Coin collecting is more than just a hobby. It is a way to learn about art, history, and even hidden treasure. Prices for some very rare coins have gone through the roof, going over $799,999. If luck is on your side, you might even have one of these valuable coins hidden in an old collection or a closet.
Ten rare coins that have drawn collectors from all around the world will be discussed in this article, along with information on their special qualities, current market values, and things to watch out for.
Rare Coins Worth Over $799,999
1. 1976 Bicentennial Quarter
In summary, the 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, released to mark the country’s 200th birthday, is among the most famous coins in recent American history. A few Bicentennial quarters with minting flaws and nearly flawless condition have brought in astounding sums of money, even though the majority are only worth their face value.
Value: These uncommon quarters are among the most valuable coins in contemporary numismatics; one recently sold for around $49 million.
Identification Advice: Look for quarters that are mint-perfect and for signs of problems with the minting process, such as lines that aren’t lined up right.
2. 1804 Silver Dollar
Overview: The 1804 Silver Dollar, is also known as “King of American Coins,” is renowned for its scarcity and history. The majority of these rare coins were struck in the 1830s, making them valuable numismatic artifacts.
At auction, this coin has the potential to bring in up to $3.8 million.
Identification Tip: The 1804 silver dollar is simple to identify due to its distinctive date and size. Only a small number of these coins were ever produced, so finding one would be enormous.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Overview: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is among the rarest American coins, with only five known specimens. Collectors have been captivated by its rarity and mystique for many years.
Value: This coin has a potential auction price of up to $4.5 million.
Identification Tip: These rare coins are scarce; only five exist. Getting a professional appraisal for a Liberty Head Nickel dated 1913 is a worthwhile investment.
4. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Overview: The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar, the country’s first silver dollar, is significant in history. Because of its rarity and production history, it is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatic history.
Value: The estimated value of this coin is an astounding $10 million.
Identification advice: Check the obverse for the image of Lady Liberty with her hair flowing. This coin’s massive size and early minting date are noteworthy.
5. 1933 Double Eagle
Overview: The 1933 Double Eagle coin has an interesting legal past. It is made of gold. During the Great Depression, most of these rare coins were melted down, but some managed to escape, sparking disputes in court over who owned them.
Value: This coin brought $7.6 million at auction.
Identification Tip: The 1933 year stamp on the Double Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is essential to determining its uniqueness.
6. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief)
Overview: The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is regarded as one of the most exquisite coins the United States Mint has ever made. Because of its elaborate design and extremely high relief, it is a masterpiece in the coin-collecting world.
Value: Typically, this coin sells for more than $3 million.
Identification Advice: Look for the unique high-relief pattern by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In contrast to most other rare coins of the same era, it is extremely detailed.
7. 1796 Draped Bust Dime
Overview: This antique American currency is recognized for its historical significance and exquisite beauty. It depicts Lady Liberty in a draped bust design. This coin is one of the earliest produced by the U.S. Mint.
Value: This coin is thought to be worth approximately $1.8 million.
Identification Tip: It is easily recognized due to its small size and relief-like portrayal of Liberty on a bust. Important markers of its rarity are early U.S. minting dates like 1796.
8. 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Overview: Of all American coins, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is among the rarest, with just nine known examples. Because of its mystery and scarcity, it’s a numismatic prize.
Value: This coin is estimated to be worth $1.5 million.
Identification Tip: To identify the San Francisco Mint, look for the 1870-S mint mark. Of particular note is the image of Lady Liberty perched atop a rock.
9. 1943 Lincoln Cent in bronze
Overview: The United States Mint struck steel pennies during World War II to preserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze pennies were made in error, making one of the rarest and most precious Lincoln Cents.
Value: A rare penny brought $1.7 million at auction.
Identification Advice: Verify the substance and year of your Lincoln Cent. If this coin was produced of bronze instead of steel in 1943, you may have a million-dollar coin.
10. 1804 Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is another currency with a convoluted and colorful past. Despite being dated 1804, most of these coins were produced as diplomatic presents in the 1830s.
Value: This coin has a potential selling price up to $4.1 million.
The date 1804 and the detailed bust of Lady Liberty should be noted for identification. The coin is a treasure easily recognized due to its size and early minting date.
| Coin | Year | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $49 million | Near-mint condition, mint errors |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | 1804 | $3.8 million | Scarcity, diplomatic gift |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million | Only five known specimens |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | First U.S. silver dollar |
| 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | $7.6 million | Legal controversy, few surviving coins |
| 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1907 | $3 million | High-relief design, artistic value |
| 1796 Draped Bust Dime | 1796 | $1.8 million | Rare, small denomination |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar | 1870 | $1.5 million | Only nine known specimens |
| 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent | 1943 | $1.7 million | Minting error, bronze penny |
| 1804 Bust Dollar | 1804 | $4.1 million | Diplomatic gift, rarity |
There are many hidden gems in the world of coin collecting, with some coins having values much higher than their face value.
These coins demonstrate the artistry, rarity, and history that combine to make numismatics so alluring, whether it’s a Bicentennial Quarter valued at almost $49 million or an extremely rare 1804 Silver Dollar.
It is worthwhile to have your coin examined by a professional if you believe you may possess one of these priceless coins. Who can say? You could have a million-dollar piece of history!
