Rare coins captivate collectors and investors alike with their unique history, rarity, and sometimes astronomical values.
In this article, we will explore the top four rarest coins in the world, delving into their fascinating stories, current values, and the reasons behind their high demand.
Top 4 Rarest Coins in the World
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and controversial coins in the world. Originally minted during the Great Depression, this $20 gold coin was never officially released into circulation.
All but two of the 445,500 coins produced were ordered to be melted down after the U.S. abandoned the gold standard. However, a few coins escaped this fate under mysterious circumstances, with only 14 surviving today.
In 2002, one of these coins, known as the Weitzman Specimen, was sold at auction for $7.59 million. It fetched an even higher price of $18.8 million in 2021, setting the record for the most expensive coin ever sold.
The coin’s value and allure lie in its combination of scarcity, historical significance, and the legal battles that surrounded its ownership. Owning a 1933 Double Eagle is illegal, except for this single coin, making it a true numismatic treasure.
| Coin | Year | Original Value | Current Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $20 | $18.8 million | 14 |
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the first dollar coin ever issued by the United States. Minted in 1794, its design reflects the early American spirit with Liberty’s flowing hair on one side and an eagle on the reverse. Only 1,758 of these coins were minted, and today, fewer than 150 are known to exist.
The finest known example was sold at auction in 2013 for $10,016,875, making it the second most expensive coin ever sold at that time. Its historical significance as the first U.S. silver dollar and its rarity contribute to its immense value.
| Coin | Year | Original Value | Current Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $1 | $12 million | <150 |
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The Brasher Doubloon, minted by Ephraim Brasher, a New York goldsmith, in 1787, is one of the first gold coins struck in the United States. Brasher, who was a neighbor of George Washington, created this coin privately when the U.S. had no federal mint.
Only a few of these coins exist, with one of the most famous examples being the “EB on Wing” specimen. This coin fetched $9.36 million at auction in January 2021, setting a new world record for a gold coin sold at a public auction. The Brasher Doubloon’s value is bolstered by its unique place in American history and its scarcity.
| Coin | Year | Original Value | Current Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | $16 | $9.36 million | ~7 |
4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most mysterious and sought-after coins in the numismatic world. Despite the official discontinuation of the Liberty Head design in 1912, five of these nickels were clandestinely struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913. Their existence was unknown until a dealer showcased them in the 1920s.
Only five examples are known today, making them extremely rare. One of these nickels was sold for $5 million in 2007 and again for $4.56 million in 2018. The intrigue surrounding its unauthorized minting and its rarity make it one of the most famous coins in U.S. history.
| Coin | Year | Original Value | Current Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $0.05 | $4.56 million | 5 |
Conclusion
The stories of these rare coins are as captivating as their values. Each coin not only represents a piece of history but also embodies a unique journey through time, politics, and intrigue.
From the mysterious escape of the 1933 Double Eagle to the clandestine creation of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, these coins are more than just pieces of metal—they are treasures of immense historical and financial worth.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1933 Double Eagle illegal to own?
All but one of the 1933 Double Eagles were ordered to be melted down by the U.S. government. Owning one is illegal because they were never officially released into circulation.
2. How many 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollars exist today?
There are fewer than 150 known surviving examples of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.
3. What makes the Brasher Doubloon so valuable?
Its rarity, being one of the first gold coins minted in the U.S., and its historical significance as a privately minted coin contribute to its high value.
4. What is the highest price ever paid for a coin?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds the record at $18.8 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold.
5. Why are the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels so rare?
Only five were struck in secrecy at the Philadelphia Mint in 1913, making them extremely rare and valuable.
References
- Altier Rare Coins
- Silverpicker
- USA Coin Book
- The Trend Spotter
- U.S. Gold Bureau