-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53205
Checkout
The 1934 Peace Silver Dollar, certified AU58 by NGC, is a fascinating coin that represents one of the final issues in the Peace Dollar series, a coin that was minted from 1921 to 1935. The Peace Dollar was first introduced to commemorate the end of World War I, with its name and design symbolizing the nation's hope for a peaceful future. By 1934, the United States was in the grips of the Great Depression, and while the coin still held its symbolic significance, its production was nearing its end. The Peace Dollar is an enduring representation of America's ideals during the post-war period and its aspirations for a brighter, more peaceful world. The 1934 issue is particularly important due to its proximity to the end of the series and the economic challenges the country faced at the time.
The design of the 1934 Peace Dollar was created by sculptor Anthony de Francisci, whose work for the U.S. Mint on this coin is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic designs in American numismatics. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, her head crowned with a radiating tiara that recalls the Statue of Liberty. Liberty’s features are serene and idealized, reflecting the nation’s desire for peace after the brutalities of World War I. The inscription "LIBERTY" arches above her head, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears around her profile, using the classical Latin "TRVST" spelling for a more artistic effect. Below Liberty’s chin, the date "1934" is prominently displayed. The simplicity and elegance of the design set the Peace Dollar apart from other coins of its era, offering a refined, yet powerful, symbol of peace and unity.
The reverse of the 1934 Peace Dollar continues the theme of peace with an image of a majestic bald eagle at rest, clutching an olive branch in its talon. Unlike the more aggressive stance of the eagle on earlier U.S. coinage, the Peace Dollar’s eagle is depicted as calm and dignified, reinforcing the message of hope and peace. Behind the eagle, rays of the sun rise from the horizon, adding to the overall sense of optimism in the design. Above the eagle, the motto "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" are inscribed, while "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is placed just below the eagle’s wings. This reverse design perfectly complements the obverse, reinforcing the theme of peace while also reflecting the strength and resilience of the nation.
The 1934 Peace Dollar was minted at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Mint, the oldest and most prestigious of the U.S. mints, produced the largest number of 1934 Peace Dollars, with 954,057 coins struck. The absence of a mint mark indicates that the coin was struck in Philadelphia, which did not use a mint mark on its Peace Dollars. In contrast, coins struck at Denver bear a "D" mint mark, and those from San Francisco carry an "S" mint mark. The relatively low mintage at Philadelphia compared to earlier Peace Dollars makes the 1934 issue a bit more challenging to find in high grades, contributing to its appeal among collectors.
The mintage of Peace Dollars in 1934 was part of the broader efforts of the U.S. government to stabilize the economy during the Great Depression. While the Peace Dollar continued to be struck, demand for silver coins was declining, and silver dollars were not as widely used in everyday commerce. The 1934 Peace Dollar, therefore, marks the twilight of an era in U.S. coinage history. The coin’s production was driven more by the obligations of the silver purchase agreements, such as the Pittman Act, which required the government to buy and coin silver, than by practical demand for the dollar in circulation. This context adds historical significance to the 1934 Peace Dollar, as it was one of the last silver dollars produced before the series was discontinued in 1935.
The 1934 Peace Dollar graded AU58 by NGC is a coin that has seen very limited circulation, with only slight wear visible on its highest points. AU58, or "About Uncirculated 58," is the highest grade below Mint State, meaning that this coin retains almost all of its original mint luster and sharp details. The slight wear present on the coin might be visible on Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s feathers, but the overall aesthetic appeal of the coin remains strong. Collectors often seek out AU58 coins because they offer near-Mint State quality without the higher price tag associated with Mint State examples. The 1934 Peace Dollar in this grade still showcases the full beauty of de Francisci’s design while retaining the character of a coin that has seen limited circulation.
The 1934 Peace Silver Dollar in AU58 condition, certified by NGC, is a significant piece of American coinage, representing both the end of an era and a time of economic struggle. Its design, crafted by Anthony de Francisci, remains one of the most beautiful and meaningful in the history of U.S. coinage, symbolizing the nation’s hope for peace after World War I. The 1934 mintage, especially from the Philadelphia Mint, is lower than in previous years, making this coin particularly desirable to collectors. Its AU58 grade means it is in excellent condition, with only minimal wear, making it an attractive and historically important addition to any numismatic collection.