Expert: PAPAJACK - 11/30/2006

Question
I have a US Peace Silver Dollar dated 1922 in very good condition. I have 2 questions regarding it's makings. 1st, the front of the coin reads "In God We Trust", the word Trust is spelled "TrVst". Is the letter "V" in place of the "U" an error? 2nd, there is a small stamp under the woman's neck, over the last "2" in the date 1922. It could possibly be an "A", but it is so small I can't make it out. Can you identify it and what it signifies? Does this coin have any value? Thank You!

Answer
Hello Trisha,

The 1922 coin is a PEACE DOLLAR. Named for the eagle reverse resting on a rock with the word PEACE below. Most of our coins have the Eagle ready for war or Heraldic Design.  

The letter U was not in the ancient alphabet and V was used in its place. The Classic spelling of TRVST is correct on the coin. The Medalic artist chose the Older Spelling for stylistic purposes.

The coin was designed by Anthony DeFrancisci and his initials are at the bottom of the bust of Lady Liberty. Here are some images of the coin. (Front and back)
http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dollars/peace_dollars/1921_peace_dollar_obv.jpg
http://www.coinfacts.com/silver_dollars/peace_dollars/1921_peace_dollar_rev.jpg

Collectors have devised a numerical grading system for coins. It goes from 1 to 70. With 1 being barely identifiable as a coin and 70 being the imaginary perfect coin. Coins taken from circulation usually fall between grade 8-VG (very Good) and grade 50 (AU Almost Uncirculated).  
The 1922 no mint mark PEACE DOLLAR Coin varies in price from $16.00 in grade-8  to $17.00  dollars in grade-50. If it is Uncirculated (Mint State 65 to 70) it sells for much more.
Look for any mint mark on the back of the 1921 between the D and O in DOLLAR below the eagle. The D, S marks are similar in value.
Also these coin dates were produced in the MILLIONS.  And are still readily available, thus the low prices for all the circulated specimens.  

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack