark collectors.
NGC has graded this example MS60, placing it at the entry level of Mint State classification. An MS60 coin is uncirculated, showing no signs of wear, but it often has heavy marks or surface abrasions resulting from bag contact and less-than-ideal handling at the Mint. The luster may be muted or inconsistent, and eye appeal can be average or below average for the grade. On the 1928-S, this is not unusual, as many examples in this grade suffer from the series’ common issues—weak strike, dull luster, and abrasions in the fields or on the high points of the devices. However, the coin still retains its full detail, no actual wear, and a complete design, meeting the essential requirements of the Mint State category.
The surfaces of a 1928-S Peace Dollar in MS60 typically show significant contact marks, especially on Liberty’s cheek and neck, and in the open fields around her face. The reverse will likely display similar abrasions in the areas surrounding the eagle’s wings, body, and the sun’s rays. While such marks are to be expected in this grade, the coin remains a desirable option for collectors who value originality and completeness over pristine surfaces. Some coins may also exhibit light, mottled toning or natural patina, especially around the rims or in protected areas, lending the coin a more vintage and historical appearance. The luster, though subdued, may still show soft cartwheel movement under light.
Strike quality on the 1928-S issue is often less than ideal, with many examples displaying weakness at the center of Liberty’s hair and on the eagle’s breast and leg feathers. This is typical of late 1920s Peace Dollars from San Francisco, which may have suffered from die wear or lower striking pressure. While the MS60 example may not show sharp definition in these areas, the major design elements are all present and distinguishable. The coin remains fully struck in terms of device placement and rim details, offering a faithful representation of de Francisci’s design despite minor softness in the higher relief elements.
Historically, the 1928-S Peace Dollar emerged during a time of reduced demand for silver coinage, following years of massive production earlier in the decade. The U.S. Mint had begun scaling back silver dollar output, and the Peace Dollar program was nearing its temporary suspension, which occurred after the 1935 issue. The 1928-S thus represents one of the final emissions of the series before the Great Depression altered monetary priorities. Coins from this late-stage period are less frequently encountered in high-grade collections and, when available in any Mint State condition, are often chosen to complete registry sets or mintmark-specific portfolios of Peace Dollars.
From a collector’s perspective, a 1928-S Peace Dollar in MS60 offers strong appeal as an affordable Mint State example of a better-date issue. It suits budget-conscious collectors who want an uncirculated coin with all original detail, or those completing date-and-mintmark sets who are not seeking perfection but value completeness and authenticity. While MS63 and higher examples are significantly more expensive and increasingly elusive, MS60 coins present an excellent entry point into Mint State Peace Dollar collecting. The NGC certification provides peace of mind, ensuring the coin’s authenticity, grade accuracy, and market liquidity.
In conclusion, the Certified Peace Silver Dollar 1928-S MS60 NGC is a historically significant and collectible piece from the twilight years of the classic silver dollar era. It combines the charm of original Mint State preservation with the character of a widely circulated mintage known for strike and handling challenges. Though it carries the modest MS60 grade, this coin provides an accessible opportunity to own a scarce date from the San Francisco Mint, housed in a trusted NGC holder that guarantees its integrity. For collectors seeking to build a complete Peace Dollar collection or those interested in the nuances of U.S. silver coinage, this 1928-S example offers enduring historical and numismatic value.