Counterfeit Detection: 1921 Peace Dollar

NGC - Among other problems, this fake is too thick to be a genuine example of this key date.

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In 1921, the United States was still reeling from the effects of World War I. Over 116,000 American serviceman lost their lives in what was then called The Great War. Due to this, there was a great appreciation for the peace that had come upon the world following Germany's signing of the Armistice agreement on November 11, 1918.

In honor of this newly found peace, the US Mint began striking Peace dollars on December 28, 1921. Due to the late start, only just over a million pieces were struck bearing the 1921 date. Recently, NGC graders received this peculiar example.

The 1921 Peace dollar is one of the keys of the series and is worth hundreds of dollars in Mint State. This piece has the typical strike weakness in the hair due to improper striking pressure. However, the coin also has odd, proof-like fields that are unlike those found on genuine examples. The coin pictured above is, in fact, a die-struck counterfeit.



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