Coins are more than just currency; for collectors and investors, they represent history, craftsmanship, and rare beauty.
Some coins, due to their rarity, unique features, and historical significance, have become highly sought after and are worth millions of dollars. In this blog, we’ll explore six of the most valuable rare coins in the world, each worth nearly $40 million USD or more.
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is often considered the most famous rare coin in the United States. Minted in 1933, these $20 gold coins were struck by the U.S. Mint, but before they could be issued to the public, President Franklin D.
Roosevelt took the U.S. off the gold standard, effectively rendering these coins obsolete. Most of the 445,500 minted were melted down, but a few survived. Only a handful are known to exist today.
The coin features a stunning design by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, showing Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse.
The 1933 Double Eagle became widely famous when it was sold for $7.6 million in 2002, and today, some examples are worth upwards of $40 million due to their rarity and historical significance.
2. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coins in existence, with only five known to exist.
These nickels are highly valuable due to their unique history—despite the fact that the Liberty Head design was officially replaced in 1912, a few were struck in 1913 by an unknown individual at the U.S. Mint.
The coins are not only rare but also feature a design that was never intended for production, making them incredibly valuable among numismatists.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel was sold at auction for $3.7 million in 2004, and in recent years, their value has skyrocketed, with some examples now worth over $40 million due to their rarity and intrigue.
3. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a coin that holds both historical and numismatic importance. Struck by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, this coin is one of the earliest gold coins minted in the United States.
It is also the first American gold coin to bear a hallmark, which was Brasher’s initials. The coin features an intricate design, with an eagle on one side and a raised profile of a Native American on the other.
Due to its historical significance and rarity (only a few examples remain), the Brasher Doubloon is one of the most expensive coins in the world.
One of the finest examples of this coin was sold for $7.4 million in 2011, and its value has since increased, with the most recent examples reaching nearly $40 million.
4. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds a place in history as the first dollar coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint. This coin is highly prized due to its status as the first coin in the U.S. currency system and its historical significance.
The coin was designed by Robert Scot and features the flowing hair of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
A single example of this coin was sold in 2013 for $10 million, setting a record for the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold at auction at the time. Due to its rarity and historical importance, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is worth well over $40 million in today’s market.
5. The 2007 “Million Dollar” Coin
The 2007 “Million Dollar” Coin, produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, is a stunning piece of artwork and the world’s first pure gold coin with a face value of $1 million.
Although its face value is a million dollars, its true worth lies in the amount of gold it contains, which is approximately 100 kg (220 lbs.) of 24-karat gold.
The coin features a beautiful image of the iconic Canadian maple leaf, and its current value far exceeds its face value due to its precious metal content and rarity.
The 2007 “Million Dollar” Coin is worth more than $40 million USD today, depending on the price of gold, and it is kept in the collection of the Royal Canadian Mint, with the intention to remain a piece of national heritage.
6. The 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most remarkable coins in American history. It was originally intended to be issued in 1907, but its design was too intricate for the minting technology of the time.
The coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse, holding a torch and olive branch, with a majestic eagle flying over the Capitol building on the reverse.
The high relief of the design made it difficult to strike, and as a result, only a limited number of these coins were produced, most of which were later remelted. Today, the few remaining examples of this coin are highly sought after by collectors.
One of the finest examples of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold for $20 million in 2015, and in today’s market, it is estimated that these coins are worth around $40 million.
| Coin | Estimated Value | Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $40 million+ | 1933 | Minted but never issued; most were melted down, few survived. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $40 million+ | 1913 | Minting error, struck after design change; only five known to exist. |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | $40 million+ | 1787 | Early American gold coin; first to feature a goldsmith’s hallmark. |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $40 million+ | 1794 | First U.S. dollar coin; significant for its role in American coinage history. |
| 2007 “Million Dollar” Coin | $40 million+ | 2007 | World’s first million-dollar coin, made of pure gold and weighing over 220 lbs. |
| 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $40 million+ | 1907 | Struck with intricate design; ultra high relief created striking challenges. |
What makes a rare coin valuable?
The worth of a rare coin depends on its scarcity, condition, historical importance, and how much people want to buy it. The coin could be worth more if it is one of a kind or in perfect condition.
Where can I buy rare coins?
There are numismatic auctions, specialized coin dealers, and trustworthy online sites where you can buy rare coins. Before getting the coins, it is important to make sure they are real.
How do I know if I have a rare coin?
If you think you have a rare coin, you should have it checked out by a professional numismatist or a recognized coin grading service. They can tell you if it is real and how much it is worth.