Diagnostic Controls & Presets Lowest Circulation Mintage Peace Dollar (360k Mintage)
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
Final Philadelphia Run: 360,649 struck in April 1928
Under the Pittman Act of 1918, the US Mint was required to replace melted silver dollars. In April 1928, the statutory bullion quota was officially reached, causing the Mint to abruptly shut down dollar striking.
1928-S San Francisco: 1,632,000 (4.5x more common)
Because a 1928-S sells for a fraction of a Philadelphia coin, counterfeiters frequently scrape away the 'S' mintmark. Under oblique lighting, authentic coins display continuous die flow lines across the field.
Net Pure Silver: 0.77344 Troy Ounces (90% Ag / 10% Cu)
Diameter is 38.1 mm with a 118-reeded edge. Following the 1928 run, no silver dollars were struck in the United States until 1934 under the Silver Purchase Act.
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Tied for finest known certified example; booming cartwheel luster with pristine cheek and razor-sharp tiara rays.
Choice Gem uncirculated survivor; completely white with needle-sharp feathers on the perched reverse eagle.
Choice uncirculated slider with trace friction on the highest hair curls; verified unblemished Philadelphia reverse field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 1928 Peace Dollar considered the key date of the series?
The 1928 Philadelphia Peace Dollar has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue circulation Peace Dollar: only 360,649 coins were struck. Because it was produced right before the onset of the Great Depression, it is universally recognized by numismatists as the premier key date of the entire series.
Why was silver dollar production stopped in 1928?
Under the Pittman Act of 1918, the US Mint was legally required to replace 270 million silver dollars that had been melted down and sold to Great Britain during WWI. In April 1928, the final delivery of 360,649 coins fulfilled the exact statutory quota, and production was immediately halted.
How can you detect an altered 1928-S with a removed mintmark?
Because an authentic 1928 Philadelphia coin is worth five to ten times more than an 1928-S, counterfeiters often grind, buff, or shave off the 'S' mintmark from an 1828-S dollar. Under 10x magnification and oblique light, look for depressed hollows, disrupted cartwheel luster, or polishing lines in the field below 'ONE' on the reverse.
Were any 1928 Peace Dollars struck at Denver?
No. The Denver Mint struck zero Peace dollars in 1928. The only mints producing dollars that year were Philadelphia (360,649 coins, no mintmark) and San Francisco (1,632,000 coins, with 'S' mintmark).
What are the grading high points on a Peace Dollar?
The primary high points susceptible to initial wear are the hair strands above Miss Liberty's ear and the cheekbone on the obverse, and the upper wing and shoulder of the perched eagle on the reverse. An authentic MS-65 coin will display full luster across the cheek.
What is the weight, diameter, and silver composition of the 1928 Peace Dollar?
The coin weighs exactly 26.73 grams (412.5 grains), has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters, and contains 90% silver and 10% copper (0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver).
Did the US Mint strike any Peace Dollars between 1929 and 1933?
No. Due to the Great Depression and an immense surplus of circulating silver dollars, no silver dollars of any kind were struck by the United States Mint during the five-year period from 1929 through 1933. Production was revived briefly in 1934 and 1935 under the Silver Purchase Act.