There’s a distinction to be made between the rarest coin in terms of actual numbers in existence and the most valuable coin ever sold.
Based on current information, the rarest US coin in terms of survival rate, with only one known specimen currently in existence, is the 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin . This trial piece, produced as the US transitioned to $20 gold coins (Double Eagles) during the start of the California gold rush, is currently housed at the National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution. It’s considered the rarest and most valuable US coin, with an estimated value of around $20 million.
However, the most expensive coin ever sold at auction is a 1933 Double Eagle , which fetched a staggering $18.9 million in 2021. While initially many more 1933 Double Eagles were minted, nearly all were later melted down due to the US abandoning the gold standard. The single legally sanctioned 1933 Double Eagle for private ownership is the Weitzman Specimen. This unique legal status, combined with its limited survival and beautiful design, contributed to its record-breaking price.
Here are some other contenders for the title of “rarest” or “most valuable”:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: This coin, possibly the first silver dollar minted by the US Mint, is incredibly rare, with fewer than 1,800 originally produced and an estimated 120-130 remaining today. One specimen sold for $10 million in 2013.
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon: Created by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher before the US Mint, only a couple of these privately minted gold coins are still in existence. Certain variants, especially those with Brasher’s hallmark on the eagle’s breast, have sold for millions of dollars, with one fetching $9.36 million in 2021.
- 1343 Edward III Florin: Also known as the “Double Leopard”, only three of these medieval English gold coins are known to exist, making it exceptionally rare. It’s valued at around $6.8 million.
It’s important to remember that rarity and value are not always directly proportional. Factors like historical significance, condition, and provenance also play a crucial role in determining a coin’s overall worth.








What US coin is worth $19 million?
Great question! 1933 double eagle – Wikipedia.
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.