Introduced in December 1921 and having the same ratio of silver-to-copper as the Morgan dollar, the Peace dollar, was minted sparingly in 1921. In 1928 mintage was to be suspended only a couple years but was extended because of the Great Depression. Mintage resumed in 1934 and ended in 1935.
In May 1965, 316,000+ Peace dollars were minted, all at the Denver Mint and dated 1964-D; however, plans for completing this coinage were abandoned, and most of those already minted were melted, with two known trial strike specimens being preserved (for assay purposes) until 1970, when they too were melted, and none released either for circulation or collection purposes. It is rumored that one or more pieces still exist, most notably any examples obtained by key members of Congress, the President, or mint officials. However, this coin, much like the 1933 $20 Gold Eagle (aside from the “exception”, sold in 2002 for over $7 million and then 10 were found later), is illegal to own and would be subject to confiscation.
