The rarest and most expensive coin ever sold at auction is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle , which fetched a staggering $18.9 million (US) in June 2021.
Here’s why it holds this extraordinary distinction:
- Rarity and Legal Status: While a significant number of 1933 Double Eagles were originally minted (445,500), they were never officially released into circulation due to the United States going off the gold standard in 1933. Nearly all of these coins were ordered to be melted down. Only 13 are known to have survived, and 12 of those are held by the US government or the Smithsonian. The coin that sold for $18.9 million is the only one legally authorized for private ownership, making it exceptionally desirable to collectors.
- Historical Significance: This coin represents the end of an era in US coinage when gold coins were produced for circulation. Its story involves legal battles, government seizures, and even a connection to the collection of King Farouk of Egypt.
While the 1933 Double Eagle holds the top spot, other coins are incredibly rare and valuable, commanding millions of dollars at auction:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: This coin is considered the first silver dollar struck by the United States Mint. Fewer than 1,800 were produced, and only a small fraction of those exist today. One example sold for $10 million in 2013.
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon: This privately minted gold coin is one of the earliest examples of American coinage. It features the famous “EB” punch on the wing or breast of an eagle. It holds the record for the most expensive American-minted coin.
- 1822 Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin): Only three of these coins are known to exist, and only one is privately owned. The sole privately held example sold for $8.4 million in 2021.
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five of these coins were ever illicitly minted. Their existence defies government records, making them highly sought-after. One sold for $4.56 million in 2018.
These examples showcase the incredible value that rarity, historical context, and condition can add to coins, turning them into highly prized collector’s items.
What’s the rarest 1 coin?
2011 Edinburgh £1. Mintage: 935,000. …
2011 Cardiff (Wales) £1. Mintage: 1,615,000. …
2010 London City £1. Mintage: 2,635,000. …
2014 Thistle & Bluebell £1. Mintage: 5,185,000. …
2013 Daffodil & Leek £1. Mintage: 5,270,000. …
2013 Rose & Oak £1. Mintage: 5,270,000. …
2014 Flax & Shamrock £1. …
2010 Belfast £1.
What coin is worth $40,000?
I can help with that. 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.