The world of rare coin collecting involves history, artistry, and investment. Some coins are so rare and sought after that they can churn out millions at auction, making them the crown jewels of American numismatics.
Ten coins here stand out for their unusual value, intriguing history, and limited availability.
The 1804 Silver Dollar
This coin, which many will recognize as the “King of American Coins,” had struck denominations between 1830 and 1838 for diplomatic presentation sets, even though it is dated. Only fifteen authentic examples of these coins are known to exist and they fall into three different classes, with Class I being worth the most.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 15
- Significant Sale: $7.68 million (2021)
No other coin matches this combination of factors: historical importance, fierce rarity, and secrecy in origin to make it one of the most valuable coins of all time.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the more interesting stories in coin collecting. The Liberty Head design was replaced by the Buffalo Nickel officially in 1913, yet five more coins mysteriously got struck.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 5
- Notable Sale: $4.56 million
Because of their unknown lineage and extreme rarity, they are also some of the most valuable American coins today.
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Among the most beautiful and rare gold coins in circulation is the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens. While slightly more than 180,000 pieces of these coins were minted, most were melted in the 1933 gold recall. Only about fifteen pieces exist today.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 15
- Notable Sale: Over $2 million
It has an astonishing design and historical connection to the Great Depression-era gold recall, making it a true collector’s dream.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This would be the very first U.S. silver dollar struck at the U.S. Mint, thus giving it historical significance inside the United States. Of those, there are only about 150 alive today, with the record price of one being at auction.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 150
- Notable Sale: $10 million
Because it’s the first U.S. silver dollar, the population continues to drive its value high.
1933 saint Gaudens double eagle.
Widely considered one of the most controversial coins in U.S. history, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was almost entirely melted down immediately after President Roosevelt’s gold recall, leaving only one in private ownership-legally.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 1 (legally owned)
- Notable Sale: $18.9 million (2021)
Since it is the only legally owned specimen, this coin is the most expensive one to ever sell.
1822 Half Eagle was one of the rarest of American gold coins
Only three specimens are known to exist: a single example is held in private hands, which makes a price estimation nearly impossible.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 3
- Notable Sale: Over $5 million (estimate)
The coin’s extreme rarity, combined with a connection to the formative years of U.S. gold coinage, makes it all the more desirable.
1804 Eagle
Like the 1804 Silver Dollar, the 1804 Eagle bullion coin was minted in the 1830s for diplomatic purposes. Only four are known, and three are circulating among collectors.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 4
- Notable Sale: Over $3 million
There will always remain an interest by collectors because of its close association with the more famous 1804 Silver Dollar.
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1885 Trade Dollar
Although officially discontinued by 1878, a handful of Trade Dollars were proofed by the U.S. Mint in 1885-Rare coins indeed! All five known specimens exist today, making this a rarity among rarities in silver coinage.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 5
- Notable Sale: Over $2 million
With its mysterious origin and extreme rarity, it remains one of the most wanted silver coins.
1927 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Though not quite as rare as its Denver Mint counterpart, the 1927 edition of the Philadelphia Mint Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is certainly rarer than an average coin. Today, less than fifty examples are known, most in extremely high grades.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 50
- Notable Sale: Over $1 million
Collectors can never get enough of it due to its breathtaking design and genuine scarcity.
1838 Pattern Half Dollar
One of the rarest experimental coins in U.S. history, it features a seated Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars. In fact, only four exist, which is exceedingly rare.
Key Facts:
- Total Known: 4
- Notable Sale: Over $500,000
Having a highly exceptional design as a pattern coin, it continues to hold strong interest among collectors.
These ten coins represent the ultimate top tier in the rarities of American numismatics and have fascinating accounts with considerable value. To coin collectors, investors, and history enthusiasts, these coins are proof that treasures still exist within coinage.
FAQS:
What piece of coin from the United States was sold at the highest price ever?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was sold for around $18.9 million in 2021.
How many existing pieces of 1804 Silver Dollars are there?
There are fifteen known genuine specimens in three classes.
What is the reason behind the high value of 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Only five pieces were minted, making it extremely rare and hugely valuable.
What is so special about the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar?
This was the very first Mint issue of a silver dollar in US history.