Introduction
Rare coin collecting has a gamut of surprises that leaves any enthusiast wide-eyed with excitement. There are treasures of nearly a million dollars locked away in private collections, bank vaults, and even forgotten places to wait for a benevolent eye to turn their way.
Not only do these coins bear a high price, but they’re important documentation of happenings in American history. Picture holding a coin whose value goes beyond the scope of most houses.
- Exceptional Rarity: Sometimes coins are so scarce that only a handful of known examples exist.
- Exceptional Preservation: Many of the coins have retained their original shine and shine after hundreds of years.
- Minting Features Unusual: Special mint marks, errors at the time of production, and changes in the design create one-of-a-kind coins.
Read More :- Two Rare Bicentennial Quarters Could Be Your $85 Million Jackpot!
We’ve prepared for you an article to introduce 5 fantastic coins sold for about $1 million, which are still available in today’s market. These coins are not only collectibles but also precious pieces that bring together a wonderful historical value with breathtaking artistry.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is one of the most important early American coins because of the historical significance. Lady Liberty is depicted with hair on one side of the coin, and an eagle on the other.
Key Features:
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Composition: 90% silver
- Edge Lettering: Unique design
- Designer: Robert Scot’s flowing hair design
These factors-all crucial-contribute to the rare value of $900,000 to $1 million:
- It is a first-year issue of the U.S. dollar coin.
- Originally, 1,758 pieces were minted.
- The survival rate is less than 150 known specimens
- Most surviving examples show significant wear.
This coinage event was a significant part of American history. The Philadelphia Mint, which struck these dollars on simple equipment, has provided many pieces with such weak strikes having adjustment marks.
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2. 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
The San Francisco Mint also managed to produce the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar, one of the most valuable coins in American history. It ranks among those coins greatly coveted today by many collectors.
Rarity and Significance
There were only a small 15 specimens that were struck out from the San Francisco Mint for the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar, and this has the ‘S’ mintmark. This shows that this coin is clearly differentiated from others that were produced under different circumstances in Philadelphia.
This particular coin is rare because it was minted under special circumstances. These dollars, struck without official permission, immediately became collector’s items.
Notable Features
Some of its notable features that enhance the value of the coin include:
- Deep, sharp strike quality
- Distinctive ‘S’ mintmark on the eagle
- Original mint luster preserved
- Impressive Liberty’s flowing robes with remarkable details
- Clean date and lettering
- Appreciation Over Time
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel remains numismatics’ greatest mystery. These nickels were not supposed to exist – the U.S. Mint had officially changed to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913. And yet five specimens were secretly produced by mint employee Samuel Brown under unauthorized circumstances.
Distinct Characteristics of the Five Known Specimens
The five known specimens have distinct characteristics:
- The Eliasberg specimen – graded PR-66
- The Olsen specimen – graded PR-64
- The Walton specimen – graded PR-63
- Two other examples held in the Smithsonian Institution
- Current Market Values That Reveal the Coin’s Legendary Status
Current market values reveal the coin’s legendary status:
- Low-grade specimens: $500,000-$1,000,000
- High-grade specimens: Up to $3,000,000
Fascinating Stories Behind Each Specimen
Each specimen has its own compelling story. This piece, a Walton, was considered lost for decades until a copy came to light through an old box belonging to one Virginia family found at the 2003 ANA World’s Fair of Money, to have it authenticated.
4. 1804 Silver Dollar (Class III)
It is an interesting coin in numismatic history, as this silver dollar bears the date 1804. However, it was actually minted only in the 1830s under the administration of President Andrew Jackson. The U.S. State Department actually ordered these special coins as diplomatic gifts for foreign dignitaries, such as the King of Siam and the Sultan of Muscat.
Understanding the Class III 1804 Silver Dollar
The Class III 1804 Silver Dollars, produced between 1858 and 1860, is the third of three separate classes of the legendary coin. To this date, there are only 15 authentic pieces in total classes:
- Class I: 8 pieces
- Class II: 1 piece
- Class III: 6 pieces
Market Value and Characteristics
Every Class III coin has a market value in the range of between $800,000 to 1 million, depending on conditions and provenance. Differences exist in the coins from those considered of Classes I and II.
5. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most historically important coins in American history, depicting a time of extreme transition in the country. While these coins were being produced during the Great Depression, no $20 gold coins from this era were ever issued into circulation.
Historical Context
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102. Roosevelt, requiring all gold coins to be returned to the government and making it illegal for people to own them. As a result, the U.S.
Value and Significance
One of the rarest Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles is the 1933 issue, which is priced between $700,000 and $1 million. It is historically significant in that they constitute:
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- The last year that the United States minted gold coins
- A critical point in American monetary policy
- A move off the gold standard
Investing in Rare Coins: A Worthwhile Pursuit?
Rare coins are a rather singular investment, offering historical value sometimes coinciding with monetary return. Some numismatics have survived the markets nicely, and certain coins appreciate in value considerably over time.
Tips for New Collectors:
- Research before purchase
- Build relationships with trustworthy dealers
- Invest in coins that you are enthusiastic about
- Track all the items in your collection. Take proper care of your coins so that they remain in good condition
FAQs
What are some examples of rare coins priced near $1 million?
Discuss five rare, precious coins worth almost $1 million each: the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, the 1804 Silver Dollar (Class III), and the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.
Why is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar considered valuable?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is priced between $900,000 and $1 million based on its historical significance being one of the first silver dollars to be minted by the US government, as well as its scarcity in the market.
What is the historical context of the 1804 Silver Dollar (Class III)?
Minted in the 1830s for diplomatic purposes, the 1804 Silver Dollar is in Class III-an extremely rare one with only 15 known specimens across all classes. The valuation insights stretch from $800,000 up to $1 million, making it a very important coin in numismatic lore.
Why is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle historically significant?
The 1933 St. Gaudens double eagle is quite important in history because it was recalled by President Roosevelt. Its price range was between $700,000 and $1 million and was very important to American economic history.