Some coins are worth much more than their face value. This can be due to their rarity, historical significance, or mistakes made during their minting. Coin collectors always look for such treasures, as rare coins can sell for thousands, or even millions, of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore eight valuable coins that collectors are eager to own, with some worth as much as $18.9 million! Additionally, one Rare Bicentennial Quarter Worth $111 Million stands out as a remarkable find.
The Eight Valuable Coins
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin made history in 2021 when it sold for a record-breaking $18.9 million at auction. Although more than 445,000 of these coins were made, they were never released into circulation. Most were melted down, leaving only 13 known examples today. Just one is in a private collection, making it one of the rarest coins in the world.
2. 1787 Fugio Cent (Franklin Cent)
The 1787 Fugio Cent is one of the first coins ever issued by the United States. With “Mind Your Business” on the front and “We Are One” on the back, this coin has great historical value. Lower-quality examples sell for around $200, while high-grade versions can go for as much as $92,500. Some believe that Benjamin Franklin designed this coin, making it a prized piece for collectors.
3. Morgan Dollars
Morgan Dollars are known for their large size and high silver content. Coins minted at the Carson City Mint, marked with a “CC,” are especially valuable. Two sought-after examples are:
- 1886-S Morgan Dollar: With a mintage of 750,000, this coin is popular among collectors. An MS-64 grade version is worth about $1,300, but a higher-quality MS-66 can reach up to $9,000.
- 1895 Morgan Dollar: Known as the “King of the Morgans,” this proof coin had a low mintage of just 880. Prices for this coin start at $38,000 and can go over $100,000 at auction.
4. 1928 Peace Dollar
The 1928 Peace Dollar is another favorite among collectors, especially in higher grades. With only 360,649 coins minted, this coin is highly valuable due to its low mintage.
5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This penny stands out because it has the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the back. Only 484,000 of these coins were made in San Francisco, making it the lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent. The color affects its value, with red being the most valuable. A low-grade brown 1909-S VDB penny might sell for $800, while a red MS65 can fetch up to $8,000.
6. Liberty and Britannia Coin
A recent release that has caught collectors’ attention is the Liberty and Britannia coin. Only 11,000 of these one-ounce gold coins were minted. This coin represents a collaboration between the U.S. Mint and the Royal Mint of the U.K., symbolizing unity. Its value has risen from £2,200 in February 2024 to nearly £3,000 today, which is about $4,000 in U.S. dollars.
7. 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia
In late 2022, the Royal Mint started making the 2023 Britannia coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II. After her passing, this coin became rare. Only 20,000 to 30,000 were made before the error was noticed, causing the value to skyrocket. One sold for $50,000 at a U.S. auction.
Table of Valuable Coins
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Mintage | Rarity | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million | 445,000+ | Extremely Rare | Not released into circulation |
| 1787 Fugio Cent | 1787 | $92,500 | Unknown | Highly Coveted | One of the first U.S. coins |
| 1886-S Morgan Dollar | 1886 | Up to $9,000 | 750,000 | Popular Among Collectors | Large size, high silver content |
| 1895 Morgan Dollar | 1895 | Over $100,000 | 880 | Rare | Known as the “King of the Morgans” |
| 1928 Peace Dollar | 1928 | High Value | 360,649 | Highly Sought After | Popular among collectors |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | Up to $8,000 | 484,000 | Lowest Mintage | Initials of designer on the back |
| Liberty and Britannia Coin | 2024 | About $4,000 | 11,000 | Rare | Symbol of unity between the U.S. and U.K. |
| 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia | 2023 | $50,000 | 20,000-30,000 | Rare | Coin features Queen Elizabeth II |
Conclusion
Rare coins are not just metal pieces; they hold significant historical value and can be worth millions of dollars. From the record-breaking 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle to the unique 2023 Royal Succession Gold Britannia, these coins are highly sought after by collectors. If you ever find one of these coins, you might possess a fortune! For collectors, owning a rare piece of history makes these coins worth every penny. The thrill of the hunt for such treasures keeps collectors engaged and excited about numismatics.
FAQ’S
What makes the Bicentennial Quarter worth $111 million?
The Bicentennial Quarter is worth $111 million primarily due to its rarity and possible minting errors. Only a few of these coins were made, and specific variations have been identified that make them highly sought after by collectors. The historical significance of the coin, celebrating America’s 200th anniversary, adds to its value.
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
To determine if your coin is valuable, check its mint year, mintmark, and condition. Coins that are rare, in excellent condition, or have historical significance often fetch higher prices. It’s also helpful to compare your coin with known valuable coins, like the ones mentioned in this article, and consult with a professional coin appraiser for an accurate valuation.
Are there other coins worth millions?
Yes, there are many other coins worth millions. Notable examples include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which sold for $18.9 million, and the 1787 Fugio Cent, valued at up to $92,500. Coins like Morgan Dollars and rare Lincoln cents can also reach high values, especially if they are in excellent condition or have low mintage numbers. Collectors are always on the lookout for these rare treasures.