Imagine reaching into your pocket change and finding a coin that’s worth millions. Although it sounds like fiction, some rare coins have made news for being sold for staggering amounts. Such an example is a Bicentennial Quarter valued at an estimated $18.4 million, surprising collectors and investors everywhere.
But there’s more to it—8 of these rare coins fetched whopping amounts and might still be sitting in collections, drawers, or change jars. Below, we uncover the stories, characteristics, and worth of 8 stunning coins that may make you extremely wealthy.
1976 Bicentennial Quarter
A special edition of the Bicentennial Quarter, issued in 1976 to commemorate America’s 200th anniversary, has been worth close to $18.4 million. This is no ordinary quarter.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Double die obverse error
- Struck on a silver planchet
- Perfect mint state (MS68+)
- Historical significance
- Estimated Value: Up to $18.4 million
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Silver Dollar is considered to be one of the very first silver dollars to ever be minted by the U.S. Mint. It has Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the back.
Why It’s Valuable:
- First-year issue
- Rare, particularly in higher grades
- Important to U.S. numismatic history
- Estimated Value: Up to $12 million
1787 Brasher Doubloon
Struck by hand by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, the Brasher Doubloon is one of the most well-known pre-federal coins. It bears Brasher’s initials “EB” and an eagle design.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Pre-dates the U.S. Mint
- Gold content
- Very rare
- Estimated Value: Over $9 million
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
Dubbed the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar wasn’t actually produced until decades later for diplomatic purposes. Only a few remain today.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Limited mintage
- Distinctive production history
- Elite collector demand
- Estimated value: Up to $7.7 million
1822 Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin)
There are only three known examples of the 1822 Half Eagle in existence today, which makes it one of the rarest coins ever produced in the U.S.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Minute surviving population
- High collector and historical interest
- Estimated Value: $8.4 million
1861 Paquet Double Eagle
The coin had an alternative reverse design by Anthony Paquet that was short-lived. Only a handful were produced before production was halted.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Design variation
- Limited quantity produced
- High-grade specimens are rare as hens’ teeth
- Estimated Value: More than $7.2 million
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The majority of these coins were melted down when the U.S. dropped the gold standard. A few survived, and one just made history.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Not released and highly illicit to possess until recently
- Stunning design
- Legend among collectors
- Estimated Value: As much as $7.6 million
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
Pennies were made of steel in WWII to conserve copper for the war. Some copper planchets were inadvertently used, and the 1943 Copper Penny was created.
Why It’s Valuable:
- Extremely scarce error coin
- Fewer than a dozen remain
- Estimated Value: $100,000 – $1.7 million
Final Thought
The world of coin collecting is full of surprises—what appears to be common change might be worth thousands, even millions. Ranging from the $18.4 million Bicentennial Quarter to such historic works as the Brasher Doubloon and Flowing Hair Dollar, unusual coins have stories and incredible value behind them. Examine your collection of coins or your ancestors’ keepsakes closely. You could be in possession of a piece of history—and a huge payout.
FAQ’s
Do these coins even exist in circulation anymore?
It’s rare, but not unheard of. Some rare coins have been found in change jars, inherited collections, or even bank roll searches.
How do I know if I have one of these uncommon coins?
Begin with the year, mint mark, and design on the coin. If something about it seems suspicious or corresponds with one of the uncommon types, have a professional coin appraiser or coin grading service assess it.
Should I have my coins professionally graded?
Yes