In 1864 silver dollar mintage continued the recovery that began in 1863. Over 30,000 coins were minted. This date is like 1861, 1862, and 1863. It’s very popular with collectors due to both low mintage and its status as a Civil War date. However, we note a little more availability than those earlier Civil War dates. 1864 coins are scarce, but not so much so as the three previous Civil War issues. The exception is high-grade examples. In mint state this date is tied with 1865 as the rarest of the Civil War dates. Most price guides recognize the additional availability in the lower grades. When offered, nice examples usually sell near the prices listed. In mint state grades, it’s a different story. Mint state coins of 1864 and 1865 should be priced higher than the other Civil War dates, with the availability being about half. In most cases, all the Civil War dates are listed in the same price range. We believe that this date is still slightly underpriced in circulated grades, and significantly underpriced in mint state. Don’t underestimate the influence of the demand created by Civil War collectors.

Nice examples can be located, but patient searching is required. As with most dates from this era high grades, both proof and business strikes, are more available than lower grades. However, 1864 coins are much more available in lower grades than their Civil War predecessors. The population reports show that more than half of the business strikes currently in holders are less than AU50, whereas for the previous years this number is around 25%. Problem-free examples in grades lower than XF are still very scarce, and will generally bring prices at or above what most price guides would indicate.