The 5 Most Valuable Silver Coins worth up to $10 million — Do You Own One?

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Silver and gold have long held the fascination of humanity, but their scarcity sets them apart. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 1.74 million metric tons of silver have been mined to date, compared to just 244,000 metric tons of gold. This stark difference explains gold’s higher price—over $2,000 an ounce compared to silver’s $25 an ounce as of March 7.

However, when silver is shaped into coins, its value transcends melt price. Some silver coins are so rare and iconic that their worth surpasses even some of the most prized gold coins. Here’s a look at the world’s most valuable silver coins and their incredible stories.

1794 ‘Flowing Hair’ Silver Dollar

  • Sale Price: $10.02 million
  • Why It’s Valuable: Believed to be the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint during George Washington’s presidency, this coin represents America’s early identity.
  • Key Fact: It was used to test the Mint’s new dies and coining press.
  • Highlight: In 2013, it fetched an unprecedented price at a Stacks Bowers auction, making it the most expensive silver coin ever sold.

1804 ‘Original’ Draped Bust Silver Dollar

  • Sale Price: $4.14 million
  • Why It’s Valuable: Known as “America’s most famous rarity,” this coin was part of the Childs Collection and presented as a gift to the Sultan of Muscat in 1835.
  • Key Fact: This pristine example held the record as the most expensive coin until 2013.

1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Dexter Specimen

  • Sale Price: $3.29 million
  • Why It’s Valuable: Only eight Class I Originals exist, minted as diplomatic gifts. The tiny “D” on its reverse marks the ownership of famed numismatist James V. Dexter.
  • Key Fact: This coin was discovered in Germany in 1884 and is among the most sought-after coins in U.S. history.

1797 ‘Magnificent Pogue’ Draped Bust Half Dollar

  • Sale Price: $1.68 million
  • Why It’s Valuable: Known as the Small Eagle half dollar, this coin’s design is considered the rarest among all American silver coinage.
  • Key Fact: In 2021, it became the most expensive U.S. half dollar ever sold, surpassing previous records.

1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar

  • Sale Price: $1.3 million
  • Why It’s Valuable: One of only 11 known examples, this coin was never officially recorded in the San Francisco Mint’s mintage for 1870.
  • Key Fact: Once owned by legendary collector Louis Eliasberg, it remains one of the most mysterious and coveted coins.

Silver Coins: A Collector’s Treasure

These coins tell a story not only of monetary value but of history, rarity, and craftsmanship. From diplomatic gifts to early U.S. Mint experiments, these treasures have set records and captured imaginations worldwide.

If you’re lucky enough to find a rare silver coin tucked away in your collection—or even your couch cushions—it might just be worth more than its weight in gold!

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