Not everyone gets the value of a coin collection. In fact, when was the last time you gave any thought to the spare change in your pocket? You’ll probably start paying attention to them once you know some coins are worth a fortune—just like these 15 coins! These coins don’t just have a fascinating history; they’re also selling for millions. Check out what coins you should be looking for.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is one of the most rare gold coins in US history. During the Great Depression, changes were made to gold ownership laws. The gold coins had to be melted down before they ever made it into circulation. While two were set aside for the National Coin Collection, there are rumors that a few handfuls were taken. In fact, one of these coins resurfaced in 2021 and was sold for an unbelievable $18.9 million!
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
This coin has historical significance as the first silver dollar ever issued by the government. Because of this, it is considered a valuable find. The design features Lady Liberty with flowing hair. In 2013, a 1794 flowing hair dollar coin was auctioned off and sold for $10 million. This coin is often considered a symbol of the government’s humble beginnings.
1787 Brasher Doubloon
This coin is extremely rare because only a handful were made. In fact, the Brasher doubloon was created before the US government started to use coins. Goldsmith Ephraim Brasher crafted these coins privately and gave them a value of $16. Who would’ve thought that, centuries later, his creation would be sold for $9.36 million in 2021?
1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle
Assistant Engraver Anthony Paquet completed a revision of the reverse double eagle coins. His design had taller and narrower letters. But it was noticed that the rim was not high enough to protect the design, so the Mint decided to stop production and went back to the original design. However, some were already sent out for circulation and are believed to still be in the American coin market. So, better check your coins—you could be sitting on a rare find!
1792 Half Disme
The 1792 half disme was released for circulation. It was the first US coinage created under the authority of the Coinage Act of 1792. During this time, the US Mint was still being established. The half dimes were produced using the private facilities of a local craftsman. It is estimated that about 200 to 400 half dimes exist, and their value depends on their condition. The highest-graded piece was sold for $1,500,000 in 2007.
1804 Dollar
Despite carrying the date 1804, these coins were actually created in the 1830s. Also known as the bowed Liberty dollar, this special coin was not created for public use. In fact, they were made to serve as diplomatic gifts. Only 15 pieces of this coin are known to exist, but there could be more. In 2021, an 1804-dollar coin was sold for $7.68 million.
1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin is considered a masterpiece because of its intrinsic design. The ultra-high relief makes the design stand out visually. Despite its beauty, the US Mint had problems producing it since Saint-Gaudens passed away before the design reached the production stage. The 1907 high-relief version of this coin has edge lettering on the sides. One ultra-high relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin was sold in an auction for $3.6 million in 2021.
1822 Half Eagle
This gold coin is one of the most expensive coins ever minted in US history. What makes the 1822 half eagle a rare find is that there are only three of them known to exist so far. One is at the Smithsonian Institute, the second is part of the National Numismatic Collection, and the third belongs to a private collector. The third one was sold for $8.4 million at a 2021 auction in Las Vegas.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
There are only five known 1913 Liberty Head Nickels to exist. Three of the nickels are in museums, and two belong to private collectors. What makes these coins special is that they were created without the US Mint’s official approval. The last time one of these coins popped up at a public auction was in 2010, and it was sold for $3.7 million.
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent
Most of the 1943 copper Lincoln cents were melted down during World War II since copper was needed to aid the war. They switched to making the Lincoln cent with zinc-coated steel instead. Some folks managed to hold onto their copper pennies, and believe it or not, some of these coins have been sold for as much as $1.7 million.
1795 Turban Head Eagle
As one of the first gold coins minted in America, the 1795 turban head eagle holds great value. After all, 90% of it is gold while the rest is copper. The name comes from the design of Lady Liberty wearing a turban. Turbans were in style back then. This design was used for a couple of years before being replaced.
1880 Stella
The Stella is a gold coin whose initial value was $4. There are two varieties. The 1879 coin features Liberty with flowing hair, which is the most common variety. The rare one is the 1880 coin featuring Liberty with coiled hair. The 1880 Stella coins are very rare because only 25 known samples exist. In 2015, a Stella gold coin was auctioned off and sold for $2.75 million.
1793 Chain Cent
The chain cent is the first large cent in the US and the first circulating coin produced officially by the US Mint. The copper coin features a chain symbolizing the linking together of the states of America and Lady Liberty with flowing hair. People didn’t like how Lady Liberty was portrayed, saying she looked frightened. The coin was in circulation for a year before it was replaced with the wreath cent. Because of its history, even coins in the lowest grades can be worth thousands of dollars.
1955 Doubled Die Cent
This coin has a story that teaches us mistakes can be blessings. The 1955 doubled die cent is one of the most famous die varieties in coin collecting. It happened due to a misalignment error, causing a doubled image. The error can be seen on the dates and inscriptions, while the bust of Lincoln remains intact. If you have one in good condition, it can be sold for more than a million dollars.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This coin was created in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birth anniversary. Victor David Brenner designed it and included his initials in small letters on the coin. People who noticed the small detail didn’t like it, saying it was free advertising on US currency. The US Mint had to stop producing it and made the next batch without the initials. The Philadelphia Mint VDB coins are common, but the ones from the San Francisco Mint are considered rare. So, aside from the VDB initials, look for the 1909-S mark.
