1964-D Peace Silver Dollar
The “Extinct” Peace Dollar Mystery
The 1964-D Peace Silver Dollar is one of the most legendary and controversial coins in American numismatics. Often called an “extinct” U.S. coin, it is tied to the final chapter of the historic Peace Silver Dollar series—yet no officially released example has ever been confirmed.
In May 1965, the Denver Mint struck 316,076 Peace dollars dated 1964, but all were reportedly ordered melted before any public release. For collectors, that combination—high-profile production, total destruction, and decades of rumors—has made the 1964 Peace Silver Dollar one of the great mysteries in U.S. coin history.
Key Facts About the 1964-D Peace Silver Dollar
- Production: The Denver Mint produced 316,076 Peace Dollars dated 1964 in May 1965, following congressional authorization on August 3, 1964.
- The Melt: During a national coin shortage and amid the Coinage Act of 1965 (which removed silver from dimes and quarters), the Treasury ordered the destruction of all 1964-D dollars.
- Legal Status: The U.S. Mint has maintained that no 1964 Peace dollars were legally issued; any survivors would be considered government property and unlawful to own.
- Rarity: No confirmed, government-issued 1964-D Peace Silver Dollar has ever been publicly verified, authenticated, or sold.
Collector Warning: “1964 Peace Dollars” for Sale Online
Many items advertised as a “1964 Peace Silver Dollar” are not official U.S. Mint coins. They are typically privately produced replicas, fantasy issues, or over-struck pieces that may appear on secondary marketplaces. These pieces can look convincing in photos, but they are not government-issued Peace dollars. Avoid these fakes.
Are There Mint Errors or Circulated Examples?
Because the 1964-D Peace Silver Dollar was never officially released, there are no recognized mint errors or legitimate circulated versions. This is different from widely issued 1964 silver coinage such as the 1964 Kennedy half dollar, which was struck in 90% silver during its first year of production.
1964-D Peace Silver Dollar Value
- If authenticated: If a genuine specimen were ever verified, it would likely exceed $10,000+ based on standing reward offers, though it would likely be subject to government seizure.
- Replica or medallion: Private “fantasy” strikes commonly sell for roughly $100 to $350, depending on silver content, finish, and overall quality.
For collectors researching the Peace Silver Dollar series, the 1964-D story remains a lasting reminder that rarity is not only about low mintage—it can also come from coins that were struck, recalled, and never released.