1. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10 Million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is often seen as the very first silver dollar minted in the United States, which means it’s not only rare but also historic. The coin features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the other. In 2013, it sold for a jaw-dropping $10 million, setting a record that still stands today.
2. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $7.6 Million
The 1933 Double Eagle has a fascinating story—originally minted but never released into circulation due to a gold recall by FDR. One slipped through the cracks and made it to the auction block in 2002, selling for $7.6 million. Because of its “outlaw” past, it’s considered one of the most mysterious and highly valued coins in existence.
3. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon – $7.4 Million
This coin’s a one-of-a-kind in more ways than one. Ephraim Brasher, a New York goldsmith, personally hand-struck this gold doubloon. Featuring his EB initials, it’s a showpiece of early American craftsmanship and fetched $7.4 million at auction in 2011. A gold coin that’s both rare and beautiful? It’s not hard to see why collectors went wild for it.
4. The 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) – $4.1 Million
This coin was created as a diplomatic gift, not for spending. It’s known as the “King of American Coins,” and only 15 of them were ever minted. One of these rare coins sold for $4.1 million in 1999, thanks to its unusual origins and impeccable condition. If there’s a coin fit for royalty, this one takes the crown.
5. The Edward III Florin – $6.8 Million
Going all the way back to medieval England, the Edward III Florin is the oldest coin on this list and dates back to 1343. Only three of these beauties have survived. Its rich history and rarity made it worth a remarkable $6.8 million when it last sold. Imagine holding a piece of the 14th century in your hand!
6. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $3.7 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is another oddball in the coin world. Only five were ever made, and they weren’t supposed to be—making this coin a collector’s dream. One of these mysterious nickels sold for $3.7 million in 2010. Not bad for a coin that wasn’t meant to exist!
7. The 2007 C$1 Million Gold Maple Leaf – $4.02 Million
The Canadian Mint created this pure gold coin to show off their minting skills. Weighing in at 100 kilograms, it’s worth more as a collectible than its face value suggests. This golden giant sold for $4.02 million, making it one of the most valuable modern coins ever sold.
8. The 1894-S Barber Dime – $1.9 Million
This dime has one of the quirkiest stories in coin lore. Only 24 were minted, supposedly as a special favor, and today only nine remain. One of these rare dimes sold for $1.9 million in 2007. A million-dollar dime is hard to beat when it comes to sheer intrigue!
9. The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar – $3.8 Million
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is a real enigma. Although it’s dated 1804, it was actually struck in the 1830s. Known as the “King of American Coins,” it fetched $3.8 million at auction in 2017. It’s a coin with a story, and the collectors were willing to pay for it.
10. The 1822 Half Eagle – $8.4 Million
One of the rarest U.S. gold coins, the 1822 Half Eagle, was unique even when it was minted. Only three are known to exist today, and one of them sold for $8.4 million in 2021. As a symbol of early American wealth, this coin is a crown jewel in the numismatic world.
11. The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar – $1.3 Million
This rare coin sold for $1.3 million due to a little historical quirk: the coin wasn’t supposed to exist. Only a handful were made, and it’s one of the great mysteries of American coinage. It’s proof that sometimes rarity and mystery drive the biggest price tags.
12. The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief) – $3 Million
Regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever made, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is also extremely rare in this ultra-high relief version. It was sold for $3 million in 2021, proving that both artistry and rarity go a long way in the coin world.
13. The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny – $1.7 Million
This is one coin you might actually want to look out for in your spare change. The 1943 Bronze Penny was a minting mistake during World War II when pennies were supposed to be made from steel. One of these rare bronzes sold for $1.7 million, making it the most valuable penny in the world.
