Quick Answer: A circulated 1922 Peace dollar is worth $25-$35. Uncirculated examples fetch $35-$75. The 1922-D and 1922-S carry modest premiums. High Relief proof-like 1922 dollars can reach $500-$2,000+. All contain 0.7734 troy oz of silver (melt value ~$20+).
The 1922 Peace dollar is the most common date in the entire Peace dollar series. Over 51 million were struck across three mints, making it the workhorse of the series. But don't assume common means worthless—silver content alone gives every 1922 Peace dollar substantial intrinsic value, and condition dramatically affects collector value.
1922 Peace Dollar Overview
The Peace dollar was designed by Anthony de Francisci to commemorate the end of World War I. Production began in 1921, but 1922 saw the first mass production year. The design features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle perched on a rock with "PEACE" below on the reverse.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Silver Content | 0.7734 troy oz |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
1922 Peace Dollar Value by Mint Mark
1922 (Philadelphia) Value
The Philadelphia mint produced 51,737,000 Peace dollars in 1922—the highest mintage of any Peace dollar. No mint mark appears on Philadelphia coins.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25-$30 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $28-$32 |
| Fine (F-12) | $30-$35 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $32-$38 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $35-$45 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $40-$55 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $45-$65 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $55-$85 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $85-$150 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $300-$600 |
1922-D (Denver) Value
Denver struck 15,063,000 Peace dollars in 1922. The "D" mint mark appears on the reverse below the eagle.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $28-$32 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $30-$35 |
| Fine (F-12) | $32-$38 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $35-$42 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $38-$48 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $45-$60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $50-$75 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $65-$100 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $100-$175 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $400-$800 |
1922-S (San Francisco) Value
San Francisco produced 17,475,000 Peace dollars. The "S" mint mark appears below the eagle. S-mint coins often show weaker strikes.
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $28-$33 |
| Very Good (VG-8) | $32-$38 |
| Fine (F-12) | $35-$42 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $38-$45 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $42-$55 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $50-$70 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $55-$85 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $75-$120 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $125-$225 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $500-$1,000 |
Silver Content and Melt Value
Every 1922 Peace dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. When silver spot prices rise, melt value can exceed $20 per coin. Use the CoinID app to quickly identify your Peace dollar and check current melt values.
| Silver Price (per oz) | Melt Value |
|---|---|
| $20 | ~$15.47 |
| $25 | ~$19.34 |
| $30 | ~$23.20 |
| $35 | ~$27.07 |
Even heavily worn 1922 Peace dollars typically sell for more than melt due to collector demand. Never sell below melt value.
1922 Peace Dollar Varieties
High Relief vs. Normal Relief
The original 1921 Peace dollar was struck in High Relief, which caused production problems. In 1922, the U.S. Mint switched to a lower relief design. However, a small number of 1922 dollars were struck from the old High Relief dies before the changeover. These are extremely rare and valuable ($5,000-$50,000+).
Proof-Like and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL)
Some 1922 Peace dollars exhibit mirror-like fields from special planchet preparation. These command significant premiums:
| Variety | MS-65 Value |
|---|---|
| Normal | $85-$150 |
| Proof-Like (PL) | $150-$300 |
| Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) | $500-$2,000+ |
Weak Strike Varieties
San Francisco 1922-S coins are notorious for weak strikes, particularly on the hair above Liberty's ear and the eagle's feathers. Sharply struck examples command premiums.
How to Grade Your 1922 Peace Dollar
Condition dramatically affects value. Key grading points:
Obverse (Liberty)
- Hair detail - Look for separation in Liberty's hair strands
- Cheek - Should show full detail in higher grades
- Rays - The rays behind Liberty's head wear first
Reverse (Eagle)
- Feathers - Eagle's breast and wing feathers
- Claw - The eagle's talons and olive branch
- "PEACE" - Letter sharpness
Common Wear Areas
- High points: Liberty's cheek, hair above ear, eagle's breast
- Luster: Uncirculated coins retain original mint luster
- Marks: Bag marks reduce grade on uncirculated coins
Where to Find 1922 Peace Dollars
1922 Peace dollars turn up in:
- Estate sales - Often in old collections
- Coin dealers - Both local shops and online
- Auctions - Heritage, Stack's Bowers, eBay
- Inherited collections - Check family holdings
The CoinID app helps collectors instantly identify and value Peace dollars using your phone's camera—perfect for estate finds or dealer visits.
Buying and Selling Tips
When Buying
- Verify authenticity—counterfeits exist
- Check for cleaning or artificial toning
- Consider certified coins (PCGS/NGC) for higher values
- Compare multiple sources for fair pricing
When Selling
- Get multiple offers for valuable coins
- Consider grading services for MS-65 and above
- Document condition with clear photos
- Know current silver spot price as your floor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1922 Peace dollar worth anything?
Yes. Even the most worn 1922 Peace dollar is worth $25+ due to silver content. Uncirculated examples range from $45 to $600+ depending on grade and mint mark.
Which 1922 Peace dollar is most valuable?
The 1922-S in Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) or better commands the highest prices among regular strikes. Deep Mirror Proof-Like 1922 coins and the rare High Relief 1922 are the most valuable of all.
Should I clean my 1922 Peace dollar?
Never. Cleaning destroys surface and dramatically reduces value. Leave coins in their natural state.
How much silver is in a 1922 Peace dollar?
Exactly 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver, 10% copper alloy).
Conclusion
The 1922 Peace dollar may be the most common date in the series, but it remains a desirable collectible with meaningful value. Silver content provides a solid floor, while condition and variety can push values into the hundreds. Whether you inherited one or found it in an old collection, take time to assess grade and check for proof-like surfaces or the rare High Relief variety.
Use CoinID to identify your Peace dollar and get instant valuation guidance based on mint mark and condition.
Peace Dollar Production in 1922
1922 was the first full year of Peace dollar production. The Mint had switched from the 1921 High Relief to the standard lower relief to improve production speed. The 1922 saw the highest mintage of any Peace dollar date—over 51 million from Philadelphia alone. Denver and San Francisco added millions more. The result: 1922 is the most common Peace dollar. It's the workhorse of the series, the type coin that collectors often acquire first. Despite its common availability, the 1922 retains value due to silver content and collector demand. It's never "just" a melt-value coin.
1922 Peace Dollar in the Wild
1922 Peace dollars turn up in many places. Estate sales and inherited collections often contain them. They're common enough that dealers always have them in stock. The key is assessing condition and variety. A worn 1922 is worth $25-$35; a gem uncirculated can reach $150. A proof-like or DMPL example can be $500-$2,000+. When you find one, take time to grade it carefully and check for proof-like surfaces. You might have more than a common date.
Building a 1922 Peace Dollar Set
A 1922 set includes: 1922 (P), 1922-D, 1922-S. All three are obtainable. A circulated set runs $90-$120. An uncirculated set: $200-$400. A gem set: $400-$600. The 1922-S tends to be the most expensive in high grade due to its relative scarcity in MS-65+. Add a proof-like example of any mint for a premium set.