WORLD RECORD BREAKER! The legendary 1964 Peace Dollar — long believed to have been destroyed — has surfaced again, selling for a record-breaking $10.5 million at a private New York auction.
The unbelievable twist? It was discovered by Carlos Mendez, a night-shift janitor cleaning out a forgotten vault at a Denver bank in 2023. What he found has since been called “the Mona Lisa of U.S. coins.” 
Could another one of these million-dollar treasures still be out there — maybe in your grandfather’s old coin box? Let’s find out. 
Why This Coin Is Worth Over $10 Million
The Last of Its Kind
- Final silver dollar design ever struck by the U.S. Mint
- Only 12 coins were originally made in Denver in 1964
- 11 were melted by Treasury order
- The last surviving specimen carries verified provenance
This one coin represents the end of America’s silver dollar era — and collectors would pay anything to own it.
Key Identification Marks
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 26.73g (slightly heavier than standard 26.49g Peace Dollar) |
| Mintmark | “D” below the eagle (Denver prototype) |
| Edge | Full “E PLURIBUS UNUM” lettering |
| Surface | Proof-like finish with visible die polish lines |
These small details confirm its authenticity — and make counterfeiting nearly impossible.
Historic Ownership Timeline
- 1965: Discovered in Denver Mint vault by internal auditor
- 1987: Secretly sold for $250,000 through private channels
- 2023: Rediscovered by Carlos Mendez, authenticated by five experts
- 2025: Sold at private auction for $10.5 million
Each change of ownership adds to its legendary status.
How to Identify the 1964 Peace Dollar
Step 1 – Check the Date:
It must read 1964. (Standard Peace Dollars were minted only between 1921–1935.)
Step 2 – Look for the Mintmark:
Find the “D” mintmark below the eagle’s tail feathers — only Denver prototypes exist.
Step 3 – Weigh and Listen:
A genuine coin weighs 26.73g and produces a high-pitched ring due to its 90% silver composition.
Step 4 – Inspect the Surface:
- Mirror-like fields with frosted details
- No bag marks — it was never circulated
Market Value Timeline: From $1 to $10.5 Million
| Year | Event | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Minted | $1 |
| 1965 | First Discovered | $10,000 |
| 1987 | Secret Auction | $250,000 |
| 2023 | Bank Vault Discovery | $10.5 Million |
| 2024 | Insurance Appraisal | $12 Million  |
From one dollar to eight figures — this is the definition of a numismatic miracle!
Where Could Another Be Hiding?
Experts believe a few more 1964 Peace Dollars might still exist — tucked away in forgotten places like:
Old Bank Vaults – unsearched storage bags
European Collections – shipped overseas before the 1970s
Safety Deposit Boxes – left by deceased collectors
Military Bases – part of silver holdings never repatriated
“I almost spent it as a regular silver dollar at the casino!”
— Carlos Mendez, Discoverer
If You Think You’ve Found One… DO THIS IMMEDIATELY!
Handle it only with cotton gloves (avoid fingerprints)
Take clear photos under natural light
Contact PCGS or NGC for emergency authentication
Store securely in a bank vault or safety box
Reach out to Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers for private sale assistance
Important Warning:
- The FBI monitors all 1964 Peace Dollar transactions due to its status as a Treasury-controlled artifact.
- Counterfeits exist — at least three were seized in 2024.
Final Thoughts: A Coin Collector’s Dream
From a dusty vault to a record-breaking auction, the 1964 Peace Dollar’s journey is the stuff of legend.
It’s a reminder that history’s most valuable treasures often hide in plain sight — sometimes even in your own hands. 
So before you cash in that old silver dollar, take one last look… it might just be your $10 million miracle. 
