Did you hear about the 1922 silver dollar ‘In God We Trvst’? The 1922 silver dollar marked the return of the Peace dollar series after it was halted in 1921 due to an economic recession. One of the most intriguing elements of the 1922 silver Peace dollar is the misspelled motto ‘In God We Trvst’ on the reverse of the coin.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The misspelling of the 1922 silver dollar is not an accident or an error. Now, let’s dive into the fascinating details behind this unique coin.
The Backstory: Why the Peace Dollar Series Was Created
Origins of the silver dollar during the Morgan dollar series
Before we dive into the fascinating story behind the misspelled 1922 silver dollar “In God We Trvst”, let’s first understand the origins of the silver dollar series. The silver dollar has a long and storied history in the United States, with the most famous design being the Morgan dollar.
Introduced in 1878, the Morgan dollar quickly became a symbol of American prosperity and economic strength.
The Morgan dollar series was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who was an engraver at the United States Mint. The coin featured Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.
These iconic designs made the Morgan dollar one of the most beloved coins in American numismatic history.
Push for a new silver dollar coin design after World War 1
After the conclusion of World War I, there was a growing movement to create a new silver dollar coin design that would commemorate the end of the war and symbolize peace. This push for a new design was part of a larger effort to move away from the militaristic imagery of the past and embrace a more peaceful future.
The idea for a “Peace” dollar gained traction, and in 1921, the United States Mint officially introduced the Peace dollar series. The Peace dollar featured a striking design by Anthony de Francisci, depicting Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle perched on a rock on the reverse.
The coin’s design was meant to evoke a sense of tranquility and hope for a better tomorrow.
Significance of the name ‘Peace’ dollar and the coin’s symbolism
The name “Peace” dollar holds great significance. It not only represents the end of World War I but also symbolizes the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future. The coin’s design reflects this symbolism, with its serene depiction of Lady Liberty and the powerful yet calm image of the eagle.
The Peace Dollar series was minted from 1921 to 1935, with various mint marks indicating the location where the coins were produced. These coins are highly sought after by collectors today, not only for their historical significance but also for their stunning design and craftsmanship.
It is important to note that while the 1922 silver dollar “In God We Trvst” is a unique and fascinating error, it does not detract from the overall significance and beauty of the Peace dollar series. This error coin serves as a reminder of the human element involved in the minting process and adds an intriguing twist to the story behind these iconic coins.
Minting of the 1922 Silver Dollar ‘In God We Trvst’
Reasons for restarting Peace dollar production in 1922
The production of Peace dollars was temporarily halted in 1921 due to a high demand for silver bullion during World War I. However, the United States Mint decided to resume production of the coin in 1922 to meet the growing need for a new silver dollar design.
The Peace Dollar, with its iconic image of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic bald eagle on the reverse, was intended to symbolize peace and commemorate the end of the war.
Misspellings discovered on some 1922 coins
Amidst the production of the 1922 Peace Dollars, a fascinating discovery was made. It was found that a small number of these coins were inadvertently struck with the misspelled motto “In God We Trvst” instead of the correct spelling, “In God We Trust”.
This spelling error quickly captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts, making these coins highly sought after.
Some speculate that it was due to a damaged or worn die used in the coin minting process.
Others suggest that it may have been a result of human error during the engraving or striking process.
Errors traced to damaged coin dies at the Philadelphia Mint
Experts have traced that the misspelling of the 1922 silver dollar “In God We Trust” on damaged coin dies occurred at the Philadelphia Mint. Coin dies are the metal stamps used to strike the design onto the coins.
Over time, these dies can become worn or damaged, affecting the quality and accuracy of the coin’s design.
It is believed that the damaged die used for the 1922 silver dollars had a partially obliterated “S” in the word “Trust”, resulting in the misspelling “Trvst”. The damaged die was likely overlooked during the production process, leading to the creation of a small number of coins with this unique error.
Today, the 1922 silver dollar “In God, We Trvst” is highly prized by collectors and numismatists. These coins serve as a reminder of the fascinating history behind the minting process and the occasional errors that make certain coins even more valuable and intriguing.
Rarity and Value of the 1922 Misspelled Coins Today
Only a small number of ‘In God We Trvst’ dollars were minted
The 1922 silver dollar ‘In God We Trvst’ is incredibly rare, with only around 1,000-2,000 specimens believed to have been produced at the Philadelphia Mint before the misspelling was caught. The exact number is unknown since mint records from that period are incomplete.
This tiny mintage makes the ‘In God We Trvst’ varieties some of the rarest and most coveted issues in all of U.S. numismatics.
High demand makes these coins valuable to collectors and investors
Due to their rarity and popularity among collectors, the market value of the ‘In God We Trvst’ silver dollars is quite substantial. In lower circulated grades like VF or XF, examples can still sell for $10,000 to $20,000 at auction.
For coins graded Mint State-60 or higher by PCGS or NGC, prices range from around $60,000 up to $120,000 or more for the very finest specimens. Demand continues to be strong, with new price records being set at major coin auctions.
These misprinted rarities represent an intriguing opportunity for astute investors and collectors alike.
Grading and pricing for different condition examples
| Grade | Price Range |
|---|---|
| VF (Very Fine) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| XF (Extra Fine) | $15,000 – $20,000 |
| AU (About Uncirculated) | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| MS-60 (Mint State) | $60,000 – $75,000 |
| MS-63 | $85,000 – $100,000 |
| MS-65 | $100,000 – $120,000 |
As the table illustrates, the condition is paramount when valuing these rare coins. Premium uncirculated examples certified MS-65 can sell for over 10 times more than heavily circulated VF or XF specimens.
Given their rarity and historical significance, the 1922 silver dollar ‘In God We Trvst’ will likely continue appreciating for the foreseeable future.
Other Key Facts and Trivia About the 1922 Silver Dollar
No Proof versions were made
One interesting fact about the 1922 silver dollar is that no Proof versions of this coin were ever produced. Proof coins are special, high-quality coins made specifically for collectors and investors. They are struck multiple times with specially polished dies, resulting in a sharp and detailed design.
However, for reasons that are still unclear, the United States Mint did not produce any Proof versions of the 1922 silver dollar. This makes the regular circulation strikes even more significant and sought after by collectors.
Some call it the ‘missing period’ variety
Another fascinating aspect of the 1922 silver dollar is the variety known as the “missing period” variety. On the reverse side of the coin, where the motto “In God We Trust” is supposed to be, there is a misspelled version that reads “In God We Trvst” with a missing ‘u’.
This error occurred during the minting process and is believed to be caused by a filled die. The misspelled version has become highly collectible and sought after by collectors due to its uniqueness.
Part of series transitioning to Peace dollar design
The 1922 silver dollar is also significant because it marks the transition period between the Morgan silver dollar design and the Peace silver dollar design. The Morgan silver dollar, which was first minted in 1878, featured a design that was used for many years.
However, in 1921, the United States Mint introduced a new design known as the Peace silver dollar, which was meant to symbolize peace after World War I. The 1922 silver dollars were struck with the Morgan design but later in the year, the Mint began producing the Peace silver dollars.
This makes the 1922 silver dollar a unique piece of numismatic history, as it represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
1922 Silver Dollar ‘In God We Trvst’ – Conclusion
The 1922 silver dollar ‘In God We Trvst’ represents a fascinating transitional point in U.S. coinage history. While the misspelling was an accident, it created a scarce and highly prized rarity that offers a unique window into the minting process.
For coin collectors, historians, and silver investors, the story and value behind the 1922 silver Peace dollar will continue to endure for decades to come.
