Collectors’ Favorites: The 5 Most Valuable U.S. Coins

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Although the U.S. is a relatively young country, its coinage holds immense value compared to collectible coins from around the world. In fact, some of the most valuable U.S. coins rank among the top 10 globally. Curious about which coins are worth the most and why? Let’s dive in!

5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

Sold at Auction: $4.56 million

  • Rarity: Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels were ever struck, making them incredibly rare among collectors.
  • The Eliasberg Specimen: This specific coin, sold for $4.56 million in 2018, is the most valuable of its kind. It was originally purchased by Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. in 1948 and boasts a glittering mirror-like surface.
  • Other Specimens:
    • The McDermott Coin: Displayed at the ANA Money Museum in Colorado Springs, this is the lowest-quality specimen.
    • The Norweb Coin: On display at the Smithsonian Institution.

Historical Note: This nickel was the first coin to sell for over $1 million at auction in 1996!

4. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

Sold at Auction: $4,993,750

  • Historic Significance: The first American dollar coin minted in 1794, making it one of the oldest coins in U.S. history.
  • Unique Characteristics:
    • Early strikes show sharp, full stars and a distinct image of Liberty.
    • Coins struck later displayed softer images due to die wear.
  • Rarity: Only six of these coins have been professionally graded, adding to their allure.

Fun Fact: This coin was stored for nearly 170 years in a Chippendale cabinet owned by Lord St. Oswald.

3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon, EB Punch on Wing

Private Sale: Over $5 million

  • Oldest Coin on the List: Made in 1787 by Ephraim Brasher, a neighbor of George Washington in post-Revolutionary New York.
  • Unique Mark: Each coin bears the initials EB, with six coins showing the hallmark punched on the wing and one on the breast.
  • Finest Known Specimen: The coin on this list is the best-preserved example among the seven that exist.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Sold at Auction: $7,590,020

  • Destroyed by Order: President Franklin Roosevelt ordered all 1933 $20 coins to be destroyed before they could be declared legal tender. Only two were spared for the Smithsonian Institution.
  • Mysterious Survival:
    • Nine coins were discovered and melted by the Secret Service.
    • One coin ended up in Egyptian King Farouk’s collection before vanishing in 1954.
    • The coin resurfaced in 1995 with London coin dealer Stephen Fenton, sparking a legal battle.

Today: The current owner remains anonymous, claiming not to be a coin collector.

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (Specimen Grade)

Sold at Auction: $10,016,875

  • Record-Breaking Sale: This is the most valuable U.S. coin ever sold, with a staggering price of over $10 million.
  • Test Strike: Believed to be an initial test strike, it features sharper and more distinct images compared to later coins, which showed imperfections like die clashing and uneven alignments.
  • Mint History: This coin is part of the earliest production of American dollars.

Key Takeaway

The value of these coins lies in their rarity, historical significance, and unique features. For collectors, these coins aren’t just currency—they’re priceless pieces of history.

Which one would you love to own?

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