Rare US Coins
In this section, we are going to list 15 of the rarest American coins. Unique specimens that are alike very few others, or none at all. This is not a specific list of the most valuable coins, but rather some examples of coins so rare and unique that they got on the seventh or even eighth digit’s worth.
1792 Silver Center Cent J-1 (Special Strike)
Mintage: unknown
Survival estimate: 25
Face Value: 1 cent
Composition: Copper with a silver center
Record sale: $2,520,000
This was a pattern coin minted in 1792, before the minting of the cents in 1793. The US Mint was testing designs and compositions, prior to the beginning of the mintage. The silver center would be abandoned for regular strikes.
1795 Eagle BD-4 13 Leaves $10 (Regular Strike)
Mintage: unknown
Survival estimate: 20
Face Value: $10
Composition: 91.7% Gold, 8.3% Copper
Record sale: $2,585,000
The BD-4 13 Leaves is a variation of the Eagle Coin ($10), the largest denomination minted at the time. And this variation is from the first year of mintage for this denomination, in 1795. The finest specimen, a PCGS rated MS66+, famously sold in 1980 for the amount of $130,000 for the Pogue Family. Part of their coin collection, including this specimen, was sold in 2015 and this coin got the astounding bid of $2,585,000.
1907 Extremely High Relief Double Eagle $20 (Proof)
Mintage: from 16 to 22
Survival estimate: 15
Face Value: $20
Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Record sale: $3,600,000
Bearing one of the most iconic designs in American coinage history, sculpted by artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the Double Eagle ($20) is a numismatic dream. In February of 1907, very few proof versions were minted to test out the dies. Most of them contained lettered edges, but one unique specimen (probably the first one minted) has a plain edge and is owned by a prominent Eastern coin collector.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof)
Mintage: 5
Survival estimate: 5
Face Value: 5 cents
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Record sale: $4,560,000
In 1913, the US Mint replaced the Liberty Head design on the US 5-cent coins for the Indian Head Nickel, also known as the Buffalo Nickel. Thus, no Liberty Head Nickel was officially minted that year. Somehow, five of these coins showed up at a numismatic convention in 1920. One theory is that these were pattern coins, produced in late 1912 to test the dies for the following mintage before the change in design took place. The theory more favored in the numismatic community is that they were illegally made by Mint officials and smuggled through the back door. One example of these coins even showed up in the 1970s hit series Hawaii Five-O.
1804 Class I Draped Bust Silver Dollar $1 (Proof)
Mintage: 8
Survival estimate: 8
Face Value: $1
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Record sale: $7,680,000
Although dated 1804, 8 of these Silver Dollars were minted in the 1930s for a series of diplomatic trips through Eastern Asia. Diplomat Edmund Roberts took these coins in a Proof Set as a gift to representatives of the countries he was about to visit, including Japan, Conchinchina, and Muscat. After collectors found out about their existence and interest grew among the numismatic community, some new specimens were illegally made and privately sold. But only the original 8 are known as the Class 1 1804 Draped Bust Dollars and they can be identified by their proper edge lettering.
1944-S Steel Lincoln Penny 1C (Regular Strike)
Mintage: Unknown
Survival estimate: 2
Face Value: 1 cent
Composition: Zinc-coated Steel
Record sale: $408,000
Due to the war effort, in 1943 all copper had to be used for artillery, weapons, vehicles and other equipment needed in the battlefield. As a response, the US Mint had to substitute the copper penny for a steel one in that year’s mintage. The 1943 steel cent is pretty common, but some steel blanks ended up in the pressing machines in 1944. These 1944 steel Lincoln Cents are quite rare. And only two specimens bearing the San Francisco mint mark, the letter “S” under 1944 on the obverse are known to have survived.
Read more about the Steel Pennies here..
1943-D Bronze Lincoln Wheat Cent 1C (Regular Strike)
Mintage: Unknown
Survival estimate: 1
Face Value: 1 cent
Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc
Record sale: $840,000
Equally rare, but even more coveted by collectors, is a 1943 bronze Wheat Penny. This Cent coin was probably struck with leftover bronze blanks from 1942, as 1943 pennies should have been struck with steel blanks that year. Only one specimen with the Denver mintmark, the letter “D” under 1943 on the obverse, is known by the numismatic community. Many believe it was hand-fed to the pressing machines by a mint employee who took it to himself.
Keep reading about the history of the cent composition in our article “What are Pennies Made of?”
1787 Brasher Doubloon $15, Breast Punch (Regular Strike)
Mintage: Unknown
Survival estimate: 1
Face Value: $15
Composition: approx. 89% gold; approx. 6%, silver; approx. 3% copper; trace elements, 2%
Record sale: $2,990,000
Before the establishment of the United States Mint, each State could commission the production of their own coins from private refiners. Ephraim Brasher was a jeweler and metalsmith in New York. He made a proposal to the New York Assembly to issue copper coins for the State. In order to better demonstrate his artistic prowess, he created a handful of gold coins to better exemplify the designs he was proposing for the State’s coinage. His proposal was rejected, but some of the Brasher Doubloons survived to make history.
Only one coin bearing his initials “EB” on the breast of the heraldic eagle is still known, but the other 6 with the same punch on the wing have also survived. The one with the “EB” on the breast sold in 2005 for $2,990,000. One specimen with the EB punch on the wing sold in march of 2021 for a whopping amount of $9,360,000, making it one of the most valuable coins made in the United States!
1838 Seated Liberty Quarter 25C, No Drapery (Proof)
Mintage: 3
Survival estimate: 1
Face Value: 25 cents
Composition: approx. 89% gold; approx. 6%, silver; approx. 3% copper; trace elements, 2%
Record sale: $381,875
There is a considerable list of quarters worth money, but this proof version of the 1838 Seated Liberty Quarter stands out as one of the rarest. This proof coin was a test run of the new design and contained no drapery on Lady Liberty’s left arm. The design would change slightly for the circulating version and only one of this proof coin has survived.
1885 Trade Dollar T$1 (Proof)
Mintage: 5
Survival estimate: 5
Face Value: $1
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Record sale: $3,960,000
The Trade Dollar was a quasi bullion coin issued by the United States Government to facilitate international trades and compete against other trade coins that were getting popular in Asia and Europe. The US Mint produced business strikes until 1878 but kept making proof versions until 1885. Both the 1884 and the 1885 versions are quite rare and have fetched millions of dollars in auctions.
1804 Eagle $10 Plain 4, Deep Cameo (Proof)
Mintage: 6
Survival estimate: 3
Face Value: $10
Composition: 91.7% Gold, 8.3% Copper
Record sale: $5,280,000
Same as the 1804 Class 1, this valuable coin was probably minted in the 1830s as a diplomatic gift. There is one known specimen with a deep cameo effect that sold at an auction in January of 2021 for the impressive value of $5,280,000.
1861 Double Eagle $20 Paquet Reverse (Regular Strike)
Mintage: 2,976,453
Survival estimate: 2
Face Value: $20
Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Record sale: $7,200,000
In 1861, Mint Engraver Anthony Paquet proposed some slight changes to the reverse of the Liberty Head Double Eagle coin. The most noticeable change was to the font inscriptions on the outer rim. Only two specimens are known to exist and for a long time, numismatists believed them to be pattern coins as the modified reverse never made into circulation. However, recent discoveries showed that millions of units were minted and intended for public release, but were recalled and melted down. Only two samples from the Philadelphia Mint survived.
1822 Capped Head Half Eagle $5 BD-1 (Regular Strike)
Mintage: 17,796
Survival estimate: 3
Face Value: $5
Composition: 91,7% Gold, 8,3% Copper
Record sale: $8,400,000
The 1822 Half Eagle sold at an auction in March of 2021 for the then-record price of $8,400,00, becoming the most valuable gold coin at the time. That specimen is the only one to have survived at the hands of a private owner. The other two are permanent residents of the Smithsonian Institution, in the National Numismatic Collection.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar $1 (Special Strike)
Mintage: unknown
Survival estimate: 1
Face Value: $1
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Record sale: $10,016,875
This has been one of the most famous coins in US history. Many believe this pattern specimen to be the very first Silver Dollar ever minted by the US Mint. In fact, of the entire 1794 Silver Dollar population, this is the only one to display proof-like reflectivity, proving it to be a pattern strike indeed. For 8 years, this beautiful piece of American history held the number one position among the most valuable coins ever sold with the bid of $10,016,875, until the next coin on the list showed up at a Sotheby’s auction in June of 2021.
1933 Double Eagle $20 (Regular Strike)
Mintage: 445,500
Survival estimate: 16
Face Value: $20
Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Record sale: $18,872,250
Arguably, one of the most valuable coins in the world!
In an attempt to control the rising inflation, on April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Executive Order 6102, prohibiting the hoarding and ownership of gold to a certain extent. It demanded the confiscation of gold coins and forbade banks to pay out any gold bullion or gold certificates.
The 1933 Double Eagle, famously designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was the last gold coin ever minted by the US Mint before the country left the gold standard. There was a recall and melting of the entire mintage. Or so they thought. Somehow, a few examples survived and there are some accounts of them being bought and sold throughout the 20th century.
The most famous example, and the one that sold in June of 2021 at Sotheby’s, belonged to King Farouk I’s private coin collection. King of Sudan and Egypt, Farouk was able to obtain an import authorization for the coin, as no one at the Customs Department realized a 1933 Double Eagle as an illegal coin.
When his regime was overthrown, the particular coin disappeared until Federal agents found it at the hands of a British coin dealer, Stephen Fenton. After a long legal dispute, an agreement was settled that the coin would be legally issued by the United States Government and sold at an auction and the earnings split between the Treasury Department and Fenton.
In other words, this is the ONLY 1933 Double Eagle to be considered legal tender. There is also one specimen at the Smithsonian Museum. Numismatists believe others have survived, but as it is illegal to own them, they can’t appear on any auctions.
Rare Coins You Could Actually Find
Let’s face it: it would be a dream to stumble upon any specimen of the many coins found on the list above, but it is very unlikely that one of these most valuable coins in the world would be lying around in your coin jar. However, there is a list of rare coins worth a good value that you could indeed find at an old safe deposit box or piggy bank, or even in your pocket change.
The thing is, some error coins (coins with some sort of problem during the minting process), or coins from specific branches of the US Mint that had a shorter mintage, will, in fact, stand out among common coins. You won’t find these in any list of the most valuable coins in the world, but spending them at the bakery is not a good idea. Here are 20 examples of these valuable coins you should be looking for, especially if you are interested in coin collecting, that could be worth hundreds, or even tens of thousands of dollars:
Cents
Coin Image | Name | Value in circulated condition | Value in uncirculated condition |
| 1877 Indian Head Cent | $600+ | Up to $130,000 |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent (Wheat Reverse) | $675+ | Up to $65,000 |
| 1914-D Lincoln Cent (Wheat Reverse) | $160+ | Up to $11,000 |
| 1955 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse | $1,600+ | Up to $30,500 |
| 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse | $13,000+ | Up to $45,000 |
| 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die Obverse | $250 | $800 |
Nickels
Coin Image | Name | Value in circulated condition | Value in uncirculated condition |
| 1886 Liberty Head Nickel | $150+ | Up to $65,000 |
| 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo Nickel | $375+ | Up to $135,000 |
| 1942-D/D Jefferson Nickel (Horizontal D) | $100+ | Up to $8,000 |
Dimes
Coin Image | Name | Value in circulated condition | Value in uncirculated condition |
| 1901-S Barber Dime | $100+ | Up to $27,500 |
| 1916-D Mercury Dime | $350+ | Up to $40,000 |
Quarters
Coin Image | Name | Value in circulated condition | Value in uncirculated condition |
| 1901-S Barber Quarter | $1,500+ | Up to $500,000 |
| 1913-S Barber Quarter | $500+ | Up to $180,000 |
| 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter | $1,750+ | Up to $55,000 |
| 1932-D Washington Quarter | $285+ | Up to $85,000 |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | $100 | Up to $47,500 |
Half Dollars
Coin Image | Name | Value in circulated condition | Value in uncirculated condition |
| 1921 Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $50+ | Up to $55,000 |
| 1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $125+ | Up to $150,000 |
| 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar | $30+ | Up to $45,000 |
| 1948-D Franklin Half Dollar | $25+ | Up to $45,000 |
Morgan Dollars & Peace Dollars
1889-CC Morgan Dollar (Source) and 1927-D Peace Dollar (Source)
Any Morgan Dollar or Peace Dollar silver coins will be worth, at least, their weight in silver according to the silver spot price. However, some key dates carry a lot of numismatic value and could be collectibles. You can find out more about how much Morgan Dollars are worth today in our article.
A record sale for a Morgan Dollar is an 1889-CC MS68 example that got the amount of $881,250. The highest selling common Peace Dollar is a 1927-D MS66+ specimen that sold for $176,250.
Conclusion
The United States Mint has been producing coinage for the country since 1792. Each example listed in this article is a testament to the country’s rich history and cultural expressions. American coinage portrays the values of the Founding Fathers and the ideals of equality and freedom of thought, personified by Lady Liberty, along with other symbolic figures.
Although finding some of these rarest and expensive coins would be like winning the lottery, because the country’s economy has always been the same, it is possible to find some valuable pieces still in circulation today, in old coin collections, or even in our daily transactions. There are some coins out there that would definitely be worth quite a few bucks to a coin collector or a coin dealer.
FAQs
How to Know if A Coin is Worth Big Money?
To determine if a coin is worth big money, consider its rarity, condition, historical significance, and demand. Rare coins in excellent condition with interesting history and high demand are typically worth more. Consider looking up in a coin pricing guide. Researching its background, consulting a reputable coin dealer or appraiser, and examining auction records can help determine its value. Remember, the value of collectible coins can fluctuate over time, so it's important to stay up-to-date on market trends.
What coins are worth money in 2023?
As of 2023, the most valuable coins are the ones containing precious metals. Both gold and silver prices perform well during economic downturns. Any bullion silver or gold coins, such as American Gold Eagles, should be quite valuable. Junk silver coins, such as Peace and Morgan Silver Dollars, contain a considerable amount of silver bullion and could make for a sensible portfolio diversifier.
What coins are in high demand?
Any bullion coins, such as American Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs and South African Krugerrands are constantly in high demand and many experts consider them to be a very liquid option. 90% Constitutional silver is another highly demanded investment avenue for its liquidity and the fact that they are real money and will never be worth less than their face value, even in the events of a widespread economic crisis.
Which coins are worth a lot of money?
Coins that are rare, in excellent condition, and have historical significance tend to be worth a lot of money. Examples of valuable coins include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, and 1804 Silver Dollar. The value of a coin can also depend on factors such as its mint mark, age, and rarity. It's best to consult with a reputable coin dealer or appraiser to get an accurate evaluation of the value of a particular coin.
How do I know if I have a rare coin?
To know if you have a rare coin, you should research its background, including its year of minting, rarity, and historical significance. Consult reference books, online resources, or a reputable coin dealer or appraiser to evaluate the coin's condition and potential value. Look for any distinguishing features, such as mint marks, errors, or design variations, that may indicate rarity. Remember that even small details can significantly affect a coin's value, so it's important to conduct thorough research.
What are the top 10 rarest U.S. coins? What is the rarest $1 coin?
There are many rare coins in American History since the United States Mint has been producing coinage since 1793. Here is a list of a possible top 10 rarest coins from the U.S.:
1849 Coronet $20 Double Eagle
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
1894-S Barber Dime
1804 Silver Dollar
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
1873-CC Seated Liberty Dime
Note that rarity can change over time due to the discovery of new specimens, alterations in collecting interests, and other factors. The value of these coins can also fluctuate based on market demand and condition. It's always best to consult with a reputable coin dealer or appraiser to get an accurate evaluation and find out if you indeed possess valuable coins.
What coin is worth $1000000?
A 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny in mint condition is valued at around $1000000. Just a handful of these coins are known to exist, including approximately 5 specimens from the San Francisco Mint, and a a unique variation bearing the Denver mint mark. This valuable coin is clolely related to the World War II. In 1943 the United States replaced copper for steel in coinage so all copper production was transferred to the war effort in making ammunition. However, some leftover 1942 copper blanks ended up in the minting presses, creating these transitional error coins that would change the American numismatic field forever.
