If you’re a coin collector or just someone who enjoys the beauty and history behind coins, you may be wondering about the potential value of your collection. There are many coins out there that have grown in value over time, often due to their rarity, age, or historical significance. Whether you’re an avid collector or just someone who has a few coins lying around the house, it’s always interesting to see which coins are worth the most. Here are ten of the most valuable coins in the world, each with its own unique story and value:
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Last sold value: $18.9 million in 2021
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is currently the most valuable coin in the world. It’s worth noting that it’s not the rarest, as the coins were minted between 1907 and 1933. However, many people exchanged their gold Double Eagles for paper money during this time. While you may be able to find other Double Eagles, the 1933 edition is especially valuable due to its sale for $18.9 million in 2021.
2. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Last sold value: $10 million in 2013
The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first official silver-dollar coin minted in the U.S. between 1794 and 1795. The early 1794 release was particularly valuable, selling for just over $10 million in 2013 to a collector in Las Vegas. It’s good news that, while nearly 2,000 coins were produced in 1794, an estimated 130 still remain. You may be lucky enough to come across one of these rare coins.
3. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
Last sold value: $9.36 million in 2021
While the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first minted silver dollar in the U.S., the 1787 Brasher Doubloon was the first U.S. gold version. Only seven were produced by Ephraim Brasher, who was George Washington’s neighbour. The coin that sold for
4. The 1343 Edward III Florin
Last sold value: £460,000 in 2006, estimated to be worth $6.8 million today
The 1343 Edward III Florin is also known as the Double Leopard and is a medieval coin created in 1343 and 1344. The two still remaining today were found in 1857 while a third coin was found by someone in England using a metal detector. The coin was sold at auction for £460,000 in 2006, but is estimated to be worth $6.8 million today.
5. The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
Last sold value: $4.8 million in 2019
The Umayyad gold dinar is the oldest coin in this roundup of valuable coins. It’s believed to have originated in the year 723 AD with an estimated 12 remaining today. According to scholars, the coin’s inscription translates to “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz.” The last time the Dinar sold was in 2019 for £3.72 million, or the equivalent of $4.8 million.
6. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
Last sold value: $4.4 million in 2010
This dramatic, oversized coin weighs 220 pounds and holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for the world’s largest gold coin. Only six were made, with one selling for €3.7 million in 2010. Interestingly enough, the size and weight didn’t deter thieves. One was stolen in 2017 from Berlin’s B
7. Liberty Head V Nickel
Last sold value: $4.2 million in 2022
Back to U.S. coins, the Liberty Head V Nickel is another valuable coin. It doesn’t exist in the U.S. Mint’s records but five 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels are in existence. It was replaced by the Indian Head nickel but the rare Liberty Head Vs are highly sought after by collectors. Two are in museum collections at the Smithsonian and ANA Money Museum. The most recent sale of the coin was $4.2 million in 2022.
8. The 1894-S Barber Dime
Last sold value: $1.99 million in 2016
Very few 1894-S Barber Dimes were minted. According to experts, only 24. However, nine have been discovered, meaning you may be one of the lucky few to find one of the remaining 15. And if it’s any motivation to start rifling through your change or investing in a metal detector, one of the rare dimes sold for $1.99 million in 2016.
9. The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
Last sold value: $1.75 million in 2010
Pennies were always minted with copper. But during World War II, copper and nickel were needed for other purposes and the U.S. Mint produced 1943 pennies with steel. Although the run was nothing special, a batch was accidentally created using copper. The highest-sold penny was a 1943-D graded PCGS MS64 Brown, selling for $1.75 million in 2010.
10. The 1893 Morgan Silver Dollar
Last sold value: $550,000
A second silver dollar makes the list of coins worth money. Minted between 1878 and 1904 with an additional run in 1921, the most valuable are the 1893 editions due to the limited number of 100,000. Despite the relatively large run compared to other coins, one can fetch as much as $550,000.
In conclusion, there are a variety of coins worth money, from ancient gold dinars to modern promotional dollars. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, it’s worth keeping an eye out for these valuable coins. Who knows, you may have one sitting in a jar of change or hidden away in an old box.