The rare coin world is one of the most fascinating and lucrative worlds, open for both collectors and investors to convert everyday penny items into real-life treasures. Finding one of these little pieces of history, however brag-worthy with a piggy bank or pocket, can be worth millions to some. Many rare coins will fetch huge amounts on auction, and they would transform average collectors into sometimes incredibly wealthy individuals. Many of those coins will touch pretty close to $70 million in value. An important artifact, such as those coins, becomes something that exists well beyond being mere currency.
This article shall show a little more about the seven rare coins that could turn your fortune around and how to identify them, as well as how this came to be high in worth. If you keep wondering whether any of the old coins you own could be worth something someday, consider this your guide.
$70 Million in Loose Change
| Coin Name | Estimated Value | Historical Significance | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $19 million | Minted during the Great Depression | Only a few coins exist, making it incredibly rare |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Up to $4.5 million | Only five coins were ever produced | Highly sought-after by collectors due to rarity |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | Over $10 million | The first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint | This coin marks a key moment in American history |
| 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) | Over $4 million | Known as the “King of American Coins” | Highly prized for both its rarity and historical context |
| Edward VIII Pattern Five Pound Coin (1936) | $2.28 million | Struck during the short reign of Edward VIII | Not released for circulation due to Edward VIII’s abdication |
| Saddle Ridge Hoard | $10 million | 1,427 coins discovered buried in California in 2013 | The hoard includes several rare coins from the 1800s |
| Lenborough Hoard | £1.35 million (approx.) | Over 5,000 Anglo-Saxon silver coins discovered in 2014 | A massive discovery shedding light on Anglo-Saxon wealth |
Walking about with the idea that a coin worth millions can be found in your pocket or desk drawer seems unrealistic; however, the truth is that some rare coins can do that for you. The fundamentals of coin valuation, which is important to know, as well as the techniques for identifying rarities, are the two most essential steps for current potential numismatists. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel have made millions for collectors, and their stories amuse audiences worldwide.
If you have any random old coins lying around in your house, it might be worthy of research or telling an expert if you’re sitting on a fortune, because, of course, the key to finding valuable coins is a lot of patience, knowledge, and a bit of luck.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – A Gold Coin of Historic Importance
One of the most valuable and iconic coins is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, minted in one great depression but never born into a world of circulation. Only a few coins of this type exist today, with most ordered for melting. However, many of these coins escaped the fire melting them down and now have value beyond imagination. In 2002, a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold at public auction for $7.6 million, and it hasn’t dropped an ounce in valuation since then.
Why It Is Valuable: The coin’s number is a valuable asset, as only a few exist among the legal minting. Even fewer coins remain today as most were melted down by the government. The 1933 Double Eagle carries a tremendous history of the time when the U.S. was about to abandon the gold standard.
Fun Fact: In 2002, the U.S. government confiscated one of these coins, but after a court battle, it was auctioned off, setting a new record for the most expensive coin ever sold that year.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Rarest Nickel That Ever Existed
The other coin known to command heaps of dollars is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Minted as an experiment, they struck only five of these nickels. One example was sold for a staggering $4.5 million at auction due to the coin’s relative scarcity.
Why It Is Valuable:The primary reason for the value is the limitation in supply. Only five of these coins exist, and they are among the rarest in the world. It was produced in a year when the U.S. Mint had already switched to a new design for the nickel, which adds to the intrigue and rarity of the coin.
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – America’s First Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is universally accepted as the first such dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. Indeed, it is part of American history and, because of its rarity and historical value, worth over $10 million.
Why It Is Valuable: As the first dollar minted into silver by the U.S. Mint, this coin symbolizes the birth of American coinage. The design was created by Robert Scot with Lady Liberty with flowing hair, which gives it the name. This 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold in an auction for $10 million in 2013, which became the record of the most expensive coin ever sold at that time.
4. 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) – The King of American Coins
A highly valuable coin again is the 1804 Silver Dollar, Class I, known as the “King of American Coins.” The date on this coin was 1804, but it was minted in 1834. Only a few of these coins exist, and coupled with their historical significance, they are worth upwards of $4 million and more.
Why It Is Valuable: The 1804 Silver Dollar was originally struck as part of a presentation set by the U.S. Mint to foreign dignitaries, making it very rare. This historical importance and its uniquely different characteristics create the ideal placement for any serious coin collector.
5. Edward VIII Pattern Five Pound Coin (1936) – A Coin That Never Saw Circulation
The coins of Edward VIII were all made during his short reign, such as the Edward VIII Pattern Five Pound Coin. However, this coin was never put into circulation. The coins of Edward VIII never went into circulation since he abdicated in 1936. Today, this piece of coinage has a worth of $2.28 million.
Why It’s Valuable: The value of the coin comes from its scarcity and context in history. The number of examples for the Edward VIII Pattern Five Pound Coin is few, and importance of this piece is associated with Edward’s controversial abdication.
6. Saddle Ridge Hoard – A Discovery Worth Millions
In California in 2013, a couple found buried treasure made up of 1,427 gold coins, most of which were rare and valuable. Estimated to be worth around $10 million, the hoard was called the Saddle Ridge Hoard.
Why It’s Valuable: Most of the coins in the hoard are from the 1840s through the 1890s, and some are extremely rare. All coins discovered were in great, original condition, which adds value to them. Some of the coins in the hoard, notably from the San Francisco Mint, can be worth over $1 million apiece at auction.
Fun Fact: The couple discovered the coins buried in their backyard, presumably by a private individual or family sometime during the 1800s.
7. Lenborough Hoard – A Glimpse Into Anglo-Saxon Wealth
The Lenborough Hoard is that collection of treasure found in Buckinghamshire, England, named so as it contained over 5,000 Anglo-Saxon silver coins-those having a value of around £1.35 million, giving a glimpse of sous in the Anglo-Saxon period.
Why It Was Valuable: One of the biggest discoveries of Anglo-Saxon coins, the Lenborough Hoard offers a superbly rare glimpse into what England looked like during that period. The sheer quantity of coins and their historical importance make this find priceless.
Fun Fact: The hoard includes coins from different Anglo-Saxon kings and rulers, which makes it a beautiful piece of British history.
Identifying Valuable Coins
Valuable coins are identified through the following:
- Rarity: However few in number the coins are, they tend to be valuable.
- Condition: The lesser wear and tear on the coins, the better the price fetched.
- Historical Significance: Coins marking particular historical events has a higher value than those without.
- Mintage Errors: Generally, coins bearing misprints or missing parts areas among the most valuable types of coins.
When in doubt as to whether a coin is worth something, one ought to consult a professional numismatist for advice or take it to a reputable auction house for rare coins.
FAQs:
1. How can I tell if a coin is rare?
To determine if a coin is rare, you should look for factors such as the coin’s year, mintmark, and condition. Rare coins are often those with limited mintage numbers, unique historical significance, or errors in production. It’s a good idea to consult with a professional numismatist for a proper evaluation.
What is the best way to sell rare coins?
If you have a rare coin, it’s essential to find a reputable auction house or dealer with expertise in rare coins. It’s also helpful to get your coin appraised to understand its value before putting it up for sale.
Are old coins always valuable?
Not all old coins are valuable. The value of a coin depends on its rarity, historical importance, and condition. Coins that were minted in large numbers or are in poor condition are generally not worth much.