Numismatics and investment are two sectors that place a great value on rare coins, and when they are put up for auction, they can command very high prices. These coins present users with the opportunity to acquire a major financial investment as well as a piece of history.
The value of six of the rarest coins in the world is estimated to be close to fifty million dollars, according to estimations.
1. The 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 $20 gold Double Eagle is one of the most famous and expensive coins ever. The coin was struck by the U.S. Mint but never released since the US abandoned the gold standard. A few coins were illegally stolen from the Mint and circulated. One coin sold for $7.6 million at auction in 2002.
This coin is rare and historically significant. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed it with Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bold eagle on the reverse. Its rareness, historical significance, and intriguing narrative make it valuable.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is considered the first US Mint silver dollar. About 1,500 coins were minted, and even fewer are in perfect condition. One of these coins sold for $10 million in 2013, the most expensive ever.
With a depiction of Liberty on the front and an eagle on the reverse, the coin shows the young nation’s determination to issuing its own currency. Its uncommon condition and historical significance increase its worth.
3. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Another popular coin is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. These coins are one of the rarest in the world, struck only five times. Nobody knows when the U.S. Mint released the coin, adding to its mystique.
This nickel sold for $4.5 million at auction in 2018. The obverse shows Liberty and the reverse shows an eagle with a shield. Its rarity and intriguing history make the coin attractive to collectors.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
One of the most famous and valuable coins is the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. Only 15 instances of this exquisite and historically significant design exist. Although the coin was produced in 1834, its design dates back to 1804. Liberty is on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse.
One coin sold for $4.1 million in 1999. The coin’s rarity, complex design, and historical significance make it a top rare coin.
5. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon, made by New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, was one of the first US gold coins. Few of these coins were minted, but their early American monetary history makes them significant.
One of these coins sold for $7.4 million in 2011, setting a record for the highest coin price. Brasher’s connection to early American coinage is symbolized by the initials “EB” on the obverse and a sunburst on the reverse of the Doubloon.
6. 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign
The 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign was minted but never released due to King Edward VIII’s abdication. This is the rarest British coin, with only one copy. The coin has a portrait of Edward VIII on the obverse and St. George conquering the dragon on the reverse.
Also See: Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth Nearly $90 Million: 3 More Worth Over $50 Million USD
One of the highest-selling British coins ever, this unique coin sold for £2.8 million ($4.5 million USD) in 2016. Its rarity, historical value, and royal connection make it valuable to collectors.
| Coin Name | Year | Minted By | Rarity/Condition | Historical Significance | Record Sale Price | Design Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | U.S. Mint | Extremely rare, only a few exist | Coin struck but never released due to the U.S. abandoning the gold standard. | $7.6 million | Lady Liberty (obverse), bold eagle (reverse) |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | U.S. Mint | About 1,500 minted, rare condition | First U.S. Mint silver dollar, marks U.S. independence in currency production. | $10 million | Liberty (obverse), eagle (reverse) |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | U.S. Mint | Only 5 coins minted | Mystery surrounding its release date, makes it highly collectible. | $4.5 million | Liberty (obverse), eagle with shield (reverse) |
| 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar | 1804 (produced 1834) | U.S. Mint | 15 coins known | Produced with a design from 1804, highly valuable due to rarity and design complexity. | $4.1 million | Liberty (obverse), eagle (reverse) |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | Ephraim Brasher (private mint) | Few coins minted, very rare | One of the first U.S. gold coins, symbolizing early American coinage history. | $7.4 million | “EB” initials (obverse), sunburst (reverse) |
| 1937 Edward VIII Proof Sovereign | 1937 | British Royal Mint | Only 1 coin minted | Minted but never released due to King Edward VIII’s abdication, extremely rare British coin. | $5 million | Edward VIII portrait (obverse), St. George slaying dragon (reverse) |
Can I sell rare coins like these?
Rare coins are sold by auction houses, dealers, or collectors. Professionals should appraise and authenticate high-value coins to ensure fair sales.
Are there modern coins worth nearly $50 million?
Some recent coins are rare or noteworthy, but the $50 million coins above are among the most valued ever found. Modern coin collecting involves lower-valued coins, yet uncommon editions can sell for a lot.