Coins are often worth more than just their face value. Some coins are rare, have interesting histories, or were made with mistakes during minting, which makes them valuable. 8 Rare Coins Worth Thousands That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors are always searching for these hidden treasures, as some rare coins can be worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars! In this article, we will look at eight coins that collectors really want, with some selling for as much as $18.9 million.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is famous because it sold for a record $18.9 million at an auction in 2021. Although over 445,000 of these coins were made, they were never used in daily transactions. Most of them were melted down, and now only 13 are known to exist. Out of these, only one is in private hands, making it one of the rarest and most desired coins globally.
2. 1787 Fugio Cent (Franklin Cent)
The 1787 Fugio Cent is one of the first coins ever made by the United States. It has “Mind Your Business” on one side and “We Are One” on the other. This coin is historically important, and while lower-quality examples sell for around $200, higher-quality ones can go for as much as $92,500. Some say Benjamin Franklin designed this coin, making it a favorite among collectors.
3. Morgan Dollars
Morgan Dollars are large coins made from silver, and they are popular among collectors. Coins from the Carson City Mint, marked with a “CC,” are especially valuable. Two Morgan Dollars that collectors love are:
- 1886-S Morgan Dollar: With 750,000 made, this coin is popular among collectors. An MS-64 (Mint State 64) version is worth about $1,300, while a higher-quality MS-66 can be worth up to $9,000.
- 1895 Morgan Dollar: Known as the “King of the Morgans,” this proof coin only has 880 made. Prices for this coin start at $38,000 and can go over $100,000.
4. 1928 Peace Dollar
The 1928 Peace Dollar is highly sought after, especially in better grades. Only 360,649 of these coins were made, which adds to its value.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This penny is unique because it features the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the back. Only 484,000 of these were minted in San Francisco, making it the lowest mintage Lincoln cent. Its color affects its value too, with red being the most valuable. A low-grade brown 1909-S VDB penny might sell for $800, while a red MS65 can be worth up to $8,000.
6. Liberty and Britannia Coin
The Liberty and Britannia coin is a newer release that collectors love. Only 11,000 of these one-ounce gold coins were minted, making it rare. This coin symbolizes the partnership between the United States Mint and the Royal Mint of the UK. Its value has risen from about £2,200 in February 2024 to nearly £3,000 now, which is about $4,000 in U.S. dollars.
7. 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia
In late 2022, the Royal Mint began making the 2023 Britannia coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II. However, since she passed away that year, the coins with her image are rare. Only about 20,000 to 30,000 of these coins were made before the error was spotted, causing their value to soar. One of these coins even sold for $50,000 at a U.S. auction.
Table of Rare Coins and Their Values
| Coin Name | Minted Amount | Approximate Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 445,000 | Up to $18.9 million |
| 1787 Fugio Cent | First Issue | Up to $92,500 |
| 1886-S Morgan Dollar | 750,000 | $1,300 – $9,000 |
| 1895 Morgan Dollar | 880 | $38,000 – $100,000 |
| 1928 Peace Dollar | 360,649 | Varies by condition |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 484,000 | $800 – $8,000 |
| Liberty and Britannia Coin | 11,000 | About $4,000 |
| 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia | 20,000-30,000 | $50,000 (some sold) |
Rare coins are more than just pieces of metal; they carry significant historical value and can be worth millions of dollars. From the record-setting 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle to the unique 8 Rare Coins Worth Thousands That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors, these coins are highly sought after by collectors. If you ever find one of these rare coins, you could have a small fortune on your hands. For collectors, the excitement of owning a unique piece of history makes these coins worth every penny
FAQ’S
What makes a coin rare?
A coin is considered rare if it has a low mintage, historical significance, or unique design features that make it desirable to collectors.
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
Look for coins with low mintage, historical importance, or unique features. You can also check online resources or consult a coin expert for an accurate assessment.
Why are some coins worth millions?
Some coins are worth millions due to their rarity, historical significance, and high demand among collectors. Limited quantities and unique features increase their value significantly.