Among the most coveted treasures in numismatics, certain coins stand out due to their extraordinary value, driven by factors like rarity, historical significance, or unique features. One prime example is the rare Bicentennial Quarter, valued at nearly $49 million. Alongside this, nine additional coins are worth over $799,999 each, showcasing the height of numismatic brilliance. Here’s a look at these fascinating coins and what makes them so valuable.
Contents
- 1 Rare Bicentennial Quarter
- 2 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- 3 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 4 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
- 5 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 6 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
- 7 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
- 8 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime
- 9 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
- 10 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle
- 11 FAQs
Rare Bicentennial Quarter
The rare Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976 to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial, is an astounding numismatic find. What makes this coin so valuable is its double die obverse—a minting error where the design was struck twice, leading to an overlap that collectors prize. With only a few known to exist, the rarity and pristine condition of this MS-68 (Mint State) quarter have propelled its value to an incredible $49 million. Its historical significance and rarity make it a must-have for any serious collector.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first-ever silver dollar minted by the U.S. in 1794. Designed by Robert Scot, this coin features a flowing-haired Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the reverse. Only 1,758 were minted, and fewer remain in high condition. One of the finest known examples sold for $10 million USD in 2013, due to its historical importance as the U.S.’s first silver dollar.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds a controversial place in U.S. history. Although 445,500 were minted, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to abandon the gold standard led to most being melted down. A few escaped destruction, with one fetching $7.5 million USD at auction in 2002. This coin symbolizes a dramatic shift in U.S. economic policy, and its scarcity adds to its massive value.
1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
Known for its artistic detail, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a masterpiece of American coinage. Sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin’s intricate design required multiple strikes to achieve the desired relief, making minting extremely difficult. Due to its craftsmanship and rarity, one of these coins sold for $2.99 million USD. This coin exemplifies the blend of art and technical precision in numismatics.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coins, shrouded in mystery. Only five are known to exist, created under unusual circumstances after official production of Liberty Head Nickels ended in 1912. Its scarcity and mystique drove one coin to sell for $3.7 million USD in 2010. The coin’s rarity and enigmatic origins make it one of the most sought-after pieces in numismatic history.
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
Despite its 1804 date, the Draped Bust Silver Dollar was minted in the 1830s for diplomatic gifts, making it incredibly rare. With only 15 examples known, it’s often referred to as the “King of American Coins.” One sold for $4.1 million USD, thanks to its rarity and historical significance. Collectors consider it a symbol of American numismatic prestige.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a classic example of an overdate error, where the 1917 die was repurposed for 1918, leading to a visible overlap in the dates. In pristine condition, this rare error coin can fetch upwards of $350,000 USD. Its value stems from its rarity and the iconic Buffalo Nickel design, created by James Earle Fraser.
1802 Draped Bust Half Dime
With only a few known to exist, the 1802 Draped Bust Half Dime is one of the rarest early American coins. Designed by Robert Scot, this coin holds immense value due to its scarcity and connection to the U.S. Mint’s formative years. One example sold for over $1.1 million USD, with collectors valuing it as a key artifact of early American coinage.
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
The 1796 Draped Bust Quarter holds the distinction of being the first quarter dollar minted by the U.S. With only 6,146 originally minted, few survive in top condition. A 1796 quarter recently sold for $1.5 million USD due to its rarity, historical significance, and elegant design. As the first of its kind, this quarter is a crucial piece for any collector.
1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle
The 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle is one of the rarest U.S. gold coins, with only three known examples. One resides in the Smithsonian, making private ownership even more exclusive. In 2021, an example of this coin sold for over $8.4 million USD, showcasing its unique place in numismatic history. The coin’s rarity and gold composition drive its value and appeal.
Coin | Year | Rarity | Auction Price |
---|---|---|---|
Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Minting Error (MS-68) | $49 million |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | First Silver Dollar | $10 million |
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | Scarcity & History | $7.5 million |
1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle | 1907 | Artistic Masterpiece | $2.99 million |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Enigmatic Rarity | $3.7 million |
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar | 1804 (1830s) | Diplomatic Gift | $4.1 million |
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918/1917 | Overdate Error | $350,000 |
1802 Draped Bust Half Dime | 1802 | Early U.S. Coin | $1.1 million |
1796 Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | First Quarter Dollar | $1.5 million |
1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | 1822 | Extreme Gold Rarity | $8.4 million |
The world of rare coins offers a fascinating look into history, art, and economics. From the Bicentennial Quarter, worth nearly $49 million USD, to nine additional coins valued at more than $799,999 each, these coins aren’t just currency—they’re treasures of historical importance and numismatic mastery. They serve as a testament to the high stakes and allure of coin collecting, showcasing the stories, errors, and craftsmanship that turn a simple coin into a priceless artifact.
FAQs
Why is the rare Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
Its double die minting error and pristine condition drive its value.
How much did the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sell for?
It sold for $10 million USD, a record price for a U.S. coin.
What makes the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle so rare?
Most were melted down due to the end of the gold standard.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels exist?
Only five examples are known to exist.
What is special about the 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle?
It’s one of the rarest gold coins, with only three known examples.