15 Rare Antique Coin Types

Collecting antique coins is a captivating hobby that offers a glimpse into the past, blending history, artistry, and rarity. Among the vast array of coins, some stand out for their extreme scarcity and fascinating stories. From the legendary 1804 Silver Dollar to the mysterious 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime, these coins are not only valuable but also hold significant historical importance. This article delves into 15 of the rarest antique coins, exploring their unique features and the reasons behind their coveted status.

1804 Silver Dollar

Known as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar is highly prized by collectors due to its storied history and extreme rarity. Only 15 specimens are known to exist, produced in three different classes. This coin was minted for diplomatic gifts, making it even more unique. The intricate design features Lady Liberty on one side and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship of the era.

1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is not just rare; it’s legendary. Never officially released for circulation, almost all were melted down due to the Gold Recall Act. Only a handful escaped, with one selling for over $7 million at auction. Its beautiful design, created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, makes it a coveted piece for collectors and historians alike.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

With only five known specimens, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest coins in American numismatic history. Its creation remains shrouded in mystery, as it was struck without official authorization. These nickels feature the classic Liberty Head design and have fetched millions at auction, capturing the imaginations of collectors worldwide.

1787 Brasher Doubloon

The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a masterpiece of early American coinage, privately minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher. Only seven known examples exist, each featuring an eagle with a shield on its breast and a rising sun. This gold coin is a testament to early American craftsmanship and ingenuity, making it a highly sought-after piece.

1894-S Barber Dime

With just 24 minted, the 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the scarcest dimes in existence. Of these, only nine are confirmed to still exist. These dimes were produced at the San Francisco Mint, possibly as gifts or for record-keeping purposes. The Barber Dime’s detailed design and the mystery surrounding its limited mintage add to its allure.

1652 New England Shilling

The 1652 New England Shilling is one of the earliest coins minted in America, produced by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. This coin’s simple design, featuring “NE” and the date, reflects the colony’s practical approach to currency. With very few surviving examples, it represents a significant piece of American colonial history.

1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle

Only three known specimens of the 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle exist today, making it one of the rarest American gold coins. This coin features the classic capped bust design of Liberty and an eagle with a shield. Its rarity and historical significance make it a standout piece in any collection.

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds the distinction of being the first silver dollar minted by the United States. Its design, with Liberty’s flowing hair and a small eagle on the reverse, symbolizes the new nation’s aspirations. Only about 140 are believed to exist today, making it a cornerstone for any serious collection.

1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle

The 1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle is a rare variant with a unique reverse design by Anthony Paquet. Only two specimens are known, making it an exceptionally rare piece. This coin’s distinctive design and historical context during the Civil War era add to its significance and value.

1804 Plain 4 Eagle

The 1804 Plain 4 Eagle is a gold coin of immense rarity, with only four known examples. Its design features a capped bust of Liberty and an eagle with a shield. The coin’s historical context and scarcity make it a prized item for collectors of early American gold coins.

1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar

The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar is one of the rarest half dollars, with only nine known examples. This coin was the first half dollar struck at the New Orleans Mint, featuring the classic capped bust design. Its rarity and historical significance make it a standout piece for collectors.

1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime

The 1873-CC No Arrows Liberty Seated Dime is an exceptionally rare coin, with only one known example. This dime, minted in Carson City, features the Liberty Seated design and lacks the arrows added to other 1873 dimes. Its unique attributes and extreme rarity make it a highly coveted piece.

1792 Birch Cent

The 1792 Birch Cent is one of the earliest experimental coins produced by the United States Mint. Named after its engraver, Robert Birch, this cent features a profile of Liberty and a wreath on the reverse. With only a few known specimens, it represents a significant piece of American numismatic history.

1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle

The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a stunning example of American coinage, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Only about 20 of these coins were struck, featuring an intricate design with Liberty striding forward and an eagle in flight. Its beauty and rarity make it a prized possession for collectors.

1793 Chain Cent

The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the first coins issued by the United States Mint, featuring a chain of 15 links on the reverse symbolizing the original states. Its unique design and historical significance, coupled with its scarcity, make it a highly sought-after piece. With fewer than 1,000 known examples, it is a cornerstone of early American coinage.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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