While part of the appeal is the aesthetic and history attached to the coins, the thrill of finding a coin that translates to small fortunes is just as gigantic. A rare edition of Bicentennial Quarter, for instance, has fetched almost $6.5 million. But the world of rare coins goes much deeper than that. Here, we take a look at five coins that value over $10 million to illustrate just how much treasure and rarity some coins hold.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle:
A 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle brought over $18 million at auction. That is the ultimate collectible gold coin. The coin is actually an enigma in litigation because it was never officially released to circulation. It was a US government coin, which had been made but recalled and smelted down when the United States went off the gold standard.
Fortunately, however, some of them survived the melting process and landed up in collectors’ hands. Such a coin was criminal to own some decades ago, but one specimen has been sold at an auction, first in 2002 and then again in 2021 for more than $18 million, now being one of the most expensive coins in the world.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar:
One of the early years of the U.S. Mint is symbolized by the Flowing Hair 1794 silver dollar. It falls within the first series produced by the United States for its silver dollars, and this coin typifies the genesis of American money. Extremely rare, one sold recently in an auction for more than $10 million in good condition and with immense historical value.
The coin is collected for its beauty and the picture it paints of a new America, making it foundational to any respected collection.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel:
That’s more than a long shot from the $10 million mark; however, the interesting facts about the history and worth of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel are impressive. Just five specimens have ever been known to exist. This coin is one of the rarest and most pursued, as there are few five known pieces in existence.
The Liberty Head was going to be dethroned by the Buffalo nickel for 1913, so those nickels were minted in shrouded circumstances. Stories from behind the creation of those coins drove the price up over $4.5 million for one coin.
The Brasher Doubloon:
Another coin that can talk to the lavish history of American numismatics is the Brasher Doublon that was struck in 1787. It was designed by the gold and silversmith Ephraim Brasher. The coin is made of gold and has a magnificent appearance on it.
Due to its rarity, historical importance, and the fact that it is older than the establishment of the US Mint, the coin is highly priced; it sold at auction for over $7.4 million.
1804 Silver Dollar:
Only eight such coins are known to exist, making them unmatched in their scarcity and value. Mystery and the exciting tales surrounding their history make them highly desirable, and now, prices over $7 million obtain them.
Rare coins have exciting stories, history, and tremendous value. It ranges from the Bicentennial quarter worth nearly $6.5 million to coins worth over $10 million. Metal pieces carrying stories and heritage beyond their face value, collectors and enthusiasts treasure such coins more for the piece of history it brings with itself rather than just the monetary value.
Coin collecting has its own attractions and continues to grow even at this moment as we discover and appreciate these invaluable treasures. These little but invaluable relics make us realize the rich flow of human history.
FAQS:
What makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle so valuable?
It’s rare due to a government recall and its legal and historical significance.
What makes the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar unique?
It is thought to be one of the earliest silver dollars struck by the United States Mint.