Did you inherit an old silver dollar from a family member, with the peculiar inscription “TRVST” instead of “TRUST” on the obverse? If so, you may be wondering if this misspelling is an error that could significantly impact the coin’s value. The short answer is no – but there’s more to the story.
The year 1922 marked an important transition in American coinage. After the end of World War I, the U.S. Mint was tasked with creating a new silver dollar design to commemorate the newfound peace. This new series was aptly named the Peace dollar, replacing the beloved Morgan dollar design that had circulated since 1878.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mystery behind the “TRVST” inscription, explore factors affecting the value of your 1922 Peace dollar, and provide practical tips for determining its grade and potential worth.
Understanding 1922 Peace Dollars
Before we delve into the “TRVST” conundrum, let’s briefly discuss the historical context and design elements of the 1922 Peace dollar.
A. History and Design
The Peace dollar series was sculpted by medalist Anthony de Francisci, featuring a striking portrait of Liberty on the obverse (front) and an eagle at rest on the reverse (back). These silver dollars were minted from 1921 to 1935, with the highest mintage recorded in 1922 due to the series’ immense popularity.
B. The “TRVST” Inscription: Intentional, Not an Error!
Contrary to popular belief, the “TRVST” inscription on 1922 Peace dollars is not a misspelling or error. Instead, it was an intentional design choice by de Francisci, who drew inspiration from a historical precedent.
- All 1922 Peace Dollars Have “TRVST”: Every single 1922 Peace dollar minted by the U.S. Mint features the “TRVST” inscription, regardless of the mint location (Philadelphia or San Francisco).
- Historical Context: De Francisci’s design harked back to the Seated Liberty dollars minted from 1836 to 1873, which also featured the archaic “TRVST” spelling on the reverse. This stylistic choice was a nod to the long tradition of American coinage.
C. Factors Affecting the Value of 1922 Peace Dollars (Without Misspelling)
While the “TRVST” inscription itself does not impact value, several other factors determine the worth of your 1922 Peace dollar:
- Mint Location: Coins minted in Philadelphia tend to be more common and less valuable than those from the San Francisco mint.
- Grade and Condition: The better preserved and higher the grade (e.g., MS-60 to MS-66), the more valuable the coin. We’ll discuss grading in more detail later.
- Eye Appeal and Strike Quality: Coins with excellent luster, sharp details, and a well-struck design can command higher premiums.
Value of a 1922 Peace Dollar with “TRVST”
Now that we’ve established the “TRVST” inscription is not a misspelling, let’s explore the potential value of your 1922 Peace dollar.
A. The Misspelling Itself Doesn’t Increase Value
As mentioned earlier, the “TRVST” inscription was an intentional design choice and does not constitute a rare or valuable error. Therefore, it does not inherently increase the coin’s value.
B. Value Depends on Factors Like Grade and Condition
The true value of your 1922 Peace dollar depends primarily on the factors we discussed in the previous section: mint location, grade/condition, and eye appeal.
For example, a circulated 1922 Philadelphia Peace dollar in Good condition may be worth around $14-20, based solely on its silver content and melt value. However, an uncirculated Mint State (MS) 65 example could fetch $100 or more due to its superior preservation and scarcity.
C. Estimated Value Ranges for Different Grades
To give you a better idea of potential values, here’s a table with estimated price ranges for different grades of 1922 Peace dollars, based on recent auction data and professional coin grading services:
| Grade | Philadelphia Mint | San Francisco Mint |
|---|---|---|
| Good | $14 – $20 | $18 – $25 |
| VG | $18 – $25 | $25 – $35 |
| Fine | $25 – $40 | $35 – $50 |
| VF | $35 – $60 | $50 – $80 |
| EF | $50 – $100 | $75 – $150 |
| AU | $75 – $150 | $100 – $250 |
| MS-60 | $100 – $200 | $150 – $300 |
| MS-63 | $150 – $300 | $200 – $400 |
| MS-65 | $300 – $500 | $400 – $700 |
| MS-66 | $500 – $1,000 | $700 – $1,500 |
Note: These are approximate ranges and can vary based on specific factors like strike quality, toning, and eye appeal. Always have your coin appraised by a reputable professional for an accurate valuation.
As you can see, while common circulated examples may only be worth their silver value, well-preserved uncirculated specimens can command significant premiums due to their rarity and condition.
Additional Considerations
Beyond grade and mint location, there are a few other factors to keep in mind when evaluating the value of your 1922 Peace dollar.
A. How to Determine the Grade and Condition
Accurately determining the grade and condition of your coin is crucial for understanding its true value. Here are some tips:
- Physical Inspection: Examine the coin closely under good lighting. Look for signs of wear, scratches, dents, or other impairments that could lower the grade. A loupe or magnifying glass can help inspect finer details.
- Use Grading Standards: Refer to official grading standards from organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) to compare your coin’s condition.
- Consider Professional Grading: For valuable specimens, it’s recommended to have your coin professionally graded by a reputable third-party service like PCGS or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). This provides an objective assessment and increases the coin’s marketability.
B. Where to Sell or Appraise Your Coin
If you’re looking to sell or get an accurate appraisal for your 1922 Peace dollar, consider these options:
- Local Coin Dealers: Reputable coin dealers in your area can examine your coin and provide a fair market value assessment. They may also be interested in purchasing it.
- Online Coin Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay or specialty coin forums allow you to reach a broader audience of collectors and potentially fetch higher prices, but exercise caution with unfamiliar buyers.
- Coin Auctions: Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers can facilitate the sale of rare or high-value coins through their prestigious auctions, but expect to pay seller’s fees.
- Appraisal Services: For an objective third-party evaluation, you can send your coin to a professional appraisal service like the American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS) or the International Numismatic Bureau (INB).
Remember, dealing with reputable and knowledgeable numismatic professionals is crucial to ensure you receive a fair assessment and avoid potential scams or counterfeit coins.
Conclusion
While the “TRVST” inscription on your 1922 Peace dollar may have initially raised eyebrows,
we’ve clarified that it was an intentional design choice and not a true misspelling or error.
The key takeaways are:
🔑 The “TRVST” inscription does not impact the value of your 1922 Peace dollar.
🔑 Factors like mint location, grade/condition, and eye appeal are far more crucial in determining its worth.
🔑 Well-preserved, uncirculated specimens can be quite valuable, while circulated examples are typically only worth their silver content.
🔑 Have your coin professionally graded and appraised to understand its true market value.
🔑 Deal with reputable coin dealers, auctions, or grading services when buying, selling, or appraising your Peace dollars.
While your 1922 Peace dollar may not be a “misspelled rarity,” it remains an important piece of American numismatic history. With proper care, authentication, and understanding of its condition, you can accurately assess its value within the vibrant coin collecting community.
Do you have any other questions about your 1922 Peace dollar or coin collecting in general? Feel free to share your experiences or inquiries in the comments below!
References:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
- American Numismatic Association (ANA)
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack’s Bowers Galleries
- [Reputable coin collecting resource citations]
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