The most valuable coin ever sold is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle , which sold for $18.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2021.
Here’s why it’s so valuable:
- Rarity: Only 13 are known to exist, with 12 held by the US government and only one legally available for private ownership.
- Historical Significance: These coins were minted in 1933 but never officially circulated, and most were ordered to be melted down due to the US abandoning the gold standard.
- Legal Scarcity: It’s the only one legally sanctioned for private ownership after centuries of legal battles. This unique legal status significantly increases its appeal and value to collectors.
- Condition: The coin is also in exceptional condition, graded as Gem Brilliant Uncirculated – PCGS MS 65 CAC.
Several other coins are among the most expensive ever sold:
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: This is considered the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. It sold for over $10 million in 2013 and is currently valued at $7,750,000.
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon – EB on Wing: This privately minted coin by Ephraim Brasher sold for $9.36 million in 2021. There are also variants of the Brasher Doubloon, including one with “EB” on the eagle’s breast that sold for $7.4 million.
- 1822 Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin): Only three are known to exist, and only one is outside of a federal repository. This rarity and historical importance led to one selling for $8.4 million in 2021.
- 1343 Edward III Florin: Also known as the “Double Leopard,” this medieval English coin is one of only three in existence. Its rarity and historical context make it extremely valuable, with an estimated value of around $6.8 million.
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five of these coins were illicitly minted. Their mysterious origins and scarcity have made them highly coveted, with one selling for $4.56 million in 2018.
The value of these coins is a combination of their rarity, condition, historical significance, and demand from collectors.
Which coin has the most value in the world?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar may sit atop the rankings of the most expensive coin ever sold, at least for now. Some experts believe that it was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. The front features a profile of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse shows an American eagle.
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’s the most valuable 1 coin?
I can help with that. 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.