Circulation strike silver dollar production in 1864 amounted to just 30,700 pieces, and survivors are few and far between in numismatic circles. Silver dollars did not circulate domestically during the Civil War era, the coins instead being used in the United States' export trade. Once exported most examples were lost, with the coins more often than not being melted for their bullion content. Elusive in both circulated and Mint State grades, the 1864 represents a significant find for the advanced collector whenever one becomes available. Uncirculated coins are particularly rare and eagerly sought. Most are confined to grades in the MS-60 to MS-64 range.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the March 2012 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $40,365.