The Peace Silver Dollar is very collectible. They are the last big US silver dollars to be minted of 90 percent silver. It only takes 24 date and mint mark combinations to build a complete set. Putting together a complete collection of all mint marks is relatively inexpensive even in the upper grades when compared to the earlier Morgan and Trade dollars.

Collecting Peace Dollars isn't much different than collecting any item, you always strive to find the best coin you can to add to your collection. Acquiring certified coins helps you by:

1. Ensuring your coin is authentic,
2. Establishing the coins condition.

Once a coins authenticity and condition is established a grade can be determined and priced accordingly. When it comes to buying certified coins there are many third party grading companies who claim to certify coins. There are only 4 who are recognized as being consistent, dependable and trustworthy: PCGS, NGC, ANACS and ICG. And between these four you will at times find variances as grading coins is subjective.

It's possible to find many dates, certified by PCGS, NCG or ANACs, for less than $100 in MS65. Those looking only for certified coins can view them in the Certified Peace Dollar section. You'll find listings for hundreds of certified silver Peace Dollars.

The silver Peace Dollar was produced from 1921 through 1935 with no production between 1929 and 1933. It weighs 26.73 grams, is 38.1 mm round and is composed of .900 silver and .100 copper. The coins were minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco at various times during production. Please see the individual year pages for specific minting information. The Peace Dollar was controversial from its introduction and continues to be so today, but where does the silver that went into it, and into the new American Silver Eagle, come from?

Silver is one of the precious metals. There are eight metals considered to be precious including gold, silver and six separate metals that make up the platinum group.

Silver is produced in about 60 nations around the world and world production is about 18,000 metric tons annually. Mexico produces the most silver followed by Peru, Australia and bringing up fourth place is the U.S. Most of us would assume that all silver comes from silver ore. But that's not necessarily the case. Actually, only about 25 percent of the silver mined in the world comes from silver ore. Around 15 percent comes from gold ore and the rest comes from a combination of copper, lead and zinc ore.

Silver is mined in 12 states with Nevada leading the way contributing a full 33 percent of all the silver mined in the U.S. Annual production of U.S. mined silver is about $290 million. Of the roughly 27,000 tons of silver mined annualy about 33 percent goes in to jewelry and silverware. Photographic materials uses nearly 25 percent and here in the U.S. over 85 percent of the silver is consumed by photography and other industrial uses.

Silver is certainly not a renewable resource and there is some specualtion among silver industry analysts as to whether there is enough silver to meet demands after the end of the current decade in 2010. While demand has been fairly steady over the course of the past few years it is expected to rise as more industrial applications make use of silver in the future thereby driving prices up. Learn more about the Peace Dollar at Silver Peace Dollar.

Buying coins safely on eBay isn't a matter of luck. It is a matter of knowing who you're buying from and avoiding those who are less than scrupulous. The vast majority of eBay sellers are honest and reliable. But there are a few sellers who try to take unfair advantage of coin buyers, especially new coin collectors. While eBay does an incredible job at policing the tens of thousands of auctions going on at any one time each individual buyer is responsible for their purchase.

Caveat Emptor - Let The Buyer Beware - is the rule that must be followed. As a coin buyer you aren't powerless. eBay has created multiple tools to help you discern the good seller from the bad and avoid problems. It's just a matter of learning what tools are available and how to use them. In addition, other free and low cost tools are discussed below to help you decide if a purchase you're considering is wise or not.

1. Know Your Seller - Just who is it that wants to sell you that incredible coin? Here's how to learn who it is you're thinking about buying from. Using the tools below will help to provide insight into the seller and their business practices.

Feedback - Over the years a remarkable tool has been provided by eBay. Bidders and buyers can leave a rating of their transaction with a particular seller that can be positive, negative or neutral. From these individual ratings a Feedback Rating is computed that is visible to potential buyers. Just because a seller has a high feedback doesn't mean they are a good seller. The high feedback rating could have come about as a buyer because sellers also get to rate buyers. A good seller should have a low percentage of negative ratings. Read the feedback comments. Comments buy unique buyers saying that coins received rate less than as described in the auction listing could indicate that the seller is not being honest...avoid buying from them. Comments indicating poor service or bad communication, especially if they seem to be typical of this seller, would also be an indication to avoid transactions with that individual. My recommendation, and the rule I follow, is to not deal with any seller who has more than 2% negative rating. Look for sellers with a minimum of 50 feedbacks and a 98% positive feedback rating.

"ME" Page - Check out the sellers description. Is there a company name, address or phone number? If there is not ME page or if it doesn't contain some contact information I might see that as a sign the seller wants to avoid contact and be less inclined to buy from them. There could be a link to the sellers website on the ME page that contains the contact information and you should take the time to check it out. Is the seller a member of any numismatic organizations like the ANA or PNG? The Professional Numismatists Guild vigorously screens its members who must adhere to a strict code of ethics. While the ANA doesn't screen its members they do provide a mediation service that you can take advantage of if you're a member. Besides providing the mediation service membership in the ANA gets you the monthly magazine and a huge resource of educational information that is well worth the $36 yearly fee.

Seller's Location - Where in the world is the seller? On eBay sellers could be from anywhere and the location of the seller is in each listing. Most fraudulent sellers are from outside the U.S., make incredible offers, have you pay by money order or wire and never deliver a product. My recommendation? Purchase from sellers located in the U.S. You avoid long delivery times and the problems of dealing with customs when your prized coin reaches the border.

Shipping Options - Read the details! I can't emphasize that enough. Most problems I hear about are because the buyer didn't read the fine print and were upset about shipping costs or method. You need to understand the cost, method and security of the shipping method. Shipping varies from seller to seller and can include FedEx, UPS, USPS parcel post, first class or registered mail with and without insurance. If it's an expensive or rare coin make sure you insure the shipment. Accidents do happen and items can get lost. It's no longer the sellers responsibility once your treasure has been placed in the hands of the shipping company.

Return/Refund Policies - Legitimate dealers have a return policy. You should be able to get your money back if you're dissatisfied with a coin you've received as long as you meet return requirements that should be thoroughly spelled out in the auction listing. Beware that some sellers do have a restocking fee or only allow returns for "in store" credit instead of a money back guarantee. If there isn't a posted return policy - or if the seller doesn't respond to an email question - don't bid or buy from them.

Payment Options - Paying with a credit card is a good way to protect yourself. Sellers understand that buyers are protected. Never for any reason ever email your credit card number - email is not secure. If you're not going to use a secure checkout then call the seller with your number. Many eBay sellers don't accept direct payment, but do accept payment through PayPal. PayPal offers some protection for consumers, but at a different level and through a more complex procedure. PayPal's Buyer Complaint Policy includes some additional protection for eBay buyers. If you pay by check and want fast delivery send a money order or cashier's check. The seller should be able to ship within 2-3 days, rather than waiting a week or more to be sure your personal check has cleared.

2. Check Online Price Guides - What's the coin worth? Use eBay's own database to find out what coins of the year, type and mint have sold for recently. I'm talking about the "Advanced Search" facility to search completed items. You do have to be signed in to use the advance search but it provides you the item name, number of bids an final sales price plus a link to the original listing. Because coin prices are so volatile take with a grain of salt any pricing provided by outside services. They should be used as "guides" not as "set in concrete" prices. The number one site to check prices at is operated by PCGS. Numismedia does give some pricing but you need a paid subscription for full access. US Coin Values Advisor gives pricing on most U.S. coins, obviously, and is another good source of free pricing guides.

3. Email Questions - Now that you've located a coin you have an interest in don't hesitate to email the seller any questions you may have. Give them a few days to answer. If there is no answer or they fail to answer satisfactorily they might not be a buyer you want to do business with.

5. Print Photos of Coins - So you can compare the coin you receive with the auction listing. The auction listing should have large, clear photos of both the obverse and reverse. If it doesn't email the seller and ask for them. Again, give them a few days answer and if there is no answer or an unsatisfactory answer think twice about buying from that seller.

6. Inspect Coins on Arrival - Inspect your new coin(s) as soon as you receive, at least within the time limit of the sellers return policy. If there is any reason your aren't happy with your purchase return it by FedEx or registered mail for proof of the return. Make
sure you communicate facts to the seller if there is any dispute. Most sellers want to work things out if there is a problem.

7. Post Feedback - Be fair when posting feedback. If you're happy with your purchase, quality and delivery post positive feedback and ask that they do the same for you. If you feel the transaction is less the satisfactory let the seller know the facts so they have the opportunity to make things right. Mistakes happen but if you've been fair and cannot resolve the situation with the seller then post negative feedback. It's the right thing to do and works to help protect everyone who uses eBay. Be correct and factual in your
statements.

Buying coins on eBay is an enjoyable, convenient and simple process for coin collectors, both new and experienced. You can bid on and buy coins no matter what

Coin Condition

When it comes to coin collecting the key to the value of your collection is the condition of your coins. Condition is king! Each grade on the grading scale is a step closer to a perfect coin.

The two most respected of the independent grading services for U.S. coins are PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). They are the most widely accepted in the marketplace and offer independent judgment regarding the grade or each coin. As a buyer it should put you more at ease when purchasing a coin and it increases the liquidity of those coins.

Below you'll find a quick guide to the ANA Grading System.

PROOF A specially minted coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a mirror-like surface. Proof is a method of manufacture, not a condition. Proof coins are struck on polished planchets using polished dies. Typically, slower moving presses strike the planchet, sometimes more than once.

MINT STATE The terms Mint State (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc.) are used to describe coins showing no trace of wear.

PERFECT UNCIRCULATED (MS-70) Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The highest quality possible. No evidence of scratches, handling or contact with other coins.

CHOICE UNCIRCULATED (MS-65) An above average Uncirculated coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. MS-67 through MS-62 indicates a slightly higher or lower grade of preservation.

UNCIRCULATED (MS-60) Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster.

CHOICE ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU-55) Barest of evidence of light wear on only the highest points of the design. Most of the mint luster remains.

ABOUT UNCIRCULATED (AU-50) Has traces of light wear on many of the high points. At least half of the mint luster is still present.

CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE (XF or EF-45) Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident.

EXTREMELY FINE (XF or EF-40) Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show.

CHOICE VERY FINE (VF-30) Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp.

VERY FINE (VF-20) Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear.

FINE (F-12) Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold with overall pleasing appearance.

VERY GOOD (VG-8) Well worn with main features clear and bold, although rather flat.

GOOD (G-4) Heavily worn with design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat.

ABOUT GOOD (AG-3) Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth. The date may be barely readable.

...or any coin should be fun, enjoyable and rewarding. Enjoy the search for your favorite coins and the friends you make along the way.

To learn more about collecting the beautiful silver Peace Dollar, silver Morgan dollars and coin collecting in general visit Silver Peace Dollar or Morgan Dollar Coin soon.

To learn more about American minted gold coins visit American Gold Coin Shop who specializes in American Gold Coins minted since 1796. Find certified and raw American Gold Coins in all denominations including Saint Gaudens, Double Eagle, Eagle, Half Eagle and Quarter Eagle for your collection along with historical data, articles, tips and supplies for all coin collectors.

Many collectors have specialized in silver half dollars, particularly the Walking Liberty Half Dollar series. Classic in the design by Adolph Weinman, these silver coins are a great addition to any collection. Visit Silver Walking Liberty to learn more about this great series of silver coins.