The $10 Million 1964 Peace Dollar: Key Facts
Historical Significance
Last U.S. silver dollar design before discontinuation
Only 12 prototypes struck at the Denver Mint
All but one melted by the U.S. Treasury
Single known survivor held privately
Authentication Features
Weight: 26.73g (standard silver dollar)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Edge Lettering: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” present
Mint Mark: “D” below eagle (Denver Mint)
Record Ownership & Value Growth
| Year | Event | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Struck at Denver Mint | Face value |
| 1965 | Discovered in vault | $10,000 |
| 1973 | First private sale | $75,000 |
| 1999 | Auction record | $1.2M |
| 2021 | Private sale | $7.8M |
| 2024 | Estimated value | $9.5M–$10.5M |
How to Identify This Legendary Coin
Critical Identification Points
Date & Design: Matches standard Peace Dollar but dated 1964
Mint Mark: “D” on reverse below eagle
Surface Quality: Proof-like finish with minimal handling marks
Pedigree Documentation: Must trace to original Denver Mint production
Beware of Fakes & Replicas
Altered Date Coins (common 1921–1935 Peace dollars)
Modern Restrikes (illegal but exist on the black market)
High-Quality Counterfeits (several identified)
Verification Requires:
Metallurgical testing
Mint archive documentation
PCGS/NGC certification (special label)
Why This Coin Commands $10 Million
Only Known Survivor of discontinued series
Mint-Documented Rarity with full provenance
Last Silver Dollar of Its Kind
Museum-Quality Artifact of numismatic history
Current Market Position
Insurance Valuation: $10.2 million (Lloyd’s of London)
Appreciation Rate: 15–20% annually
Potential Buyers: Only 3–5 collectors worldwide could afford it
Where This Coin Could Surface
Private Collections (possibly unrecognized)
Bank Vaults (in old silver dollar holdings)
Foreign Holdings (exported pre-1973)
Safety Deposit Boxes (unclaimed/inherited)
What to Do If You Find One
Do NOT clean or handle excessively
Contact PCGS/NGC immediately
Secure in a bank vault
Obtain legal counsel
Contact Heritage Auctions
Warning: All transactions require Treasury Department approval due to the coin’s status.
Free Authentication Resources
[1964 Peace Dollar Checklist]
[How to Document Rare Finds]
[Legal Guidelines for Prototype Coins]
#RareCoins #CoinCollecting #MillionDollarCoin
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