Have you heard of the 1964–D Peace Dollar? It’s a rare coin that excites many coin collectors around the world. Even though it was made, it was never used as money, making it very special. Some people say there’s a $10,000 reward for anyone who can find a real one! In this article, we will learn why this coin is so important and what makes it worth so much money.
What Is the 1964–D Peace Dollar?
The 1964–D Peace Dollar was meant to be part of a series of coins that started back in 1921 and went until 1935. It was made at the Denver Mint in 1964, which is why it has a “D” on it. During that time, the government was stopping the use of silver coins because their prices were going up. The mint made over 300,000 of these coins, but none were ever used in everyday transactions. Instead, the government decided to melt them all down.
Why Was the Coin Never Released?
In the early 1960s, many people wanted silver dollars. To meet this need, Congress allowed the minting of new Peace Dollars. However, when the price of silver went up, the government realized that making these coins wasn’t a good idea anymore. They didn’t want people hoarding the new coins for their silver value, so they canceled the release of the 1964–D Peace Dollar and destroyed all of them.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Some people think that a few of these coins didn’t get melted and may still exist!
Why Is the 1964–D Peace Dollar So Valuable?
Coins that were made but never actually used are often called “fantasy pieces.” The 1964–D Peace Dollar is one of these fantasy pieces because no one knows for sure if any survived the melting process. Since no real 1964–D Peace Dollars are known to exist, finding one would be a huge deal and could be worth over $10,000.
Is It Legal to Own One?
This is a tricky question. Since the coins were never officially released, having one could be considered illegal. The U.S. government has strict laws about coins that were never meant to be in circulation. If someone finds a 1964–D Peace Dollar, they might face legal trouble for owning it.
However, if a person finds one and it can be proven legal, there’s a chance that it could be allowed to keep it. This adds more mystery to the coin!
Table: Key Facts About the 1964–D Peace Dollar
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Location | Denver (D) |
| Year | 1964 |
| Material | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Mintage | Over 300,000 (all reportedly melted) |
| Current Legal Status | Not legal to own, according to U.S. law |
| Estimated Value | Potentially over $10,000 if found legally |
Why Is There a $10,000 Reward?
Many coin collectors and dealers want to encourage people to find a genuine 1964–D Peace Dollar. That’s why they have offered a reward of around $10,000 for anyone who can prove they have a real one. The reward is so high because of the coin’s rarity and the excitement surrounding its history.
How to Know If You’ve Found One
If you think you might have found a 1964–D Peace Dollar, here are some ways to check if it’s real:
- Mint Mark: Look for the “D” mint mark, which is just below the eagle on the back side of the coin.
- Weight and Size: The coin should weigh 26.73 grams and have a diameter of 38.1 mm. These measurements should match other Peace Dollars.
- Material: The coin should be made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Consult an Expert: If you think you have a real 1964–D Peace Dollar, talk to a coin dealer or numismatist to get their opinion.
Table: How to Identify a 1964–D Peace Dollar
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Mint Mark | “D” located below the eagle |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Year | 1964 |
Where to Look for a 1964–D Peace Dollar
Finding a 1964–D Peace Dollar in your change is very unlikely, but there are a few places where collectors think you might still find one. Here are some suggestions:
- Coin Shows: Big coin shows often have rare coins on display. While no 1964–D Peace Dollars have been found at these shows, it’s a place for collectors to share stories and rumors.
- Estate Sales: Sometimes, old collections from the 1960s or 1970s might have one of these rare coins.
- Private Auctions: If a 1964–D Peace Dollar is ever found, it will probably show up at a private auction where collectors will try to outbid each other for it.
Conclusion
The 1964–D Peace Dollar is a legendary coin that many people are curious about. Although no real examples are known to exist, the excitement of potentially finding one keeps collectors interested. With a reward of $10,000 or more for a genuine coin, this mystery continues to attract treasure hunters and coin enthusiasts.
If you ever think you’ve found a coin that looks like the 1964–D Peace Dollar, make sure to check if it’s real and whether you can keep it. You might be holding one of the rarest coins in history!
FAQs
What is the 1964–D Peace Dollar, and why is it so special?
The 1964–D Peace Dollar is a rare coin that was supposed to be minted in 1964 but was never officially released into circulation. Despite over 300,000 coins being produced, the U.S. government ordered them to be melted down due to rising silver prices.
Why was the 1964–D Peace Dollar never released?
The coin was never released because, by the early 1960s, the government realized that minting silver coins was no longer economically viable due to increasing silver prices.
How can I identify a genuine 1964–D Peace Dollar?
To identify a genuine 1964–D Peace Dollar, look for the “D” mint mark located below the eagle on the reverse side. The coin should weigh 26.73 grams, have a diameter of 38.1 mm, and be made of 90% silver and 10% copper.
Where are the best places to search for a 1964–D Peace Dollar?
While the chances of finding a 1964–D Peace Dollar are slim, collectors suggest looking in places like coin shows, estate sales, and private auctions.