It’s tricky to definitively name the “rarest” U.S. coin, as different coins are considered rare for different reasons (low mintage, errors, surviving numbers). However, several coins consistently come up in conversations about extreme rarity and high value:
- Only five are known to exist.
- It was produced without official authorization from the U.S. Mint.
- Considered the “Holy Grail” of U.S. numismatics.
- A trial piece that launched the era of $20 gold coins, known as Double Eagles.
- Only one specimen is known to exist, housed in the National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Estimated value around $20 million.
- The first dollar coin struck by the U.S. Mint.
- Only 120-130 specimens are estimated to survive.
- One sold for over $10 million in 2013.
- Nearly all were melted down after the U.S. abandoned the gold standard.
- Fewer than 15 pieces are believed to remain, with two housed at the U.S. National Numismatic Collection and 10 at Fort Knox.
- One famously sold for over $7.5 million in 2002.
- 1943 Copper Penny: A wartime error where pennies were mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel. Experts estimate fewer than 20 exist.
- 1974 Aluminum Penny: Experimental coins, most of which were scrapped, but a few entered circulation. Could be worth over $200,000 if one surfaces.
- 1804 Draped Bust Dollar: Struck as diplomatic gifts rather than for circulation, only 15 are known to exist.
- 1870-S Liberty Seated Silver Dollar: Only nine are known to exist.
It’s important to remember that rarity doesn’t always directly equate to value. A coin’s condition, historical significance, and demand from collectors also play major roles in determining its worth.
What coin is worth $40,000?
Good point! PCGS values a 1966 Jefferson Nickel in MS66 FS as worth $40,000 and the reason is the grade (MS66) and the striking designation “Full Steps” or “FS”. The 1966 nickel is extremely rare when the steps are fully struck and in the grade MS66 it’s a registry quality coin.
What is the holy grail of American coins?
The Holy Grail of American Numismatics
In the world of coin collecting, rarity and condition are important but story is everything. The 1933 Double Eagle has it all: a stunning design, historical significance, extreme scarcity, and a backstory filled with intrigue.
What US coin is worth $19 million?
The 1933 double eagle $20 gold coin became the most expensive coin ever sold in June 2021 when it was auctioned for $18.9 million. But when the U.S. Mint first produced the coin in 1933, it wasn’t particularly rare, with around 445,500 produced.