Here is our reader’s story for you!
…When I started collecting coins, every old coin felt like a treasure. Back then I thought that my Grandma’s 50’s Soviet Ruble was special. Spoiler, it wasn’t.
But the following coins will give you some bragging rights. In this article, we’ll see the 10 most valuable coins, as well as how to identify them.
10. 1870 Three-Dollar Piece – $5,520,000.
This coin is identifiable by a portrait of Lady Liberty with a crown. The back reads with the inscription “3 DOLLARS“. Even though it’s only tenth place, just one coin can get you a house in Paris, several luxury cars, or a whole degree.
Fun fact: New York coin dealer Norman Stack stated in the 1950s, “All are rare. There is no such thing as a common three-dollar gold piece.“
9. Umayyad Gold Dinar (723) – $6,029,400
One of the early Islamic coinages from the times of the Umayyad Caliphate. Arabyc’s inscription reads: “There is no God but Allah the one, who has no partner“.
Fun fact: gold dinar outlived its maker, the Caliphate, and is still used by many Muslims.
8. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar (MS-66+) – $6,600,000
You know it’s an old coin because today dollars come only in paper.
The coin depicts Lady Liberty with flowing hair. 15 stars symbolize the number of states at that moment. The reverse depicts an eagle with a shield, holding arrows and an olive branch.
Fun fact: It was the very first official silver dollar minted by the U.S. Mint.
7. Fengtien Tael (1903) – $6,900,000
The Fengtien Tael was struck during the Qing Dynasty’s reign. It features a dragon, surrounded by inscriptions in Chinese characters.
The hieroglyphs could be translated as: Made in Fengtien Province, Guimao (40th year in the sexagenary cycle), Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency), Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency), Worth 1 silver Liang (weight).
Fun fact: Fengtien Tael’s nickname is “King of Chinese Coins“.
6. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – Ultra High Relief (1907) – $7,200,000
Only a few Ultra High Relief coins were made. The relief was deemed too impractical.
On the observe side, Lady Liberty stands with a torch, and the U.S. Capitol in the background symbolizes liberty and the nation’s strength.
Fun fact: after many of these coins were melted by the American government in the late 1930s, the few survivors became even more sought-after.
5. 1804 Dollar – $7,680,000
The observe side features a classic portrait of Liberty, with 15 stars around her, similar to the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar. The main difference is on the reverse side, with an eagle, wings spread, holding arrows, and an olive branch.
We’re halfway there! Just one “dollar” like that can pay you a trip around the world or fund a business.
Fun fact: a nickname was coined for this coin (pun intended), “The King of U.S. Coins“.
4. Half Eagle (1822) – $8,400,000
Made out of gold, Half Eagle 1822 features a classic portrait of Liberty with 15 stars around her and on the reverse, an eagle.
It’s easier to differentiate this coin from other Libery-series by its golden color. You can also use Coin Identification technology to make your life easier.
Fun fact: it was one of the first gold coin lines minted by the US.
3. Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) – $9,360,000
Brasher is the surname of a famous American goldsmith who came up with the stunning design you see above.
The observe presents a large eagle with EB letters on the wing (Brasher’s mark). The reverse shows a sunburst with the Latin inscription “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one),
Fun fact: Brasher Doubloon is one of the most iconic coins of this rating, serving as a major plot point for books like “The High Window” and movies like “The Brasher Doubloon“.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $12,000,000
If I had a nickel every time there’s Lady Liberty, I’d be a bit richer after this listing.
Now you see one of the rarest coins of them all. Observe side features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, surrounded by 15 stars. The reverse depicts an eagle with a ribbon inscribed “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one).
Fun fact: it’s the first official silver dollar minted by the U.S. Mint.
There’s a Better Way to Identify These Coins
A little breather before I show you the rarest coin of them all.
It’s not always easy to identify a truly valuable coin. Someone just doesn’t have the experience or skill.
Look at these two coins, for example. They look uncannily similar, but they are different, and their value is also different. So what’s the difference?
The leaves. On the left, under the eagle’s wing, the first coin has only two leaves, and the right coin – has three leaves. It’s hard for a human to notice, but for machines, it’s easy work. Therefore, I want to share with you something I’ve been using.
Coin ID Scanner easily identifies the coin in front of you with just one photo.
They have over 150 thousand different kinds of coins in their database.
A feature that I like is Online Collection Management. I like to see how many coins I have, their history, and just how shiny they look.
The app also supports an AI consultant to help you with minting market questions. Very appreciated because a good and honest numismatist might not be in your area, but the AI assistant is always there.
It’s my last piece of advice for fellow coin collectors. Time to see the Number One!
1. 1933 Double Eagle – $18,900,000
What is the rarest coin in the world? The coin that was never officially released into circulation. The 1933 Double Eagle.
The observe side features Lady Liberty, walking with a torch and olive branch, rays of sunlight behind her. The reverse – an eagle in flight.
What could you buy for almost 19 million dollars? I’m sure you can dream of something.
Fun fact: 20 exemplars of this series were supposed to be melted, but were stolen! A bad act, for sure, but now they can be collected. Maybe by you?