Contents:
Overview of the 1925 Peace Dollar
The 1925 Peace Dollar came at the tail end of America’s post-war optimism. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, it shows Lady Liberty wearing a spiked crown, meant to echo the Statue of Liberty and, symbolically, a “new peace.”
The reverse has a perched bald eagle clutching an olive branch instead of arrows: America looking forward, not back. By 1925, production had settled down after the chaotic early 1920s, and the coin struck cleaner than its 1922-1923 counterparts.
Still, weak strikes at San Francisco remain a known quirk. You may check one by looking at your coin using the app to identify coins.
Specifications: weight, silver content, legal tender
Property | Detail |
Composition | 90 % silver, 10 % copper |
Weight | 26.73 grams (0.859 troy oz) |
Silver content (ASW) | 0.7734 troy oz pure silver |
Diameter | 38.1 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Designer | Anthony de Francisci |
Legal tender | $1 United States Dollar |
Current melt value (Oct 2025) | ≈ $37.76 USD |
The 1925 Peace Silver Dollar has identical specs to other dates in the series, struck under the Pittman Act using standard silver blanks.
Mintage by mint (Philadelphia, San Francisco) and survival estimates
Philadelphia struck 10,198,000 pieces
San Francisco (S mintmark) produced 1,610,000
Many were melted later under the Silver Act, so far fewer survive today: maybe 1 in 20 of the originals. High-grade 1925 S examples are thin on the ground because of soft strikes and heavy bag marks.
“Once rare: In 1940, the 1925 Peace dollar was considered to be the rarest Philadelphia Mint issue in Mint State; but by 1945 it was considered second rarest (after the 1923). In numerous offerings early in that decade it was priced higher than the 1934-S. “
— David Bowers, an American numismatist, businessman, author, and columnist
from "Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia"
Mint Marks & Variants in 1925
1925 (no mint mark) vs 1925-S — key differences
The plain 1925 (no mint mark) issue from Philadelphia shows sharper detail and cleaner luster. The 1925 S Peace Dollar, struck at San Francisco, tends to show weaker relief: hair lines on Liberty and the eagle’s feathers blur together. Collectors pay more for a crisp San Francisco coin because fully struck ones are tough to find.
How to find the mint mark on the coin
Flip it over: look at the reverse, just below the word “ONE.” If there’s a small “S,” that’s your San Francisco mint mark. No letter? That’s Philadelphia.
Rarity impact and premium for S mint
Clean, uncirculated 1925-S coins have serious premiums. Even lightly worn pieces cost several times their melt value. The weaker average strike means true MS-65 examples are scarce and highly sought after.
1925 Silver Dollar Value by Mint & Grade
Value tables — common grades for 1925 vs 1925-S
1925 (P) Average Value USD | 1925-S Average Value USD | |
Good (G-4) | $40 | $45 |
Very Fine (VF-20) | $45 | $55 |
Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $50 | $70 |
Mint State (MS-60) | $75 | $140 |
Choice MS-63 | $120 | $280 |
Gem MS-65 | $250 + | $700 + |
Auction sales and real market examples
At auction, top-end coins sometimes break the pattern. An MS67 1925 hit $2,400 a few years back, while a 1925-S of similar grade went beyond $6,000.
Comparison: melt value vs numismatic premium
Melt gives you scrap silver money: around $37. The collector premium is where the real 1925 peace dollar value lies. Even average examples trade higher, while pristine pieces enter the hundreds.
Grading, Inspection & Certification Tips
What graders assess (strike, fields, luster, wear)
Third-party graders like PCGS or NGC look at the sharpness of Liberty’s hair, cheek marks, surface shine, and how the eagle’s feathers hold up under light. Strike strength and bag marks make or break value.
DIY checklist before sending to PCGS / NGC
Quick list before you spend on grading:
Check for major scratches or cleaning marks under bright light
Look at Liberty’s cheek and neck for luster breaks
Verify edge reeding: no filing or rim damage
Compare with photos of certified examples
Store it safely until you ship
When a coin is worth grading / certification
If your piece looks nearly mint or carries an S mint mark with a strong strike, grading can turn a $100 coin into a $500 one. But if it’s worn and gray, better to keep it raw.
Rare Varieties and Errors Worth Hunting For
The “Weak Strike” 1925-S — Why It’s Desirable
Funny thing: the mint’s production flaw became a collector’s treasure. A 1925 peace dollar error, like a weak strike, might sound like a defect, but on 1925-S coins, it’s part of the charm. Clean surfaces with even a soft strike have a surprising price.
Double Die Errors and Misstrikes
Occasionally, the date or letters show doubling. Sometimes the rim got clipped or the planchet misfed. Each of these oddballs turns an ordinary 1925 peace silver dollar into something worth inspecting twice.
Famous Sales and Auction Records for Error Coins
One 1925-S double die in mint state crossed $4,000 at Heritage Auctions. Another off-center strike fetched around $2,500. Error hunters take these immediately every time new hoards appear.
FAQ — 1925 Peace / Silver Dollar
How much is a 1925 silver dollar worth today?
Anywhere from $35 to $250+.
What is the value of the 1925-S Peace Dollar?
Expect around $60 in worn grades, up to several hundred in mint condition.
Where is the mint mark on a 1925 Peace dollar?
Just above the tail feathers, left of “ONE.”
What is the silver content of a 1925 Peace Dollar?
90% silver, weighing 26.73 grams
Are there any 1925 Peace Dollar errors?
Yes: double dies, off-center strikes, and a few lamination errors exist.
Should I grade my 1925 Peace Dollar?
If it looks mint or near-mint, yes. Otherwise, probably not worth the fee.
How to authenticate a 1925 Peace Dollar?
Weight and diameter checks first, then magnet test (it shouldn’t stick). For higher confidence, have it slabbed by PCGS or NGC.
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