All are over-struck on genuine (circa 1922-1935) US MintPeace Silver Dollars, unless otherwise noted.
A few of each type were broad-struck and/or multi-struckwith significant coin shift between over-strikes.
The 1964-D Peace silver dollar isone of the most enigmatic coins in history. On August 3 1964 legislation wasenacted authorizing 45 million new silver dollars to be coined. In May 1965 theWhite House finally ordered some to be produced and the Denver Mint soon minted316,076 of the coins which carried a 1964 date and a design identical to thePeace silver dollar last minted from 1921-1935. Shortly after the firstmintage, an order went out to destroy them. The Treasury Department claimsevery one was accounted for and melted. None have publicly surfaced in the 45years since. If an original 1964 Peace silver dollar were to turn up, it wouldbe subject to immediate confiscation since it would be assumed to be stolengovernment property.
2014 was the 50th anniversary of the original1964 Peace Silver Dollars (which were actually struck in calendar year 1965).The “1965-D” over-strikes serve as a 50th anniversary commemorativecoin.
This modern over-strike"1964-D" Peace is the most exacting and faithful rendition everproduced. Holding this item in hand gives the viewer a true sense of what itwould be like to own an original 1964-D Peace silver dollar. And since thesewere over-struck on genuine Peace silver dollars, they have the correct weight(no metal is added or removed), correct metallic content, and correct diameter.All the over-strikes were privately and painstakingly performed using a surplusDenver Mint coin press.
2020 Update (Die Pair 8 & Die Pair 9 “1964-D” Over-Strikes):
“1964-D” over-strikes using Die Pairs 1 through 6 were produced prior to 2011. In 2014 “1965-D” (Die Pair 7) over-strikes were produced. No photographs of 1964 Peace Dollars were known to exist at that time, so the style of the “64” date digits on those over-strikes were modeled after the 1964 Kennedy half dollars. Later in 2011 it came to light that a supposed photo of a genuine original 1964-D Peace Dollar had previously been published in “The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia” (1992 edition, page 709) by John W. Highfill. The photo caption credited the source as Bob Wilhite of Numismatic News.
However, in late 2019 an image of an original U.S. Mint coin die for the 1964 Peace Dollar obverse surfaced. That photo shows exactly what the original 1964 Peace Dollars would have looked like. Speculation over the years generally contended that Frank Gasparro (or some other US Mint employee in 1964-1965) would have re-sculpted the entire coin and that would result in differences between the 1964 mintage and the prior issues of 1921-1935. After reviewing the newly-obtained US Mint photo of the 1964 Peace Dollar die it is apparent that (except for the “64” of the date) the obverse was NOT re-sculpted. In fact, it is an exact match to the previous (most recent) sculpt of 1934-1935.
The 1922-1928 Peace Dollar obverse has a relatively large triangular dot between “GOD” and “WE”, and the diagonal leg of the “R” in TRUST is somewhat curved. For 1934-1935 the dot is smaller and round, and the diagonal leg on the “R” is straighter. It is also apparent that the Bob Wilhite photo is actually of a 1934 coin with the “3” retouched to look like a “6”. The “4” in the date of the Wilhite photo is an exact match for a 1934 coin with the horizontal crossbar of the “4” being about half way up. The US Mint photo of the original die shows the crossbar of the “4” being a little less than half way up. The US Mint photo also shows that the “6” in the date has an upper arc that extends farther to the right than any other published images.
It appears that there is no corresponding imagery of a 1964 Peace reverse. But based on the fact that the obverse was directly based on the 1934-1935 version, it is reasonable to assume that the 1964 reverse would have also been directly based on the reverse of 1934-1935. Some 1935-S Peace Dollars have an extra 4th ray below “ONE”. Other coins of this period (1934, 1934-D, 1934-S, 1935, and most 1935-S) do not have the 4th ray. It is unknown if the original 1964 Peace Dollars had the 4th ray or not. Over-strike Die Pairs 1 through 7 all have the 4th ray. Die Pairs 8 and 9 do not, so that provides an easy way to differentiate them. Die Pairs 8 and 9 over-strikes also have “64” date digits which are a match to the US Mint die photo, unlike previous over-strikes.
The quality of the engraving of Die Pair 8 was not fully satisfactory, and this die pair also had excessive bead-blasting which diminished the clarity of the over-strikes. Die Pair 8 was used to produce a total of 50 over-strikes. Die pair 8 is low relief (about 0.015") on both sides.
Die Pair 9 was created to correct the deficiencies of Die Pair 8. Original Peace Dollars of 1921 have a high relief obverse (about 0.030") and a low relief reverse (about 0.015"). Except for a few prototype Peace Dollars of 1922, all others from 1922-1935 have low relief (about 0.015") on both sides. Die pair 9 over-strikes have medium relief (about 0.020") on both sides. This provides better sculptural clarity without being obviously higher than normal.
Supposed photo of an original 1964 Peace Dollar, as shown in “The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia” (1992 edition, page 709) by John W. Highfill.
It is now known that this is actually a photo of a 1934 coin with the “3” retouched to appear as a “6”.
1922-1928 style obverse with relatively large triangular dot between “GOD” and “WE”, and a somewhat curved diagonal leg on the “R” of TRUST.
1934-1935 style obverse with small round dot between “GOD” and “WE”, and a straighter diagonal leg on the “R” of TRUST.
Note crossbar of “4” is about half way up.
Photo (courtesy of the US Mint) of an original obverse die for the 1964 Peace Dollar.
The photo has been mirrored for easier viewing as a coin struck from that die.
Note the top arc of the “6” extends far to the right, and the crossbar of the “4” is less than half way up.
The “64” is also sharper than the rest of the design, which would be the case if it was added to an older existing sculpt.
In an ironic twist, the original1964 Peace dollars are illegal to own. But modern fantasy alterations are legalto own.
NOTE: Theseover-strikes are NOT endorsed by the US Treasury.
Defacing of US coins is legal so long as the defacement isn't for fraudulentpurposes.
Production listed in chronological order - newest productionat top, oldest production at bottom.
All production has ended.
Total production of “1964-D” over-strikes (die pairs 1through 6 combined, prior to die cancellation): 1,964.
50 additional pieces (die pair 6) were broad-struck using the cancelled dies onvarious items.
Total production of “1964-D” over-strikes (die pairs 8 and 9 combined): 478.
Total production of “1965-D” over-strikes (all die pair 7):523.
Tooling
Quantity
Over-Struck
Issue Price
Notes
Die Pair 9
”1964-D”
446
(final)
high-grade:
400
bulk-handled:
3
circulated:
43
$140
(sold out)
(high-grade)
$90
(sold out)
(circulated)
First produced February, 2020.
Medium relief (0.020”) on both sides.
All are over-struck on 1922-1935 Peace silver dollars.
Some were broad-struck and/or multi-over-struck with lateral shift between over-strikes.
Die Pair 9
”1964-D”
high grade
Die Pair 9
”1964-D”
only 3 rays below “ONE”
D mint mark position low
Thinner and sharper rays and smoother surfaces than Die Pair 8. Apparent re-punching of “D” (secondary ghost “D” to the south).
Die Pair 8
”1964-D”
50
(final)
high-grade:
42
circulated:
8
$140
(sold out)
(high-grade)
N/A
(circulated)
First produced January, 2020.
Standard low relief (0.015”) on both sides.
All are over-struck on 1922-1935 Peace silver dollars.
Two were double-over-struck with second strike off-center.
Deficiencies in the engraving and excessive bead-blasting resulted in this die pair being abandoned. Die Pair 9 was created to replace it.
Die Pair 8
”1964-D”
high grade
Die Pair 8
”1964-D”
circulated
Die Pair 8
”1964-D”
only 3 rays below “ONE”
D mint mark position low
Lack of sharpness in the engraving and pebbled texture from excessive bead-blasting of the die is evident. Note wide fuzzy rays, for example. No apparent re-punching of “D”.
Die Pair 7
”1965-D”
523
(final)
high-grade:
376
bag-handled: 147
$125
(sold out)
(high-grade)
$80
(sold out)
(bag-handled)
First produced April, 2014.
Two (not released) were over-struck on Kennedy Half Dollars (one 1964 90% silver, one 1965 40% silver). Four (not released) were over-struck on copper-nickel clad Eisenhower dollars 1971-D and 1977-D. Two of those were broad-struck.
Die Pair 7
”1965-D”
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Cancelled Die Strikes
50
(final)
N/A
Produced January, 2011.
All show prominent “X” on obverse and reverse, retained die break at date, and clashed dies on reverse. Various test strikes (for personal entertainment purposes) as follows:
(7) Broad-struck on 39mm copper blank.
(3) Broad-struck on 39mm nickel-alloy blank.
(2) Broad-struck on 39mm 999 silver blank (1 troy oz.).
(3) Broad-struck on 39mm 2006 ANA Denver Coin Club antiqued bronze medal.
(1) Broad-struck on 36mm steel washer.
(1) Broad-struck on 1965 copper-nickel clad Washington Quarter.
(1) Broad-struck on 1964-D Jefferson Nickel.
(1) Broad-struck on 1971 copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1971-D copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(2) Broad-struck on 1971-S silver clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1972 copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1972-D copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1974 copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(14) Broad-struck on 1974-D copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(2) Broad-struck on 1974-S copper-nickel clad proof Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1974-S silver clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1976 copper-nickel clad Bicentennial (type-2) Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1976-D copper-nickel clad Bicentennial (type-1) Eisenhower Dollar.
(2) Broad-struck on 1976-D copper-nickel clad Bicentennial (type-2) Eisenhower Dollar. *
(1) Broad-struck on 1977 copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1977-D copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck on 1978 copper-nickel clad Eisenhower Dollar.
(1) Broad-struck over previously over-struck “1964-D” Peace Silver Dollar.
* One was sold on eBay in June 2011. Final sale price: $480.55
Die 5 Reverse, Die 6 Reverse,
Die Pair 5 & 6 Obverse.
Major die failure at date.
These three dies produced
all released “1964” over-strikes.
After producing some
cancelled-die strikes,
the dies were totally
defaced and scrapped.
Die Pair 6
cancelled die broad-strike over
1974-D copper-nickel clad
Eisenhower Dollar
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Un-cancelled
Test Strikes
14
(final)
N/A
Produced January, 2011.
All show a major retained die break (obverse, in the date area).
Various test strikes (for personal entertainment purposes) as follows:
(1) Broad-struck on sandblasted 39mm pure iron blank.
(1) Broad-struck on 39mm nickel-alloy blank.
(1) Broad-struck on 39mm brass blank.
(1) Broad-struck on 39mm 999 silver blank (1 troy oz.).
(1) Broad-struck on sandblasted 39mm 1971 US Postal Service brass token.
(1) Broad-struck on 39mm 2006 ANA Denver Coin Club antiqued bronze medal.
(1) Broad-struck on 34mm US Denver Mint President Lincoln bronze medal.
Pieces below show clashed dies on reverse.
(2) Over-struck on 1922-1935 Peace Silver Dollar.
(3) Broad-struck over 1922-1935 Peace Silver Dollar, retained cud die break at date.
(1) Multi-broad-struck over 39mm nickel-alloy blank, retained cud die break at date.
(1) Broad-struck over 39mm copper blank, retained cud die break at date.
Die Pair 6
broken-die broad-strike over
normal broad-strike on
39mm nickel blank
(clashed dies reverse)
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Gold-Plated
10
(final)
N/A
Produced January, 2011.
Test strikes (the Peace Dollars were gold-plated prior to over-striking).
Die Pair 6
gold plated finish
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Matte Proof
Finish
152
(final)
$190
(sold out)
Produced January, 2011.
These coins were bead-blasted and burnished after over-striking to produce matte proofs.
Certificates issued with these coins identify them as “Die Pair 6, Sandblast Matte”.
Die Pair 6
matte proof finish
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Proof-like
Finish
180
(final)
$175
(sold out)
Produced December, 2010.
The reverse die lost some frosting and polish during the first few strikes, and as a result some coins show less cameo contrast on the reverse than the obverse.
Die Pair 6
proof-like finish
Die Pair 6
”1964-D”
Uncirculated
Finish
542
(final)
high-grade:
379
bag-handled: 163
$150
(sold out)
Produced October, 2010.
Obverse die carried over from Die Pair 5. New reverse die shows a die gouge to the right of “D” mint mark. Obverse continues high-luster stain finish. Reverse is an earlier die state and the appearance ranges from somewhat matte to shiny. The reverse die was periodically sandblasted during production runs. Rims on both sides are broader and somewhat flatter than previous over-strikes. Five coins had the rims rolled as a test prior to striking. The difference in appearance is minimal. Bag-handled coins were issued with certificates stating “Die Pair 6, Bulk-Handling Finish”. High-grade coins were issued with certificates stating “Die Pair 6, High-Grade Finish”.
Die Pair 6
uncirculated finish
Die Pair 6
die gouge right of mint mark
extra 4th ray below “ONE”
Die Pair 5
”1964-D”
Normal Reeding
Single-Struck
7
(final)
high-luster: 5
bag-handled: 2
N/A
Produced October 2010.
This and all subsequent over-strikes use a collar with a reeding depth of 0.003 inches. Previous damage to reverse die required that it be ground down to fit in collar – resulting in very thin reverse rims.
Die Pair 5
warped & expanded reverse
flat obverse rims
very narrow reverse rims
Die Pair 5
normal edge reeding
Die Pair 5
”1964-D”
Shallow Reeds
Single-Struck
7
(final)
high-luster: 5
bag-handled: 2
N/A
Produced October 2010.
Over-struck using a ground-down collar yielding very shallow smoothed edge reeding. All previous issues used a collar with a reeding depth of 0.006 inches. The reeding on the collar was ground down in an attempt to reduce the “saw-tooth” rim appearance, but the grinding went too far and eradicated much of the reeding. After seven were produced, two Peace Dollars were inadvertently inserted into the coining chamber together and then over-struck, causing a catastrophic brockage resulting in a collar failure, and a buckling of the reverse die. The brockage coins were subsequently melted.
Die Pair 5
shallow smoothed edge reeding
Die Pair 5
broken collar and brockage pair
Die Pair 5
”1964-D”
Deep Reeding
Single-Struck
789
(final)
high-luster:
589
bag-handled:
200
$125
(sold out)
Produced October 2010.
Over-struck once at 300 tons. Strong “cartwheel” luster. About 200 were bag-handled and were issued with certificates stating “Die Pair 5, Bulk-Handling Finish”. The remainder are high-grade individually-handled and were issued with certificates stating “Die Pair 5, High-Luster Finish”. One (not released) was test-struck on a copper-nickel clad US Mint Eisenhower Dollar blank. Another (not released) was a flip-over double over-strike that was subsequently over-struck by “1964-D” Franklin Half Dollar dies.
Die Pair 5
single-strike high-luster
Die Pair 5
single-strike bag-handled
Die Pair 5
double-struck “pocket peace”
Die Pair 5
”1964-D”
Deep Reeding
Quad-Struck
222
(final)
$110
(sold out)
Produced September 2010.
Re-punched Mint Mark, original D punched far to the left, then corrected (the same reverse die that was used in Die Pair 4). Over-struck four times at 200 tons. Subdued luster, with surface reflectivity ranging from satiny-matte to somewhat shiny. All were issued with certificates stating “Die Pair 5”, but no mention of the surface finish.
Die Pair 5
quad-struck, early die state
(subdued luster, matte finish)
Die Pair 5
quad-struck, late die state
(subdued luster, shiny finish)
Die Pair 4
”1964-D”
6
(final)
$ N/A
Produced early-2010.
Obverse die failed to harden properly and mushroomed (expanded & distorted). Reverse die shows re-punched Mint Mark, original D punched far to the left, then corrected (this same reverse die was used later with Die Pair 5). Four of the six were multi-struck with major coin shift between strikes, and those four were all given a post-strike simulated circulated finish.
Die Pair 4
distorted obverse, multi-struck
Die Pairs 4 & 5
re-punched D/D west-east
extra 4th ray below “ONE”
Die Pair 3
”1964-D”
(final)
$ N/A
Unsatisfactory die detail due to corrosion during heat-treating.
No strikes were made from this die pair.
Die Pair 2
”1964-D”
31
(final)
$ N/A
Produced mid-2009.
No re-punching on mint mark. Very high rims. Shiny rippled surfaces. Repeating pattern of shallow die gouges between “B” and “E” of Liberty. An additional 90 pieces were produced, but later melted.
Die Pair 2
Die Pair 2
mint mark
extra 4th ray below “ONE”
Die Pair 2
die gouges
Die Pair 2
high rims – edge appears thick
Die Pair 1
”1964-D”
4
(final)
$ N/A
First production, early 2009.
Re-punched Mint Mark, original D punched North, then corrected.
Some show evidence of die clashing on reverse. All show evidence of multiple striking. All 4 over-struck on Peace Dollars were given a post-strike simulated circulated finish.
In addition, the following quantities were over-struck on other coins:
1976 Bicentennial Half Dollar: 1
1965 Kennedy Half Dollars: 30
1965 Washington Quarter: 1
1965 Roosevelt Dime: 1
1965 Jefferson Nickel: 1
1965 Lincoln Cent: 1
Under-size brass blanks (test strikes): 2
A total of five 39mm pure copper pieces were also struck using Die 1 obverse and the Denver Mint centennial shield reverse.
Die Pair 1
clashed reverse
Die Pair 1
re-punched D/D north-south
extra 4th ray below “ONE”
(the visible ”S” mint mark
is a remnant of host coin)
Die Pair 1
over-struck 1965 mint set
Die 1 obverse
Denver Mint centennial reverse
struck in larger 39mm collar
pure copper
