One of the many things Numismatics cover is simple coin collecting but also preserving history. Some of the coins are so rare and expensive that they sell by millions of dollars. The stories and the history behind the coins make them much more worthy.
We are looking at some of the expensive coins in the world along with a little bit of background and the comparisons between ways their value is engraved on the market.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Among the most significant coins in American history, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the first-ever dollar coin minted by the United States government. As a result, it has collected much attention among both historians and collectors alike.
With a total of under 150 coins remaining, it is too rare. One of these was sold for over $10 million in 2013, sufficing to prove its astronomical worth in American history.
1933 Double Eagle
The most famous coin ever minted, the Double Eagle of 1933 was a $20 gold coin which was never officially circulated because of the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 that demanded Americans to return gold coins to the government.
While most of its coins melted, some survived. In 2002, one of these living coins could be auctioned off at a staggering $7.59 million and its value could only keep increasing with toot of the years.
1343 Edward III Florin
The Edward III Florin, popularly known as the Double Leopard, is one of the most extinct coins recorded in medieval England, for only three are now known to be in existence.
The potentially historic in value for this coin could reach $40 million, making it one of the most expensive medieval coins in the world.
1787 Brasher Doubloon
The Brasher Doubloon, minted by Ephraim Brasher in 1787, is one of the first gold coins made in the United States. It was made privately and shows the very early days of the American independent government.
This very coin with its weird EB punch on the eagle fritz away for little over $7 million at auction. A thing of treasure in the numismatic world because of its history and rarity.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel ranks, to a large extent, as one of the enigmatic ones in U.S. history. Five coins were privately minted, and the provenance of these coins is not clearly established.
They go into the millions when sold at auctions, one of which brought more than $3.1 million in 2010. Their high value and the mystery behind them make them really interesting, even topmost, in terms mostly monetary.
1804 Silver Dollar
The 1804 Silver Dollar or, as it is made popularly called, the “King of American Coins,” was never actually minted in the year 1804. Instead, it was struck in the 1830s as a diplomatic gift to foreign dignitaries.
It is the most coveted coin in the world among collectors, its number known to be only 15, and its price can go up to millions.
2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is one of the largest and most valuable coins of gold that were ever minted. Weighing 100 kilograms and made of 99.999% pure gold, the value of this coin was originally placed at $1 million.
Due to rising gold prices, its market value has increased significantly, however.
Saint- Gaudens Double Eagle
Saint-Gaudens was minted from 1907 to 1933, and as he is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever struck, this $20 gold coin was sculpted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Some coins, depending on their condition, can fetch prices nearly $40 million, which makes them one of the costliest.
The 1822 Half Eagle
Beyond being one of the rarest gold coins, the 1822 Half Eagle not considered to have been minted in the United States. It is a near-one-of-a-kind coin in the annals of American history, with only three known specimens. This combination of rarity and tremendous historical weight gives it more of a collector’s special status, for which deep-pocketed buyers in the tens of millions would vie.
1894-S Barber Dime
No coin in American numismatics is perhaps more shrouded in mystery than the 1894-S Barber Dime. No more than 24 Barber dimes dated and minted in San Francisco exist, and even fewer than ten pieces are known to be extant today.
In 2016, one of these rare dimes traded for close to $2 million, and the price is likely to rise even further as collectors vie to own one.
Final Thoughts
But the priceless coins are much more than objects of monetary value; they are rare artifacts whose stories put forth relevant aspects of different periods in history. Certainly, any valuation on these coins would agree with the historical significance and extreme rarity, and these are valued at up to $40 million.
For investment or collection, these coins remain some of the numismatic world’s top attractions.
FAQS:
Which coin is the most expensive coin in the world?
The Edward III Florin of 1343 is worth more than $40 million.
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle very rare?
Most were melted down following the Gold Reserve Act of 1934.
How many Liberty Head Nickels of 1913 are in existence?
There are only five known examples.
What is the significance of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar?
It was the first dollar issued by the U.S. government.