The rarity of coins has a uniqueness about it. It comes with incredible historical value, designs that are so interesting, and stories as fascinating as the coins themselves. Some of these coins have sold for record-breaking quantities of money, their values matching their weight in gold. Let’s see seven of the world’s costliest coins, each worth over $5 million.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The United States Mint manufactured its first Flowing Hair Silver Dollar during 1794. This coin takes its position as one of the most significant in American monetary history. The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was among the coins designed by Robert Scot. The dollar shows Lady Liberty with flowing hair while a baby eagle fills the other side.
Of the initial 1,750 coins minted only several coins kept their good state of preservation. A flawless coin from this collection reached an all-time high of $10 million when purchases were finalized in 2013. This coin maintains its title as history’s most expensive coin ever sold because of its limitations in production along with its important role in American monetary heritage.
1933 St. Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as one of the easiest to spot $20 gold coins in American currency. One of the most famous sculptors Augustus Saint-Gaudens created this design. Due to the gold standard elimination the U.S. stopped circulation of this minted depression-era coin. Most pieces of metal were destroyed but course some survived the fire.
Among the various sales that brought prices of over $7.5 million in 2002, another one was history-making, bringing a price of $18.9 million in 2021. The rarity and fights it had to undergo to be one of the most recognized coins worldwide led to various legal battles regarding its ownership.
1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
The 1804 Silver Dollar is known as “The King of American Coins”; it’s an icon of rarity. Interestingly, these coins were minted in the 1830s as gifts during a diplomatic function, even though they are dated 1804.
There are only 15 known specimens, and Class I is the most valuable of them. One such coin was sold in 2013 for $7.68 million, making it all the more legendary. Its rarity and association with American history make it a prize possession among collectors.
Edward III Florin (1343)
The Edward III Florin is a masterpiece and one of the epitomes of the medieval period in England. It was minted in 1343 under the reign of King Edward III. The gold coin is stunning and rare, carrying on it the king sitting on a throne with ample details all around him.
Only three are known to exist today. In 2006, one found in a stream sold for nearly $7 million. Its ancient origins and exquisite design make it one of the most valuable medieval coins in the world.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
There are a few mythologies surrounding the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Only five were ever minted, and they were not even authorized for production by the U.S. Mint. Each of the five has a story to itself.
One of these scarce nickels sold at auction in 2018 for $5 million, and the price is going higher because of the rarity and mystery surrounding its history. It is one of the most talked-about coins in numismatics for its elusive nature and allure.
1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle
One of the rarest coins in U.S. history is the 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle, a $5 gold coin. Only three examples are known to exist, and only two are housed in public collections. One private example sold for $8.4 million in 2021.
This coin is the crown jewel of early American gold coin collectors. It is one of the most valuable items ever auctioned, as it’s extremely rare and chances to own one are scarce.
Brasher Doubloon (1787)
The Brasher Doubloon is one of the first gold coins minted in America, privately minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher in 1787. Neighbor to George Washington, Brasher marked the coins with his “EB” hallmark.
This was one of those stunning coins, sold in 2021 for $9.36 million, one of the priciest ever sold at an auction. Not only is its history related to early American but also its artwork and rarity give it a prime spot as an icon of numismatics.
Each of these coins tells a story unique to it about craftsmanship, history, and intrigue. These values go far beyond monetary value in being individual moments in time, for which collectors will pay millions for ownership.
FAQs:
What is the most expensive coin ever sold?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for $10 million in 2013.
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle so famous?
Its rarity, beauty, and legal history make it iconic.