Do you collect coins, or are you just curious whether you might have any rare U.S. coins worth money? Or perhaps you have just found some old coins that belonged to your grandparents in the back of an old drawer and are trying to figure out if they’re of any value. If so, you may want to stick around to see how much they could be worth.
We’ll be looking into eight rare U.S. coins worth money that are highly sought after by collectors worldwide and hold a great deal of historical value. These coins include those minted during the early days of America to modern-day rarities, and they represent the perfect blend of scarcity and worth. Keep reading to learn all about them.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors and is considered the first dollar coin ever minted by the United States in 1794 and 1795. It shows the figure of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the opposite.
Given its significance as one of the earliest U.S. coins, only a limited number were produced, and even fewer exist today.
In 2013, one of these coins sold for over $10 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold. As of right now, there are only about 150 to 200 of these coins remaining. Its original worth was $1, but it’s now valued at $7,750,000.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin was minted initially as a $20 gold coin. However, most of the 445,500 Double Eagles produced in 1933 were melted down after the U.S. went off the gold standard. Only a few survived, and owning one is a collector’s dream.
Only 13 known coins remain, and Stuart Weitzman privately owns one. Its value has increased from $20 to $7,500,000.
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3. 1913 5C Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is also one of the rare U.S. coins worth money. Despite not being officially minted for circulation, five of them are known to exist, making them some of the rarest coins ever produced.
Multiple owners have changed hands with these coins, and collectors have named them in honor of their acquisitions. They’re called the Norweb, Eliasberg, Walton, McDermott, and Olsen pieces. Even though these coins don’t officially exist in the United States Mint, their value remains high. They are estimated to be worth $4,750,000.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, also called the “King of American Coins,” is known for its rarity and allure. Interestingly, these coins were not minted in 1804 but in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts, and only 15 known pieces exist today.
This rare coin is valued at $6,750,000, given its historical significance and rarity.
5. 1787 Brasher Doubloon $15, Breast Punch
Ephraim Brasher was a jeweler and metalsmith whose proposal to mint coins for New York was turned down, but his gold Brasher Doubloons became historically significant.
His name, Ephraim Brasher, is represented by the initials “EB” on the breast of an eagle on a few of the coins he had made. And now there are very few left. This coin initially cost $15, but in 2011, one of it sold for $7.4 million. In 2005, another version of it sold for $2,415,000.
6. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
The Umayyad gold dinar, valued at more than $6 million, is incredibly rare and greatly sought after by coin collectors everywhere.
There are only about a dozen remaining, which is an impressive number considering the coin itself is around 1,300 years old. The original price for this Islamic gold coin is unknown.
7. 1894-S Barber Dime
The United States Barber coinage minted the 1894-S Barber dime. It initially cost around $0.10, but now this fascinating coin is worth far more than that.
In 2020, it was sold for $1,440,000 at auction. One sold for $1.3 million in 2005, and the other for $1.9 million in 2007. Only nine of these coins left out of the 24 were ever minted.
8. 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin
As many coin experts would tell you, the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, is home to the extraordinary 1849 $20 liberty coin. It is the only known double eagle and the first of its kind.
This unusual coin, mint-dated in 1849, belongs to the million-dollar club. It weighs slightly over 33 grams and contains 90% gold and 10% copper. Experts estimate its worth to be $15 million.
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Rare Coins You Might Find in Circulation
While many rare U.S. coins are no longer circulating, people with an excellent eye can still find some. Valuable coins, such as the 1943 Steel Penny or the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with an extra leaf, have occasionally been found in pocket change.
Here are a few tips on how to improve your chances of finding rare coins:
- Check Your Change: When you receive change, always check your coins since rare or older ones sometimes return to circulation.
- Go to Coin Shows: Coin shows are great places to see rare coins and learn from experienced collectors.
- Coin Rolls: Buying coin rolls from banks and sorting through them can reveal some surprising finds.
Rarity and Value: Understanding the Connection
When it comes to coin collecting, rarity and value go hand in hand. The rarer a coin, the more highly prized it becomes. Several factors, including condition, mintage, historical significance, and production errors, influence the value of a coin.
The coins listed above are rare U.S. coins worth money because of their limited numbers and unique stories. These rare coins, which capture different eras of the United States in metal form, are more than financial investments for passionate collectors. They are pieces of history, culture, and artistry. The joy of owning something that few others have and their rarity makes collectors want these coins.
A Hidden Treasure in Your Hands
Finding a rare coin can be an exciting experience for anyone who enjoys coin collecting. Owning a valuable coin is like having a hidden treasure from the past.
Many of these coins known today are worth more than their weight in gold. Every coin has a backstory representing a different era in American history, ranging from the Great Depression to the American Revolution.
Exploring the world of rare coins is worthwhile, irrespective of your experience level as a collector. When identifying coins that may have value, the coins worth money chart can be a helpful tool. From the rare U.S. coins worth money to the lesser-known varieties, hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered.