Defining the absolute “rarest coin” is difficult because different coins are considered rare for different reasons (low mintage, errors, historical context, survival rates, etc.). However, some coins stand out as exceptionally rare and valuable due to a combination of these factors:
- 1933 Double Eagle: This $20 gold coin was minted, but never officially released due to the United States going off the gold standard in 1933. While 445,500 were initially minted, most were melted down. Only 13 are known to remain today. One specimen, the “Weitzman Specimen,” was sold for $18.9 million in 2021 and is the only legally owned specimen in private hands.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The first silver dollar minted by the U.S. federal government. Only 1,758 were originally struck, and far fewer remain today. One example sold for over $10 million in 2013, setting a record at the time.
- 1849 Double Eagle: This gold coin, with only one known specimen in existence, is considered the rarest and most valuable U.S. coin in history. It’s preserved at the National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution.
- 1343 Edward III Florin (Double Leopard): A British coin with only three known examples in existence. Two are in the British Museum, and the third was found by a prospector in 2006 and sold for a record price for a British coin at the time.
- Low Mintage: Some coins are inherently rare due to the small number produced, as in the case of the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar.
- Errors: Errors made during the minting process can create unique and valuable coins, such as the 1943 Copper Penny, accidentally struck in bronze instead of steel.
- Historical Significance: Coins associated with significant historical events or figures can be highly sought after, such as the 1933 Double Eagle.
- Survival Rate: Even if many coins were initially produced, a low survival rate over time can make them rare today, for example, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.
Ultimately, the rarity of a coin is a complex interplay of various elements. While finding one of these ultra-rare coins in your pocket change is highly unlikely, their stories and historical significance continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
What is the rarest coin on the world?
Good point! 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin
The one remaining specimen is carefully preserved at National Numismatic Collections at the Smithsonian Institution. The 1849 Double Eagle is currently the rarest and most valuable coin in the world, with an estimated value of around $20 million.
What US coin is worth $19 million?
From my experience, 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.