Gold coins have been status symbols and indicators of wealth for centuries. To collectors and investors, certain gold coins have far exceeded the intrinsic value of their metal and have been sold at auction for astounding amounts of money.
Following are seven such gold coins that have sold for over $1 million apiece and are still cherished heirlooms today.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is America’s best-known gold coin. A total of 4,45,500 pieces of this coin were produced, but they were never officially released into circulation because of the Gold Reserve Act.
Most of the coins were melted down, but some remained. One of these coins was sold in 2002 for $7.59 million and then another one was sold in 2021 for $18.9 million, making it the most valuable coin in the world.
2. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a scarce American gold coin, designed by the renowned goldsmith Eprahim Brasher. This coin is not just historic but also very rare.
In January 2021, one of these coins sold for $9.36 million, the largest amount ever paid for a gold coin at auction.
3. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief)
The coin was designed by the renowned designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens and is regarded as a masterpiece of numismatic (study of coins) art.
A scarce example of this coin with a PR-68 CAC grade was sold for $4.75 million in a private transaction in December 2021. Because of its superior design and scarcity, it is a priceless gem in the world of gold coins.
4. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
This Royal Canadian Mint minted coin is the world’s first $1 million face value gold coin. The coin is made of 99.999% purity gold and has a weight of 100 kilograms.
This coin was auctioned in June 2010 at Vienna’s Dorotheum Auction House for $4.02 million.
5. 1898 Single 9 Pound
The Single 9 Pound of 1898 is one of the world’s rarest gold coins. The coin is so valuable because of its history and rarity among collectors.
This coin was sold for $4 million (approximately 20 million ZAR) in May 2010 through a private sale.
6. 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle
This is a rare gold coin that was minted by the American U.S. Mint, and it has a overdate design (altered date), hence its rarity.
This coin sold for $4.5 million in 2023, much higher than its initial selling price.
7. 1870-CC Double Eagle
The 1870-CC Double Eagle was produced in the Carson City Mint in the American state of Nevada. This coin is very much sought after by collectors and is highly prized.
This coin was auctioned in November 2024 at a Stax Bauer Auction for a price of $1.44 million.
Appeal of these rare gold coins
The following table provides a brief overview of the price and dates of auctions of these antique coins:
| Coin | Date | Sale Price | Sale Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million | June 2021 |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | $9.36 million | January 2021 |
| 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief) | 1907 | $4.75 million | December 2021 |
| 2007 $1 million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | 2007 | $4.02 million | June 2010 |
| 1898 Single 9 Pond | 1898 | $4 million | May 2010 |
| 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | 1825 | $4.5 million | 2023 |
| 1870-CC Double Eagle | 1870 | $1.44 million | November 2024 |
The attraction of scarce gold coins still captivates individuals today. The coins are not just worth the metal – they are works of history, art and culture. If you have an old collection of coins, it could be worth investigating if you too possess a hidden treasure!
FAQs
Q1. What makes a gold coin valuable?
Rare gold coins derive their value from factors like historical significance, rarity, condition, and demand among collectors.
Q2. What is the most expensive gold coin ever sold?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds the record, selling for $18.9 million in June 2021.
Q3. Where can I sell rare gold coins?
You can sell rare gold coins through auction houses (e.g., Stack’s Bowers, Heritage Auctions), coin dealers, or private collectors.
Q4. How can I verify the authenticity of a gold coin?
You can authenticate a gold coin through professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Q5. Are all old gold coins valuable?
Not necessarily. While age can add value, rarity, historical importance, and condition play a bigger role in determining a coin’s worth.