Collecting coins has always been a major hobby, but sometimes the value of these historical bits is staggering. A rare coin is not only historically significant, but also affordable, making it an attractive investment. In this article, we look at seven coins, including a rare bicentennial, that collectively fetched more than $30 million at auction.
Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1975 and 1976, is special with its bi-date “1776-1976”, which celebrates the 200th birthday of the United States of America. Jack L. on its reverse. The coin’s design depicts a colonial drummer and thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. Though it cost millions of dollars to make, one particular example is recently getting attention for a staggering nearly $27 million!
Why is this quarter so valuable? These coins were made on a silver planchet, which was a mistake, as these quarters are usually made of copper and nickel. This mint defect, coupled with its pristine and untouched condition, increased its price. Executive awards further strengthen the excellent position of this quarter, giving it a unique mark among collectors.
Flowing Hair Dolla
The next coin that comes to mind is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – the real pillar of America’s monetary history. This is one of the early silver dollars minted in the United States, which makes it a rare gem in the collections. The design of this coin is made by Robert Scott, on one side is a goddess of freedom with flowing hair and on the other side is a Garuda, surrounded by a garland.
The coin sold for a staggering $10 million in 2013, making it one of the most expensive coins ever minted. Why does it cost more? The reason is its rarity and condition. Very little money exists today, especially in pristine condition like that $10 million specimen. It symbolizes early American coinage, making it a valuable asset for historians and collectors.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a tale of legal mayhem and financial beauty. The $20 gold coin, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, never went into official circulation due to the Gold Reserve Act of 1934. However, a coin has been found in secret, making it a one of the rarest ever seen
In 2002, one of these coins sold for $7.5 million, while another fetched a staggering $18.9 million in 2021. Its reverse, rare, is a stunning depiction of the Goddess of Liberty —holding a lantern and the American flag on his back—is a distinctive capital — This coin has become a legend.
Brasher Doubloon
The Brasher Doubloon of 1787, created by New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, predates the US Mint. Its design features a sun rising over a mountain with the sea below, and Brashear’s letters “EB” imprinted on the eagle’s wing.
The historical importance and rarity of this coin make it extremely attractive. One sold in 2011 at $7.4 million and another one in 2018 for $9.36 million. Such a coin symbolizes transformation of colonial money into a national money, and excellence of Brashear testifies that this coin has to be something special.
Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle coin was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as a masterpiece of coin designing. Augustus Saint-Gaudens created the intricate high-relief image of the Goddess Liberty, striding forward, and an eagle in flight on this $20 gold coin.
Due to this elaborate design only a few coins were made. Its rarity increases its price, with one coin selling for $2.99 million in 2005, while another sold for $3.6 million in 2021. Its artistry and limited production have made it a collectors’ dream.
Draped Bust Dollar
Known as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the most desirable coins in the numismatic world. Although dated 1804, these coins were struck as gifts for diplomats in the 1830s. Only fifteen such silver dollars are known, divided into three classes based on their production period.
Their mystery and extreme rarity make them a valuable collectible. In 1999, a Class I specimen sold for $4.14 million, while another sold for $3.29 million in 2016.
Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel holds within itself a mysterious and interesting story. Although its design was scrapped in 1912, five coins were somehow made in 1913, possibly without official permission. These five coins are among the most famous coins in existence now.
The desire for counterfeit coins puts their price through the roof. One year a coin was sold at the price of $3.7 million in 2010, while another one was sold in 2018 for $4.56 million. Such coins are illustrated proof that even in the smallest amounts of currency lay extraordinary value. Either due to their rarity, history, or an error during the mint, such coins are no longer only currency-they are treasure.
| Coin | Year | Auction Price (USD) | Reason for Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | $27 million | Minting error and pristine condition |
| Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | $10 million | Historical significance and rarity |
| Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million | Legal intrigue and stunning design |
| Brasher Doubloon | 1787 | $9.36 million | Early American history and craftsmanship |
| Ultra High Relief Double Eagle | 1907 | $3.6 million | Artistic beauty and limited mintage |
| Draped Bust Dollar | 1804 | $4.14 million | Historical significance and extreme rarity |
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.56 million | Unauthorized minting and rarity |
FAQ’s
What is hair dollar flow?
It is the U.S. one of the first 1794 silver dollars.
How much is Brasher Doublon worth today?
At recent auctions, it has been priced between $7.4 million and $9.36 million.
Why is Bicentennial Quarterly valuable?
It is a rare mint imperfection, silver plated instead of copper-nickel plated.
Why is a 1933 Double Eagle so rare?
It was never released due to the Gold Securities Act which made its ownership illegal.