The 1925-S Peace Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 in high mint state grades — and if you’ve got a gem example, values can climb even higher. Whether you found one in an old coin jar or inherited a collection, this guide will walk you through exactly what you’re holding and what the market says it’s worth today.
What Is the 1925-S Peace Dollar?
The 1925-S Peace Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1925, part of the iconic Peace Dollar series that ran from 1921 to 1935. Designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci, the coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle perched on a rock on the reverse — symbolizing peace after World War I. The “S” mintmark appears on the reverse, just below the eagle’s tail feathers.
With a mintage of just over 1.6 million coins, the 1925-S is considered a semi-key date in the Peace Dollar series. It’s not the rarest coin out there, but its relatively low production numbers compared to the Philadelphia Mint issues of the same year make it more desirable to collectors. If you think you’ve found one and aren’t sure of the details, a best coin identifier app can help you confirm the date, mintmark, and condition before you do anything else with it.
1925-S Peace Dollar Value by Grade
Coin value depends heavily on condition, which numismatists measure using the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70. A heavily circulated 1925-S Peace Dollar graded Good (G-4) might fetch around $30–$40, while one in Very Fine (VF-20) could bring $50–$70. Move up to Extremely Fine (EF-40) and you’re looking at $75–$100 or more.
The real jumps happen in mint state. An MS-60 example (uncirculated but with contact marks) typically sells for $150–$200. At MS-63, expect $300–$500. A superb gem graded MS-65 can command $1,000 or more, and coins graded above that are rare and highly coveted. For a full breakdown of current market prices across all grades, the 1925-S Peace Dollar grading and price data on CoinHix is one of the most up-to-date references available. You can also check CoinHix to compare recent auction results and see how the market has been trending.
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn, major design visible | $30 – $40 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, details clear | $50 – $70 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $75 – $110 |
| MS-60 (Mint State) | Uncirculated, some bag marks | $150 – $200 |
| MS-63 (Choice Uncirculated) | Attractive luster, minor marks | $300 – $500 |
| MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | Strong luster, minimal marks | $1,000+ |
What Makes the 1925-S Worth More (or Less)
A few key factors can push your 1925-S Peace Dollar’s value up or pull it down significantly. First is luster — genuine, original mint luster on an uncirculated coin is a major value driver. Coins that have been cleaned, polished, or dipped will lose much of their collector appeal and often sell at a sharp discount, even if they look shiny.
Strike quality also matters. San Francisco Mint coins from this era can sometimes show weak strikes, particularly in Liberty’s hair detail and the eagle’s feathers. A well-struck example stands out and commands premiums. Eye appeal — the overall look of the coin — plays a big role too. Toning can either add or subtract value depending on its color and authenticity. Natural, attractive toning is a plus. Artificial or blotchy toning is a red flag for experienced buyers.
If you want a detailed look at how all of these factors affect real-world pricing for the 1925-S, the 1925 Silver Dollar value breakdown at CoinValueApp covers the topic thoroughly and is worth bookmarking.
How to Tell If Your Coin Is Genuine and Worth Grading
If you think you’ve got a nice 1925-S Peace Dollar, the next question is whether it’s worth submitting to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. Generally speaking, if your coin appears uncirculated or close to it, professional grading makes a lot of sense — certified coins sell for more and are easier to buy and sell with confidence.
For quick at-home identification and a preliminary value estimate, CoinHix offers an intuitive tool that can read mintmarks, dates, and grade ranges from a photo. It’s a smart starting point before spending money on professional submission. Look closely at the “S” mintmark on your coin — it should be crisp and clearly struck. Also examine the fields (flat areas) for any signs of cleaning, which show up as fine hairlines under good lighting.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1925-S Peace Dollar made of silver?
A: Yes. Peace Dollars are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving each coin approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. Even in worn condition, the coin has inherent silver melt value.
Q: How do I find the mintmark on my 1925-S Peace Dollar?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse and look just below the eagle’s tail feathers. The “S” mintmark for San Francisco is located there. If there’s no mintmark, you have a Philadelphia Mint coin instead.
Q: Can I use an app to check my 1925-S Peace Dollar value?
A: Absolutely. CoinHix is a popular choice that lets you scan your coin and get a quick grade estimate and value range. It’s a great first step for anyone who isn’t sure what they have or what it might be worth before taking it to a dealer.
