Though the U.S. is relatively young compared to other countries, some of its coins are worth a staggering amount.
Among the most valuable coins in the world, five rare U.S. coins stand out. Let’s take a closer look at these extraordinary pieces of history.
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1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Sold at Auction: $4.56 million
Only five of these nickels were ever made, making them extremely rare and sought after by collectors. The most valuable of the bunch, the Eliasberg specimen, sold for $4.56 million in 2018. Its shiny, proof-like surface adds to its appeal. - Two of the remaining four are on display in museums, including the Smithsonian and the ANA Money Museum in Colorado. In fact, this was the first coin to break the $1 million mark at auction in 1996.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- Sold at Auction: $4,993,750
As one of the first American dollars ever minted, this coin holds historical significance. What makes this coin even more unique is the way the Liberty image is sharply struck, especially the first three stars. - This coin is part of the earliest batch produced, and later versions lacked this level of detail. It was stored for nearly 170 years in a Chippendale cabinet owned by Lord St. Oswald, contributing to its pristine condition.
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3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB Punch on Wing)
- Private Sale: Over $5 million
The oldest coin on the list, the Brasher Doubloon, was made by Ephraim Brasher, a neighbor of George Washington. Each of these coins is marked with Brasher’s initials (EB), and this particular coin is the best of the seven known examples. - Six of these coins feature the EB mark on the wing, while one has it on the chest. This historical connection and extreme rarity make it a priceless collectible.
4. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- Sold at Auction: $7,590,020
Due to President Franklin Roosevelt’s order to destroy all 1933 Double Eagles, this coin wasn’t supposed to exist. However, a handful survived, including one that ended up in the collection of Egyptian King Farouk. - After disappearing for decades, it resurfaced in 1995 and sparked a legal battle over its ownership. Eventually sold for over $7.5 million, this mysterious coin remains one of the most expensive coins in history.
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5. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (Specimen)
- Sold at Auction: $10,016,875
This particular Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds the title of the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. With a near-perfect “Specimen” grade, it is considered a test strike, giving it unique features like a deep mirror finish. - Later versions of this coin showed die clashing, which led to less precise images. This coin’s flawless condition and historical importance make it one of the most treasured pieces of American coinage.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.