1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands among the most coveted and valuable coins in existence. Crafted by the famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this gold coin was minted in 1933 but was never officially circulated. Following President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s executive order that required citizens to return gold coins to the government, nearly all examples were melted down. Just a few escaped destruction, making them exceptionally rare.
One of the few surviving specimens was auctioned in 2002 for an astounding $7.6 million, setting a new record at that time for the highest price paid for a coin. Its scarcity, combined with its historical relevance and artistic design, have elevated its status in the numismatic world. Today, it remains one of the most iconic and desirable coins for serious collectors.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is surrounded by mystery and scarcity, making it a standout in the world of rare coins. Only five examples of this coin are known to exist. Despite the U.S. Mint having switched to the Buffalo Nickel design in the same year, these Liberty Head Nickels were secretly struck as prototypes and were never officially authorized for release.
Years passed before their existence became publicly known, adding to the intrigue. In 2018, one of the five known pieces was sold at auction for $3.7 million. The combination of its unauthorized minting, extreme rarity, and the captivating backstory continues to fascinate collectors and historians, cementing its place as one of America’s most prized coins.
3. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Regarded as the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar holds exceptional historical significance. It features a depiction of Liberty with flowing hair and represents the birth of U.S. coinage. Only a limited number of these coins have survived, making them incredibly valuable and rare.
In a landmark sale in 2013, one of these early dollars sold for a jaw-dropping $10 million, breaking records as the most expensive coin sold at auction at that time. Its combination of historical importance, rarity, and pristine preservation makes it a centerpiece for collectors and historians alike, embodying the origins of American currency.
4. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a legendary error coin known for its distinctive flaw. Minted in Denver, this version of the Buffalo Nickel appears to show the buffalo on the reverse with only three legs, due to over-polishing of the die during production. This unique error makes the coin a standout among collectors of U.S. Mint mistakes.
Because of its limited mintage and the novelty of its design, this coin commands a high price in the collector market. A high-grade example has reportedly sold for $3 million in a recent auction. Its status as both a mint error and a rare collectible ensures its lasting appeal to numismatists around the world.
5. 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a masterpiece of numismatic artistry. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this gold coin was produced in very small quantities due to the difficulty of striking its intricate and deeply sculpted details. The original ultra-high relief required multiple strikes, making mass production impractical.
Because of its technical challenge and aesthetic beauty, only a few hundred were minted before the design was adjusted. In 2005, one of these magnificent coins fetched $2.7 million at auction. Today, collectors prize the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle not only for its rarity but also for its striking artistic merit, representing the pinnacle of American coin design.
6. 2000 Sacagawea $1 Coin (Cheerios Edition)
The 2000 Sacagawea $1 Coin, especially the “Cheerios Edition,” has gained remarkable value due to a unique twist in its release. As part of a promotional campaign, these coins were distributed in boxes of Cheerios cereal. Unbeknownst to many, some of these coins were struck with an unusual “tail feather” design variation, making them highly desirable among collectors.
Because of this unintentional variation, these promotional coins have become extremely rare. In some cases, they have sold for as much as $1 million. Despite being a modern coin, the Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar’s rarity and the story behind its issue have elevated it to legendary status among contemporary numismatic treasures.
7. 1856 Flying Eagle Cent
The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a notable piece of American coinage history. Minted in limited numbers as a pattern coin to test a new design and metal composition, it never officially entered general circulation. It was the forerunner to the small cent that replaced the bulky large cent and featured a bold image of an eagle in flight.
With only a few thousand made, this coin has become a prized artifact for collectors. In recent years, a specimen in excellent condition has surpassed $1 million at auction. The Flying Eagle Cent is valued not just for its scarcity, but for the role it played in shaping future U.S. coinage, making it a cornerstone in the history of American numismatics.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if I have a coin that’s worth millions?
To determine if you have a coin with million-dollar value, you should look for key factors such as rarity, historical significance, unique features (such as errors), and condition (grade). Coins that were produced in limited quantities, have been used in unique circumstances, or have a significant place in history are typically more valuable. Having your coin professionally appraised and graded by a service like PCGS or NGC can help determine its value.
Q2: Why are error coins like the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel so valuable?
Error coins are valuable because their rarity is significantly increased due to the mistake made during production. In many cases, the Mint will recall and destroy these flawed coins, which makes the remaining examples highly sought after by collectors. Error coins often become even more desirable when they are in excellent condition or have unique characteristics, making them valuable additions to a collection.
Q3: Can I find one of these million-dollar coins in my change?
The likelihood of finding a million-dollar coin in your change is very slim, but it’s not entirely impossible. Occasionally, rare coins, especially those with errors or historical significance, can still be found in circulation. However, most million-dollar coins are usually in private collections or held by wealthy collectors, and finding them on the open market or in circulation is extremely rare.
Q4: How can I sell a rare coin for a fortune?
To sell a rare coin, you can approach reputable auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or Sotheby’s that specialize in numismatics. These auction houses have access to a global network of collectors and investors, which can help you achieve the highest possible price for your rare coin. It’s important to have your coin professionally authenticated and graded before selling to ensure its value is accurately assessed.
Conclusion
These 7 rare coins—from the iconic 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle to the modern 2000 Sacagawea $1 Coin (Cheerios Edition)—show just how valuable a coin can become over time. Whether due to their historical importance, rarity, or unique design features, these coins have captured the attention of collectors and investors worldwide. If you happen to own one of these rare coins, you could be holding a fortune. For collectors, finding and owning these million-dollar coins is a dream come true, and they remain among the most coveted treasures in the numismatic world.