Many of us have the idea of finding a treasure hidden in an attic or drawer of an old dresser. A rare coin worth a considerable fortune could be found when looking through your coin jars! Even though it may seem unlikely, collectors who have built up an extensive collection of valuable coins can still succeed. You may find some small change that is worth far more than you would expect to do even if you are not a serious collector.
Even if a lot of valuable coins are highly rare and most likely not in your attic, not all of them are extremely expensive. Some 20th-century coins are less expensive and might be secretly stored in a forgotten area of your home or at your parents’ bank in a secure deposit box.
Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted By Collector
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 1913 5C Liberty Head Nickel
- 1804 Silver Dollar Original — Class I
- 1787 $15 Brasher, Breast Punch
- The 1787 Fugio cent
- 1894-S Barber Dime
- 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin
- The 1343 Edward III Florin
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, was minted in 1794 and 1795. It is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. Originally worth just $1, its current value has skyrocketed to millions. Some experts believe it was the very first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint.
This coin shows Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the front and an American eagle on the back. Only around 1,800 were ever produced, and today, fewer than 130 are thought to exist. In 2022, one of these coins sold at auction for an incredible $12 million, cementing its place as one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
2. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a legendary coin. It is designed by Ephraim Brasher, a skilled goldsmith, and silversmith from New York City in the late 18th century. The front of the coin shows a state seal with a rising sun, while the reverse features an American eagle with a shield. Its rarity makes it highly sought after, and different versions of the coin have sold for varying amounts based on unique characteristics.
In 2011, a version with Brasher’s “EB” signature on the eagle’s breast sold for nearly $7.4 million. Another doubloon with the “EB” mark on the eagle’s wing sold privately for over $5 million in 2018. Most recently, a Brasher Doubloon shattered records in January 2021 by selling for $9.36 million, solidifying its status as one of the most valuable and rare coins in history.
3. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the rarest and most coveted coins in the world. Originally, around 445,500 of these coins were minted, but they were never officially circulated. Today, only 13 are known to exist, with just one privately owned.
This privately held coin belongs to Stuart Weitzman and is considered the crown jewel of coin collections. Originally valued at $20, it’s now worth an astounding $7.5 million, making it one of the most valuable coins ever. The 1933 version stands out as the rarest among all Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles.
4. 1913 5C Liberty Head Nickel
There are just five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, making it one of the rarest coins in existence. These coins are famous for their unique past in addition to their scarcity. The Norweb, Eliasberg, Walton, McDermott, and Olsen pieces are among those that have been called after the collectors who once possessed them.
It’s interesting to note that the U.S. Mint never formally produced these nickels, which only heightens their appeal and mystery. With an estimated value of $4.75 million, they are extremely valuable despite being unofficial. They are highly valued by collectors due to their rarity and distinctive history.
5. 1804 Silver Dollar Original — Class I
The 1804 Silver Dollar, despite its name, wasn’t officially minted until 1834 or later. This iconic coin is divided into three distinct classes, each with unique features that set them apart.
Class I coins have lettered edges but no rust pits. Class II coins feature plain edges, while Class III coins combine lettered edges with a rust pit. Among these, there are currently eight known Class I coins, only one Class II coin, and six Class III coins in existence.
This rarity and historical significance make the 1804 Silver Dollar highly coveted by collectors. Its value is estimated at $6.75 million, cementing its place among the most valuable coins in the world.
6. 1787 $15 Brasher, Breast Punch
The 1787 $15 Brasher coin is a rare treasure, easily recognized by the “EB” initials stamped on the eagle’s breast, representing its creator, Ephraim Brasher. Only a handful of these coins are known to exist today.
Originally worth $15, this coin’s value has grown exponentially over time. In 2011, one sold for an impressive $7.4 million. Earlier, in 2005, another version fetched $2,415,000. Its rarity and connection to early American history make it a prized possession for collectors.
7. The 1787 Fugio cent
The 1787 Fugio Cent, also known as the Franklin Cent, is a fascinating piece of American history. Believed to be the first coin circulated in the newly formed United States, it was designed by Benjamin Franklin and reflects his wit.
The coin features a sun and sundial with the Latin word “fugio,” implying that time flies. At the bottom, it reads “Mind your business,” encouraging the bearer to focus on their affairs. The reverse bears the motto “We are one,” surrounded by 13 chain links representing the original 13 states.
Unlike some other rare coins, the Fugio cent is relatively accessible. You can purchase one for a few hundred dollars, though coins in better condition can fetch a few thousand dollars and even reach $10,000. Extremely rare variants have sold for tens of thousands, making this coin both historic and collectible.
8. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime, originally worth just $0.10, is now one of the most valuable and mysterious coins in history. In 2020, one of these rare dimes was sold at auction for an astonishing $1,440,000.
Only 24 of these coins were ever minted, and today, just nine are known to exist. Its extreme rarity and intriguing backstory make it a coveted treasure for collectors worldwide.
9. 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin
The 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin is a true gem of numismatics and a member of the exclusive million-dollar club. Minted in 1849, this coin is made of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing slightly over 33 grams.
Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable coins in existence, with an estimated worth of around $15 million. This coin remains a symbol of American coinage history and an ultimate prize for collectors.
10. The 1343 Edward III Florin
The 1343 Edward III Florin is one of the world’s most expensive coins and one of only three known to exist. Two of these gold coins are in the British Museum, having been discovered in the River Tyne in 1857, while the third was found by a prospector using a metal detector in 2006.
The obverse features King Edward III on his throne with two leopards’ heads, and the reverse shows the Royal Cross inside a quatrefoil, earning it the nickname “Double Leopard.” The coin found in 2006 sold at auction for £480,000 (about $850,000) — a record at the time for a British coin. Today, it is valued at approximately $6.8 million.
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The Bottom Line
Coin collecting is a world filled with history, intrigue, and the pursuit of rare treasures. From identifying the rarest coins to understanding their value, the journey into numismatics is both challenging and rewarding. Coins represent our past, showcase craftsmanship, and are often appreciated over time.
There’s always more to discover for both new and seasoned collectors, from silver dollars to Jefferson nickels. If you’re interested in acquiring precious metals like gold and silver bullion, Most Expensive Coins can help. Known for integrity, expertise, and personalized service, they guide individuals in expanding into precious metal ownership.
