Most 1964 coins are common pocket change… but one legendary exception stands apart: the 1964-D Peace Dollar prototype. With only one known survivor, this coin is considered the Holy Grail of American coin collecting — and experts now value it at nearly $10 million. 
The 1964 Peace Dollar: Key Facts at a Glance
Historical Significance
- Final U.S. silver dollar design before being discontinued
- Only 12 prototypes struck at the Denver Mint in 1964
- Treasury ordered nearly all destroyed
- Single 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) under the eagle on the 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: Classic Peace Dollar style, but with a 1964 date
Mint Mark: Bold “D” below the eagle on the reverse
Surface: Proof-like, nearly untouched condition
Documentation: Must link directly to the Denver Mint
Warning: Counterfeits Exist
- Altered-date Peace Dollars (1921–1935)
- Illegal modern restrikes
- High-quality fakes with correct silver weight
Only PCGS/NGC certification + metallurgical testing can confirm authenticity.
Why Collectors Pay $10 Million
- Only known example in existence
- Documented Denver Mint prototype production
- Symbolic last silver dollar in U.S. history
- Recognized worldwide as a museum-quality treasure
Market Snapshot (2025)
- Insurance Value: $10.2M (Lloyd’s of London)
- Annual Appreciation: 15–20%
- Likely Buyers: Just 3–5 elite collectors worldwide
Where Another Might Be Hiding
- Old bank vault holdings
- Forgotten estate collections
- Private safety deposit boxes
- Overseas holdings exported before 1973
What To Do If You Think You Found One
Do NOT clean or polish — original patina is essential
Handle only with cotton gloves, by the edges
Store in a secure bank vault immediately
Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication
Consult legal experts before selling (Treasury approval may apply)
Collector Resources
1964 Peace Dollar Identification Checklist
Guide: How to Photograph Rare Coins
Legal Protocols for Prototype U.S. Coins
Final Takeaway: The 1964 Peace Dollar prototype is more than just a coin — it’s a piece of American history. With only one confirmed survivor, it stands as the ultimate prize in U.S. numismatics, valued today at $10 million. 
