The Peace Dollar: A Key Date in Numismatics
The 1934-S Peace Dollar holds a significant place in numismatics as it is considered the key date to the business strike series, despite not having the lowest mintage of the series. With over one million coins struck after October 26, most of these coins entered circulation, making only three or four bags worth of Mint State examples available for collectors. Unfortunately, expectations for this issue to be found in the United States Treasury Department releases of the 1960s were left unmet.
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
The value of the 1934-S Peace Dollar has steadily increased over the years. In 1945, the coin sold for $4.50, which rose to $15 just five years later. The increasing demand for this key date is evident in historical auction records and advertisements, with dealers offering significant sums for high-quality examples.
Insight: The 1934-S Peace Dollar’s rising value demonstrates the growing interest in key date coins among collectors and investors over time.
Top Population
The top population examples of the 1934-S Peace Dollar include PCGS MS66+, NGC MS67, and CAC MS66 specimens. These high-grade coins are rare and desirable among numismatists, with some examples commanding substantial prices at auction.
Insight: The scarcity of high-grade 1934-S Peace Dollars highlights the importance of condition in determining a coin’s value and desirability.
Varieties and Historical Significance
The 1934-S Peace Dollar features a distinctive design by Anthony de Francisci, showcasing the iconic image of Liberty and an American bald eagle. Varieties such as the VAM-3, Doubled Die Obverse, and VAM-4, Doubled Die Reverse add further intrigue and collectibility to this key date coin.
Insight: The presence of varieties in the 1934-S Peace Dollar enhances its historical significance and adds depth to the collecting experience.
In conclusion, the 1934-S Peace Dollar stands out as a key date in the series, with its scarcity, historical significance, and design contributing to its desirability among collectors and investors in the numismatic community.