10 Most Expensive Coins Ever Sold at Auction

Collecting rare coins is a fascinating hobby. Some coins are incredibly valuable due to their history, rarity, and unique stories. The following coins have fetched record prices at auctions, highlighting their significance in numismatic circles. Each coin has a rich history and a distinctive design that makes it stand out. Read on to discover the most expensive coins ever sold and learn why they are so highly prized.

1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is considered the first silver dollar minted by the United States. Experts believe it may be the first coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint. In 2013, one of these coins sold for over $10 million, setting a record for the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. This coin features a detailed depiction of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse side. The reverse shows an eagle surrounded by a wreath.

1822 Half Eagle

The 1822 Half Eagle is a rare and valuable coin. Only three known specimens exist today. One is in the Smithsonian Institution. The other two are in private collections. Its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors. This coin was part of the early American gold coinage. Minted in Philadelphia, it features a classic design. The obverse shows Lady Liberty. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle. Its auction prices have reached up to $8.4 million.

1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. coins. Due to the gold recall during the Great Depression, almost all were melted down. Only a few examples survived, making them extremely rare. In 2002, one of these coins sold for over $7.5 million. The coin’s design, created by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, features a majestic image of Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, symbolizing peace and enlightenment.

1787 Brasher Doubloon

The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a rare American gold coin made by Ephraim Brasher, a goldsmith and neighbor of George Washington. This coin is notable for its craftsmanship and historical significance. It features Brasher’s signature punch mark, “EB,” on the eagle’s wing. In 2011, a Brasher Doubloon sold for nearly $7.4 million. The coin is admired for its detailed design, which includes an eagle with a shield and a sunburst on the obverse.

1804 Class I Draped Bust Silver Dollar

The 1804 Class I Draped Bust Silver Dollar is legendary. Known as the “King of Coins.” Only fifteen examples exist. These were minted as diplomatic gifts during President Andrew Jackson’s administration. They have an intriguing history, often being presented to foreign dignitaries. Its design includes a Draped Bust of Liberty, symbolizing freedom. The reverse has a heraldic eagle, representing strength and independence. Auction prices reach millions of dollars. One sold for $4.1 million, cementing its status as a numismatic masterpiece.

2007 C$1m Coin

The 2007 C$1m Coin, also known as the Million Dollar Coin, is a modern marvel. Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, it is made of 100 kilograms of pure gold and has a face value of one million Canadian dollars. Only five of these coins were produced. One of these coins sold for over $4 million in 2010. The coin features an intricate design of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a detailed maple leaf on the reverse.

1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is often called the “King of Coins.” Only 15 known specimens exist, and they were not minted in 1804 but in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts. The coin features a portrait of Liberty and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. One of these coins sold for over $3.8 million in 2008. The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is renowned for its rarity and the mystique surrounding its production, making it a prized possession for collectors.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only five known examples. These coins were struck without official authorization, adding to their intrigue. The Liberty Head design was replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, making these coins an anomaly. One of these nickels sold for over $3.7 million in 2010. The coin features a profile of Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral V on the reverse. Its rarity and unique backstory contribute to its high value.

1792 Birch Cent

The 1792 Birch Cent is a historic American coin. Named after its engraver, Robert Birch. It was part of the first U.S. Mint coinage. Only a few examples are known today. This coin represents early American numismatics and the efforts to establish a national currency. Its design includes a Liberty portrait with flowing hair. The reverse has a simple wreath encircling the words “ONE CENT.” Collectors value its historical significance and connection to the nation’s founding. This coin often fetches high prices at auctions. It has sold for as much as $2.6 million, making it a prized piece for any collection.

1793 Chain Cent

The 1793 Chain Cent is America’s first official coin. It features a chain design on the reverse. This symbolizes unity among the states. The obverse shows a Liberty portrait with flowing hair. It has a rustic and simple design, reflecting the nascent stage of American coinage. This coin is historically significant as it marks the beginning of U.S. coinage. Collectors highly value its uniqueness and the story it tells about the early republic. Few examples exist today, making it a rare find. One sold for $2.35 million at auction.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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