There are few coins that contain so much history, or some much commercial appeal than the Peace Dollar designed by Anthony de Francisci. It was minted from the year 1921 to 1928, and then from 1934 to 1935. It holds a very special place as the first ever coin meant to be circulated to be crafted in silver.

The Pittman Act, enacted in 1918, required the United States Mint to create millions of silver dollars. This production began three years later with the Morgan dollar design. However, many wanted the Mint to create a coin that embodied the peace following the First World War. They attempted to pass a law, but their voices were heard by many in the government. In late 1921, Andrew Mellon, the Treasury Secretary, approved the Peace Dollar and that marked the end of the redesign of U.S coinage, which started in 1907.

Anthony De Francisci included an eagle breaking a sword but it was strongly opposed by the public, who believed that signified defeat. The Mint removed it and on December 28, 1921, the very first Peace Dollar was struck. Seven years later, Mint ceased production of the Peace Dollars, as The Pittman Act demands were met. Future legislation, however, required more to be made in the years of 1934 and 1935. That was not the final years of production, as more than a quarter of a million coins were made in 1964, but all were melted not long afterward.

The design of the Peace Dollar is unlike any before. The design of Liberty was inspired by Teresa de Francisci, as the short amount of time to craft the coin limited the sculptor greatly. Her nose and mouth were most similar to the depiction on the coin, though her face had been elongated. Also, many have compared the crown on Liberty bears a remarkable resemblance to several Roman Coins. On the reverse side of the coin, the Eagle holds an olive branch and although the design submitted for production included Roman symbols, the ones crafted had Arabic ones.

Peace Dollars are a very good investment for the coin collector. Though the price has fluctuated and the price has been affected due to the recession, the price on many coins has risen through the years. Not only is the price monetary, it is also a good remembrance of the history of America. There is no substitute to holding a piece of Americana in your hands and cherishing it for years to come.