Have you ever wondered why people love collecting shiny metal discs? It’s not just about the sparkle of gold or their price. For many, collecting coins mixes passion, history, and smart investing.
While some people casually collect coins from trips or lucky finds, wealthy collectors go a step further. They search for rare treasures to enhance their collections. Here are five rare coins that are each worth over $1,000.
1908 St. Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
The 1908 St. Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is valued between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on its condition. Steve Chiaravallotti from Huggins & Scott Auctions says this $20 gold coin is known as the most valuable coin that circulated in the U.S.
Designed by sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens, this coin is popular among collectors for its classic look and high gold content – 90% gold and 10% copper. “At Huggins & Scott’s Summer Auction, we had a 1908 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle that sold for $2,520,” said Chiaravallotti.
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1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime has a low mintage, with only 264,000 made and about 10,000 still existing. Its starting value is around $1,000, but some have sold for as much as $43,000. Coin Trackers calls it the most valuable Mercury Dime ever made.
1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D “three-legged” Buffalo Nickel is unique because it has a missing leg. “A Mint error caused by over-polishing the die used to strike the coin resulted in one leg not being visible,” explained Chiaravallotti.
Depending on its condition, this coin can be worth between $500 and $150,000. However, collectors should be careful, as some fake versions have been made by filing down regular nickels.
1878 Morgan Silver Dollar
Morgan dollars are among the most popular U.S. coins to collect. There are 95 different date and mintmark versions in the Morgan dollar series, and many sell for over $1,000 in higher grades. A set of five 1878 Morgan Silver Dollars from different U.S. Mints – Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco – plus one variation, sold for $1,020 at the Huggins & Scott Summer Auction.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is valued between $500 and $175,000, depending on its condition and color. This coin is famous not just among collectors but also outside their circles because of its history.
The designer, Victor David Brenner, originally put his full name on the coin, but it was changed to his initials after public backlash. Only 484,000 of these coins were made, and about 50,000 still exist. This limited supply makes it a highly sought-after item in the world of coin collecting.
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What Makes a Coin Rare or Valuable?
Coins can sell for more than $1,000 if they are in excellent condition. In lower grades, they might only be worth a few dollars. The value of a coin depends on its condition, how many were made, how many still exist, and how much collectors want them.
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.