AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a United States Peace Silver Dollar, dated 1928, encapsulated in a clear plastic protective numismatic capsule. The coin features the profile of Lady Liberty facing left on the obverse, wearing a crown of rays, designed by Anthony de Francisci. The inscriptions 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1928' are clearly visible. Physically, the coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with an original diameter of 38.1 mm. The strike appears somewhat soft in the high points of the hair, which is characteristic of the series, though it retains significant detail. There are visible surface marks, including small nicks and scratches on Liberty's neck and in the fields, consistent with light circulation or 'bag marks' from storage. The luster appears somewhat muted but present, suggesting a grade in the About Uncirculated to Mint State range. The 1928 Philadelphia strike (no mint mark) is the key date for the Peace Dollar series, making it highly desirable due to its exceptionally low mintage of only 360,649 coins. This specimen lacks a mint mark above the '1' in 1928, confirming it as the rare Philadelphia mintage. The coin shows a natural silver patina with no signs of harsh cleaning, although some minor dark spotting is visible near the center.

Based on my visual examination of this 1928 Peace Silver Dollar, I have identified it as the 'Key Date' of the series. The absence of a mint mark confirms it is a Philadelphia strike, which saw a recorded mintage of only 360,649—the lowest in the entire series. The coin exhibits characteristics consistent with an About Uncirculated (AU-58) to low Mint State (MS-60/61) grade. While I observe typical softness in de Francisci’s design and minor bag marks on the obverse fields and neck, the retention of original luster and lack of harsh cleaning are significant value drivers. Market demand for this specific year remains aggressive, as it is a mandatory acquisition for any complete set collector. Current auction comparables for an AU-58 specimen range between $2,800 and $3,500, while a certified MS-61 can exceed $5,000. The dark spotting noted is common for silver of this age and does not significantly detract from its marketability. However, I must state that this appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive valuation requires a physical inspection to confirm the surfaces are not expertly 'doctored' or cleaned. Furthermore, because the 1928-P is frequently counterfeited—often by removing the 'S' mint mark from the much commoner San Francisco strike—I strongly recommend submission to a third-party grading service (NGC or PCGS) for authentication. Final verification would require weight measurement (26.73g) and high-magnification analysis of the area where a mint mark would typically be located to ensure no mechanical alterations have occurred.