The 1964-D Peace Dollar: The 1964-D Peace Dollar is known as the “Ghost Coin.” This coin is one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in U.S. currency history. It has never been officially put into circulation, but the story behind it and its rarity make it a collector’s dream.
History of the 1964-D Peace Dollar
The Peace Dollar was first minted in 1921 to commemorate the end of World War I. Production continued until 1935, but in 1964, the U.S. Mint began minting this coin exclusively in Denver.
Why was it reintroduced in 1964?
- Congressional Approval: Congress authorized 45 million Peace Dollars to supply sufficient silver coins for circulating needs and Nevada’s gambling activities during 1964.
- Limited production: The Denver Mint struck 3,16,076 coins which carried the “D” mintmark.
However, the program was canceled due to rising silver prices and political concerns. The government then ordered all the coins to be melted.
The rarity of the 1964-D Peace Dollar and its valuable status
Despite all the coins being officially destroyed, there are rumors that some coins survived. These rumours make it one of the rarest and most expensive coins in the world.
The main reasons for its valuable status:
- Extreme rarity: None of the coins are known to be in private ownership.
- Historical significance: This coin marks the end of US silver coins.
- Mystery and conjecture: The stories of the surviving coins make it even more valuable.
Estimated value:
If a 1964-D Peace Dollar surfaces, experts estimate its value to be anywhere from $1 million to $5 million.
Features of the 1964-D Peace Dollar
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Year | 1964 |
Mintmark | “D” (Denver) |
Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
Weight | 26.73 grams |
Diameter | 38.1 mm |
Mintage | 3,16,076 (all melted) |
Does the 1964-D Peace Dollar really exist?
Although the U.S. Mint claims to have destroyed all the coins, there are rumors that some coins were saved by Mint employees or ended up in private hands.
Why have no coins surfaced publicly?
- Legal complications: The government prohibits private ownership of these coins.
- Authenticity issues: Without official records, it is difficult to prove its authenticity.
How do you identify rare coins?
- Date check: Only Peace Dollars from 1921 to 1935 were in circulation.
- Look for the mintmark: Coins minted from the Denver Mint will have a “D” mark.
- Condition importance: New and unworn coins command the highest price.
Conclusion
In the annals of U.S. currency history the 1964-D Peace Dollar stands as an enigmatic unsolved mystery. People view the rare and historically precious coin with surviving tales of these pieces to be a “ghost coin.” The coin holds great value as a collectible item yet it also serves educational purposes for students of currency historical development.
FAQs On How The 1964-D Peace Dollar Became A Ghost Coin Worth Millions
Q. Why is the 1964-D Peace Dollar illegal to own?
A. All coins were ordered to be melted, and any that escaped destruction remained government property.
Q. Has a 1964-D Peace Dollar ever surfaced?
A. There are unconfirmed reports and rumors, but no specimen has been publicly authenticated or sold.
Q. What makes the Peace Dollar design unique?
A. Its obverse features Lady Liberty with a radiant crown, and the reverse showcases an eagle perched on a rock with an olive branch, symbolizing peace.