In 1928, the United States Mint produced 36,064,000 Peace dollars, of which approximately 1,500,000 were coined at the Philadelphia Mint, 21,564,000 at the Denver Mint, and 12,900,000 at the San Francisco Mint.
Obverse
- Liberty's Head: The portrait of Liberty on the obverse of the 1928 Peace dollar is by Anthony de Francisci. It is characterized by Liberty's flowing hair, Phrygian cap, and determined expression.
- Date: The date "1928" is located below Liberty's bust, to the right of her shoulder.
- Motto: The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above Liberty's head, and the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above that.
- Artist's Initials: The artist's initials, "ADF," are located at the base of Liberty's bust.
Reverse
- Peace Dove: The reverse of the 1928 Peace dollar features a bald eagle perched on a rock. In the background, an olive branch is present in the eagle's right talon.
- Mint Mark: The mint mark is located on the reverse of the coin, below the eagle's left talon. It can be either "P" (Philadelphia), "D" (Denver), or "S" (San Francisco).
- Motto: The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is inscribed on a banner held in the eagle's beak, and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" are inscribed above and below the eagle, respectively.
Overall Features
- Weight: The weight of a genuine 1928 Peace dollar should be 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces).
- Diameter: The diameter of a genuine 1928 Peace dollar should be 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches).
- Thickness: The thickness of a genuine 1928 Peace dollar should be 2.42 millimeters (0.095 inches).
- Edge: The edge of a genuine 1928 Peace dollar should have reeding, which consists of 150 evenly spaced serrations.
Checking Authenticity
To determine the authenticity of a 1928 Peace dollar, there are several factors to consider:
- Visual Examination: Examine the coin carefully for any signs of wear or damage. Authentic coins will typically show some wear, especially on the high points of the design, while counterfeit coins may appear too new or have an unnatural shine.
- Weight: Weigh the coin and compare it to the known weight of a genuine 1928 Peace dollar (26.73 grams). If the coin is significantly heavier or lighter, it may be counterfeit.
- Diameter and Thickness: Measure the coin's diameter and thickness and compare them to the known dimensions (38.1 millimeters and 2.42 millimeters). Deviations from these measurements could indicate a counterfeit coin.
- Edge: Examine the edge of the coin to ensure that it has reeding with 150 evenly spaced serrations. Counterfeit coins may have incorrect or uneven reeding.
- Sound: When dropped on a hard surface, a genuine 1928 Peace dollar should produce a clear and distinct ring. Counterfeit coins may produce a dull or muffled sound.
- Magnetic Test: Genuine silver coins like the 1928 Peace dollar are slightly magnetic. Place the coin near a strong magnet; it should be attracted to the magnet but not stick to it strongly. A coin that is strongly magnetic or not magnetic at all may be counterfeit.
Keep in mind that counterfeit coins can become increasingly sophisticated, so it is always recommended to consult with an expert or a reputable coin dealer if you have doubts about the authenticity of a coin.