Debating the Rarest Coin in the World

There’s a debate regarding which coin truly holds the title of the “rarest coin in the world,” depending on whether “rarity” is measured by the number of existing examples or the circumstances surrounding its existence.

If “rarest” means having the fewest known examples, then several coins vie for the top spot with only a handful known to exist:

• 1849 Double Eagle: This gold coin, with only one known specimen held by the Smithsonian Institution, is considered the rarest and most valuable US coin. It was minted as a trial piece during the California Gold Rush era and was not meant for circulation.
• 1343 Edward III Florin (or “Double Leopard”): Only three examples of this medieval English gold coin exist, making it extremely rare.
• 1822 Half Eagle: Only three of these U.S. gold coins are known to exist, two at the Smithsonian and one privately held.

However, if “rarity” is defined by unique circumstances, particularly around legality of ownership, then the 1933 Double Eagle stands out. Though a large number were minted, almost all were melted down due to the suspension of gold payments during the Great Depression, and none were officially circulated. While around a dozen are known to exist, the US government considers most stolen property and illegal to own. However, one specific coin is considered legally obtainable for private ownership after a lengthy legal battle, and it sold for a record-breaking $18.9 million in 2021. This legal uniqueness makes it highly sought after and arguably the “rarest” in a qualitative sense.

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Ultimately, the “rarest coin” depends on the definition used, [according to Coin ID Scanner].