1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is often considered the Holy Grail of American coinage. Minted during a transitional time in U.S. economic history, this $20 gold coin was never officially released into circulation due to the U.S. government’s shift away from the gold standard. Although 445,500 pieces were originally struck at the Philadelphia Mint, all were ordered to be melted down. However, a few specimens somehow escaped this fate.
One of these coins sold at auction in 2021 for a staggering $18.9 million, setting a record as the most expensive coin ever sold. What makes this coin particularly rare is its legal status and mysterious history. For years, owning one was considered illegal until a legal battle allowed one example to be privately owned. When identifying this coin, collectors should look for sharp relief features, Lady Liberty on the obverse, and a flying eagle on the reverse.
The year “1933” should be clearly legible, and any signs of wear or alterations should be closely inspected. Authenticity can be confirmed through professional coin grading services like PCGS or NGC. Owning such a rare coin means taking exceptional care of it—preferably storing it in a secure, climate-controlled environment and insuring it through a reputable provider.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds immense historical significance, being widely regarded as the first silver dollar struck by the United States Mint. Struck in 1794, this coin represents the earliest federal attempts to create a standardized national currency following independence.
It features a youthful image of Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a small eagle encircled by a wreath on the reverse. Fewer than 150 specimens are known to exist today, and their value can reach into the tens of millions depending on condition. In 2013, one sold for over $10 million, making it one of the most valuable coins ever sold at auction. What sets this coin apart is its extraordinary rarity and historical importance.
Identifying a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar involves noting the coin’s composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, a weight of around 26.96 grams, and the absence of denticles (raised edges). Due to their age, most surviving examples show signs of wear, so collectors should pay close attention to strike quality, original luster, and any damage. Because of its high value and rarity, authentication by a reputable grading service is critical. Protection involves secure storage, minimal handling, and professional appraisals.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most enigmatic and controversial coins in American numismatic history. Official Mint records indicate that no Liberty Head nickels were authorized for production in 1913, yet five specimens are known to exist. These coins were allegedly struck clandestinely at the Philadelphia Mint and entered the collector’s market through questionable means.
Due to this backstory, each of the five known specimens is highly documented and often given individual nicknames, such as the “Olsen” or “Walton” specimen. One of these coins sold for $4.5 million in a private transaction. To identify a genuine 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one must look for the Liberty profile on the obverse, “V” on the reverse (representing 5 cents), and the 1913 date.
The weight should be approximately 5 grams, and the coin should be composed of copper and nickel. Given the known whereabouts of all five, it’s nearly impossible to find a new specimen, making this coin more of historical interest than a collectible one. If you’re ever presented with a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, expert verification is mandatory. These coins should be kept in a safe, temperature-stable environment and insured for their full appraised value.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is another legendary coin that captivates collectors with its rarity and mystique. Although the coin bears the date 1804, it was actually minted in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts by the U.S. State Department. There are only 15 known examples of the 1804 dollar, divided into three distinct classes, with Class I being the most sought-after.
One such coin fetched over $4 million at auction, depending on the class and condition. Identifying an 1804 Draped Bust Dollar involves understanding its unique characteristics: it has a silver composition, weighs about 26.96 grams, and displays Lady Liberty on the obverse with 13 stars representing the original colonies. The reverse features an eagle with a shield. Because of the coin’s notoriety, counterfeits are common, and professional authentication is absolutely essential.
You can check for sharp details in the facial features and feathers, which should not appear cast or worn disproportionately. For those fortunate enough to own or inherit such a coin, securing it in a high-grade protective case and limiting exposure to light, moisture, and air is essential for long-term preservation. Proper documentation and provenance records also add to the value and legitimacy of the piece.
5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to zinc-coated steel for penny production to save copper for the war effort. However, a few 1943 Lincoln cents were mistakenly struck using bronze planchets left over from 1942. These error coins are exceptionally rare, with only a few dozen confirmed to exist.
One example sold for over $1 million at auction. Identifying a 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent can be tricky since it looks similar to regular copper coins from other years. First, check the weight: a genuine bronze cent weighs around 3.11 grams, whereas a steel one weighs 2.7 grams. A simple magnet test can help—steel cents are magnetic, bronze cents are not.
You’ll also want to examine the coin for signs of tampering, as some fakes are made by altering the dates on 1948 copper cents. An authentic 1943 bronze cent should show the image of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the words “One Cent” and “United States of America” on the reverse. These coins are valuable not just because of their rarity but also due to the curiosity and stories behind their creation. Professional grading and secure storage are essential.
6. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is arguably the most iconic early American gold coin, created by the goldsmith and silversmith Ephraim Brasher. This coin predates the U.S. Mint and was privately struck when America was still experimenting with its currency system. Only a handful of authentic Brasher Doubloons exist, and their historical significance and rarity make them worth millions—one specimen sold for over $9.3 million.
The coin features a sun rising over a mountain on the obverse and a U.S. eagle on the reverse, with Brasher’s hallmark (his initials “EB”) either on the eagle’s wing or breast. Identifying a Brasher Doubloon requires close attention to detail, including gold composition, weight (approximately 26.66 grams), and fine engraving details. Because of its immense value, forgeries are common, so it’s imperative to consult professional numismatists for authentication.
Most surviving examples are held in museums or private collections, and rarely change hands. These coins should be treated with the utmost care—stored in temperature-controlled, high-security safes and never cleaned or handled without proper gloves. They are not just coins; they are pieces of American history and require preservation as such.
7. 1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the rarest and most mysterious coins in U.S. coinage history, with only 24 originally minted and only nine known to exist today. Minted at the San Francisco Mint, the reasons for the small mintage are unclear—ranging from end-of-budget accounting to possible gifts for dignitaries.
One of these dimes fetched nearly $2 million at auction. This coin features the image of Liberty wearing a laurel wreath on the obverse and “One Dime” surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. What distinguishes it is the mint mark “S” below the wreath on the reverse and the date 1894 on the obverse. To identify an authentic 1894-S Barber Dime, you must examine it under magnification for strike sharpness, wear, and potential tooling or date alteration.
Its silver composition and 2.5-gram weight should be verified. Because of its extreme rarity, most appearances of this coin are well-documented, making provenance key to validation. Like other high-value coins, it requires professional authentication and secure, temperature-stable storage. Due to its small size and immense value, it’s also crucial to keep it protected against theft and accidental damage.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my coin is valuable or just old?
A coin’s age doesn’t always determine its value. Rarity, demand, condition, mint errors, and historical significance all play crucial roles. Have your coin professionally appraised or graded to determine its true worth.
Q2: What’s the best way to store valuable coins?
Valuable coins should be stored in acid-free holders or capsules within a temperature-controlled, humidity-resistant environment. Use safe deposit boxes or high-security safes for the best protection.
Q3: Should I clean my old or rare coins?
No, cleaning coins can significantly decrease their value. Even well-intentioned cleaning can damage the patina or surface details. Always consult a professional before attempting any cleaning or restoration.
Q4: Where can I get my rare coin authenticated?
Reputable services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS) offer professional grading and authentication.
Conclusion
Rare coins like the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle or the 1894-S Barber Dime aren’t just metallic currency—they are historical artifacts, each with a story that often mirrors a significant moment in American history. Whether passed down as heirlooms or discovered in collections, these coins can be worth millions, but identifying and preserving their value requires expertise, vigilance, and the right resources.
Always consult professionals for authentication, invest in quality storage solutions, and avoid common mistakes like cleaning or improper handling. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your investment but also preserve a piece of numismatic heritage for future generations.