Most 1964 coins are common—but one extraordinary exception exists: the 1964 Peace Dollar prototype, a coin so rare and mysterious that its market value now approaches $10 million. At PennyVerse, we’ve gathered exclusive insights into this true unicorn of U.S. numismatics—often called the Holy Grail of American coin collecting.
🔍 The $10 Million 1964 Peace Dollar: Key Facts
📜 Historical Significance
- Final U.S. silver dollar design before discontinuation
- Only 12 prototypes struck at the Denver Mint in 1964
- Treasury ordered nearly all examples melted
- Single known survivor confirmed in private hands
🛠️ Authentication Features
- Weight: 26.73g (standard Peace Dollar)
- Metal: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Lettered “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- Mint Mark: Bold “D” (Denver Mint), below eagle on reverse
📈 Value Growth Over Time
| Year | Event | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Struck at Denver Mint | $1 (face value) |
| 1965 | Rediscovered in vault | $10,000 |
| 1973 | First private sale | $75,000 |
| 1999 | Auction record | $1.2M |
| 2021 | Confidential sale | $7.8M |
| 2024 | Estimated value | $9.5M–$10.5M |
🔎 How to Identify This Legendary Coin
✔ Date & Design: Peace Dollar style with 1964 date
✔ Mint Mark: “D” on reverse below eagle
✔ Surface: Proof-like, almost untouched
✔ Documentation: Provenance linking directly to Denver Mint
⚠️ Counterfeits Exist
- Altered-date Peace Dollars (1921–1935)
- Illegal modern restrikes
- High-quality fakes using correct silver weight
Only PCGS/NGC certification + metallurgical testing can verify the real deal.
💎 Why Collectors Pay $10 Million
- Only Known Example of its kind
- Officially documented Denver Mint production
- Symbolic “last” silver dollar in U.S. history
- Recognized worldwide as a museum-quality treasure
📊 Market Snapshot (2025)
- Insurance Valuation: $10.2M (Lloyd’s of London)
- Annual Appreciation: 15–20%
- Likely Buyers: 3–5 elite collectors globally
🏦 Where Another Might Surface
- Old bank vault holdings
- Forgotten estate collections
- Private safety deposit boxes
- Overseas holdings, pre-1973 exports
🚨 What To Do If You Find One
1️⃣ Do NOT clean or polish—original patina is critical
2️⃣ Handle only by the edges (cotton gloves recommended)
3️⃣ Place in a secure bank vault immediately
4️⃣ Contact PCGS/NGC for authentication
5️⃣ Consult legal counsel before selling (Treasury approval required)
🎁 Collector Resources
📋 1964 Peace Dollar Identification Checklist
📸 Guide: How to Photograph Rare Coins
⚖️ Legal Protocols for Prototype U.S. Coins
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