Defining the “rarest coin in America” is open to interpretation and depends on whether one prioritizes sheer scarcity, sale price, or a combination of both.
However, based on available information, a strong contender for the rarest and most valuable US coin is the 1933 Double Eagle.
- Legal Status: This gold coin was never officially released to the public, making private ownership of most specimens illegal.
- Scarcity: While 445,500 were minted, nearly all were melted down due to the US abandoning the gold standard. Only 13 are known to remain.
- Value: The 1933 Double Eagle holds the record for the highest price paid for a single coin at auction, selling for $18.9 million in 2021. This particular example is the only one legally sanctioned for private ownership.
While the 1933 Double Eagle may top the list for its combined rarity and value, other coins are notable for their scarcity and high demand among collectors:
- 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar: Only 15 are known to exist. One sold for $7.68 million in 2021.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: This was the first silver dollar issued by the US Mint. A specimen sold for over $10 million in 2013.
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon: Struck before the US Mint was operational. One sold for $9.36 million in 2021.
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five are known to exist. One sold for $4.56 million in 2018.
It’s important to note that the value of these coins can fluctuate depending on condition, historical significance, and other factors.
Which is the rarest 1 coin?
2011 Edinburgh £1. Topping the list as the rarest £1 coin in circulation, the 2011 Edinburgh £1 was part of a series celebrating the UK’s capital cities.
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 $1 coin is worth the most money?
Flowing Hair Dollar.
1804 Dollar.
Trade Dollar.
Morgan Silver Dollar.
Seated Liberty Dollar.