When you think of valuable things, tiny coins might not come to mind, but some are worth more than houses, even mansions. In this article, we’ll look at some of the rarest and most valuable coins from around the world. Whether it’s due to a fascinating history, rarity, or minting errors, these coins are worth millions. So, before you toss that pocket change aside, let’s explore the world’s most expensive coins, where even the smallest coin can hold immense value.
1. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: $20,212,100
Created between 1907 and 1933, this $20 gold coin became even more valuable when the U.S. government recalled gold coins in 1933. Some coins escaped destruction, and now, a 1933 Double Eagle can fetch over $20 million at auction. This rare find is the most expensive coin in the world today.
Country: United States
Years: 1907 to 1933
Original Price: $20
Current Value: $20,212,100
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: $13,311,850
The first-ever U.S. silver dollar, the Flowing Hair Dollar, was minted in 1794. One of the earliest examples sold for over $10 million in 2010, and now it’s valued at more than $13 million. It’s a prized piece for collectors worldwide.
Country: United States
Years: 1794 to 1795
Original Price: $1
Current Value: $13,311,850
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon: $10,009,500
The Brasher Doubloon, minted before the U.S. federal mint was established, is the first American gold coin. Only seven exist, and one was sold for $9.36 million in 2021, making it one of the most expensive coins in the world today.
Country: United States
Years: 1787
Original Price: $15
Current Value: $10,009,500
4. 1343 Edward III Florin: $6,816,000
This ancient coin is nearly 700 years old and one of the most valuable medieval coins ever found. Only three examples of this rare English coin exist, one of which sold for £460,000 in 2006, equivalent to over $6 million today.
Country: England
Years: 1343
Original Price: 6 shillings
Current Value: $6,816,000
5. Umayyad Gold Dinar: $5,418,400
This coin dates back to 723 AD and is one of the oldest and rarest on our list. The Umayyad Gold Dinar, inscribed with “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz,” holds great historical significance and was last auctioned for over $5.4 million.
Country: Umayyad Caliphate
Years: 723
Original Price: Unknown
Current Value: $5,418,400
6. 2007 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf: $5,315,400
Weighing in at 220 pounds, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is both a massive and valuable coin. Only six were made, and one sold for over $5 million in 2010. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest gold coin.
Country: Canada
Years: 2007
Original Price: $1,000,000
Current Value: $5,315,400
Table of The 11 Most Valuable Coins
| Rank | Coin | Value | Country | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $20,212,100 | United States | 1907–1933 |
| 2 | 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $13,311,850 | United States | 1794–1795 |
| 3 | 1787 Brasher Doubloon | $10,009,500 | United States | 1787 |
| 4 | 1343 Edward III Florin | $6,816,000 | England | 1343–1344 |
| 5 | 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar | $5,418,400 | Umayyad | 723 AD |
| 6 | 2007 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | $5,315,400 | Canada | 2007 |
| 7 | 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | $5,262,100 | United States | 1913 |
| 8 | 1894-S Barber Dime | $2,412,200 | United States | 1894 |
| 9 | 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny | $2,325,200 | United States | 1943 |
| 10 | 1893 Morgan Silver Dollar | $551,272 | United States | 1893 |
| 11 | 2000 Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar | $25,058 | United States | 2000 |
7. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: $5,262,100
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is a coin that officially “doesn’t exist,” according to U.S. Mint records. However, five examples are known to exist, with one recently selling for over $5 million.
Country: United States
Years: 1913
Original Price: 5 cents
Current Value: $5,262,100
8. 1894-S Barber Dime: $2,412,200
Only 24 of these dimes were ever minted, and just nine are known to still exist. This rare U.S. coin sold for nearly $2.4 million in 2023 and is one of the rarest dimes ever created.
Country: United States
Years: 1894
Original Price: 10 cents
Current Value: $2,412,200
9. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny: $2,325,200
During World War II, the U.S. needed copper for the war effort, so pennies were made from steel. However, a few were mistakenly minted with copper, making them extremely rare. One of these sold for over $2.3 million in 2023.
Country: United States
Years: 1943
Original Price: 1 cent
Current Value: $2,325,200
10. 1893 Morgan Silver Dollar: $551,272
While many Morgan Silver Dollars were produced, the 1893 issue is one of the rarest due to its low mintage numbers. A top-quality example can fetch over $550,000 today.
Country: United States
Years: 1893
Original Price: $1
Current Value: $551,272
11. Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar: $25,058
In 2000, a promotion placed Sacagawea dollars in Cheerios boxes. Some had a unique design, making them highly collectible. One recently sold for over $25,000.
Country: United States
Years: 2000
Original Price: $1
Current Value: $25,058
Conclusion
Whether they’re centuries old or minted within the past few decades, the world’s most valuable coins share a few common traits: rarity, history, and excellent condition. Each coin on this list represents a unique piece of history, telling a story of its own. If you’re lucky enough to come across one, you could be holding more than just pocket change—it might be worth millions.
FAQ’s
What factors make a coin valuable?
A coin’s value is often determined by its rarity, history, and condition. Coins that are rare, have unique historical significance, or are in pristine condition tend to be worth the most.
Can I find valuable coins in everyday circulation?
Yes, it’s possible! While most valuable coins are rare or historic, coins like the 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny or the 2000 Sacagawea Cheerios Dollar have been found in everyday circulation and are worth a lot.
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
The best way to determine a coin’s value is to have it appraised by a professional numismatist (coin expert). Factors like the coin’s age, rarity, condition, and minting errors can increase its worth.