For collectors of rare coins, the most exciting thing about seeing valuable coins is that it can be comparable to finding treasure. Most coins, however, are worth far more than their value due to their historical value, rarity, or even through unique minting error.
Numismatics, or the study and the collection of coins, has given birth to some tremendous finds, with a good number of these coins selling for millions at auction. This article explores some of the most valuable and distinct coins ever sold.
Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter heads the list of Uppermost Coins, and it was sold recently for almost $50 million. What is so special about this quarter? It is an error coin known as the Doubled Die Obverse, a minting error.
This coin, unlike all regular Bicentennial Quarters became an extraordinary hitch. It was such an extraordinary and extremely rare find. The coin was made available to collectors and investors in open bidding for this very reason, and was subsequently sold as one of the most expensive coins
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is possibly the most famous coin in all of American history. This coin, valued at about $10 million, occupies a special position in numismatic history as one of the first United States silver dollars ever struck.
It displays the work of Robert Scot, who beautifully presented the image of Liberty with flowing hair. A few such coins are known to survive, making the combination of age, rarity, and historical importance very valuable.
1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is perhaps the most mysterious coin of all time. They were minted in numbers for the initial minting, but most melted during the Great Depression before they got into circulation.
Today, only a few remain, making them incredibly rare. In 2002, a coin of this kind sold for $7.6 million, making it one of the most wanted coins in numismatic history.
1804 Silver Dollar
Usually nicknamed, “The King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar is another mythical rarity. Although it was minted with the date 1804 on it, these coins were matched in the 1830s as part of diplomatic gifts.
Now, only 15 specimens are known from this coin, and their unique history makes them among the highest-in-demand types. In 1999, one of these coins sold for a staggering $4.1 million at auction.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands as amongst the few coins in American history that can proudly boast of being among the most rarest and most enigmatic. Only five of these coins were produced, and the backgrounds of their creation are still slightly shadowy.
Most had disappeared for many years but recently resurfaced in collector’s possession. One of these rare coins was sold at $4.5 million in 2003, making it one of the most valuable five-cent coins.
1792 Birch Cent
The Birch Cent of 1792 represents an early American coin with great importance. An experimental piece, one of the first test coins created by the United States Mint before the production of an official coinage commenced.
With such an unusual design and a history to match, this rare coin sold for an astonishing $2.6 million. Its link with an important century in the life of the U.S. monetary system makes it an invaluable relic from the perspective of the collectors.
The world of rare coins never ceases to be mysterious, historical, and extremely valuable: the Bicentennial Quarter, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, and the 1933 Double Eagle all remind us that pieces of metal could carry awesome worth.
Whether an avid buff or just curious about rare coins, these historical objects remain ever-intriguing and inspiring.
FAQS:
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter worth $50 million?
Because it has a rare Doubled Die Obverse error, it is one of a kind.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels exist?
Only five were ever made, which makes them rare and therefore valuable.
What makes the 1933 Double Eagle that much more valuable?
Most of them were melted down during the Great Depression, leaving only a handful of them untouched.
Why do they call the 1804 Silver Dollar ‘The King of American Coins’?
Because it was minted as a diplomatic gift and is extremely rare.