Determining the “rarest” U.S. coin depends on how you define rarity. Some coins are incredibly rare because only a handful were ever minted, while others are scarce due to production errors or historical events like the recall of gold coins.
Several contenders exist for the title of “rarest” U.S. coin:
- 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin: Considered by some to be the rarest and most valuable U.S. coin, with only one piece currently known to exist, preserved in the National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution.
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: Though initially minted in significant numbers, most were melted down after the U.S. went off the gold standard. Only about 13 are known to exist today, with one legally available for private ownership. This coin is recognized as the most expensive coin ever sold, fetching $18.9 million at auction in 2021.
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: These nickels were produced in extremely limited quantities without the authorization of the U.S. Mint. Only five are known to exist, with two in private collections and three in museums.
- 1804 Draped Bust Dollar: Despite their date, these coins were actually minted in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts. Only 15 are known, including eight Class I specimens, one Class II restrike, and six Class III restrikes.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: One of the first silver dollars minted by the U.S., [according to Greenlight] fewer than 150 are known to exist.
In addition to these coins, several others are considered extremely rare due to errors in the minting process:
- 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny: These pennies were mistakenly made of copper instead of steel during wartime rationing. Fewer than 20 examples are estimated to remain.
- 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse: A double printing error makes these coins valuable, with high-grade examples potentially worth over $40,000.
Ultimately, the rarest U.S. coin is subjective, but the coins listed above represent some of the most sought-after and valuable pieces in American numismatics.
What coin is worth $40,000?
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 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.
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.