Some coins are worth more than their face value because of their rarity, history, or mistakes made during minting. Coin collectors are always on the lookout for such treasures, as these rare coins can be worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars. In this article, we’ll take a look at eight valuable coins that collectors are eager to own, with some fetching prices as high as $18.9 million.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin made history in 2021 when it sold for a record-breaking $18.9 million at auction. Despite over 445,000 of these coins being minted, they were never released into circulation. Most were melted down, leaving only 13 known examples today. Out of these, just one is held in a private collection, making it one of the rarest and most coveted coins in the world. The rest remain in the hands of the U.S. government.
2. 1787 Fugio Cent (Franklin Cent)
The 1787 Fugio Cent is one of the first coins ever issued by the United States. With “Mind Your Business” inscribed on the front and “We Are One” on the back, this coin holds historical significance. While lower-quality examples sell for around $200, high-grade versions can go for as much as $92,500. Some historians believe Benjamin Franklin designed this coin, making it a prized piece for collectors.
3. Morgan Dollars
Morgan Dollars are known for their large size, high silver content, and historical appeal. Coins minted at the Carson City Mint, marked with a “CC,” are especially valuable. Two examples of Morgan Dollars that are in high demand include:
- 1886-S Morgan Dollar: With a mintage of 750,000, this coin is a favorite among collectors. An MS-64 grade version is valued at about $1,300, but a higher-quality MS-66 can reach up to $9,000.
- 1895 Morgan Dollar: Often called the “King of the Morgans,” this proof coin had a low mintage of just 880. It’s highly sought after, with prices starting at $38,000 and going up to over $100,000 at auction.
4. 1928 Peace Dollar
The 1928 Peace Dollar is another popular coin among collectors, especially in higher grades. With only 360,649 coins minted, this coin’s low mintage makes it one of the most valuable Peace Dollars.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This penny stands out because of the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. Only 484,000 of these coins were minted in San Francisco, making it the lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent. The color of the coin also affects its value, with red being the most valuable. A low-grade brown 1909-S VDB penny might sell for $800, while a red MS65 can fetch up to $8,000.
6. Liberty and Britannia Coin
A recent release that has caught the attention of collectors is the Liberty and Britannia coin. Only 11,000 of these one-ounce gold coins were minted, making them rare. This coin represents a collaboration between the United States Mint and the Royal Mint of the United Kingdom, symbolizing unity between the two countries. Due to its limited availability, craftsmanship, and gold content, this coin’s value has risen from £2,200 in February 2024 to nearly £3,000 today, equivalent to about $4,000 in U.S. dollars.
7. 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia
In late 2022, the Royal Mint began production of the 2023 Britannia coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II on the reverse. However, Queen Elizabeth passed away that year, making the 2023 coin with her image a rare piece. Only about 20,000 to 30,000 of these coins were made before the error was noticed, causing the coin’s value to skyrocket. One of these coins even sold for $50,000 at a U.S. auction.
Rare coins are more than just pieces of metal – they carry significant historical value and can be worth millions of dollars. Whether it’s the record-breaking 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle or the unique 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia, these coins are highly sought after by collectors. If you ever come across one of these coins, you could be in possession of a fortune. For collectors, the thrill of owning a rare piece of history makes these coins worth every penny.
