Discover the Numismatic Gems That Have Reached Record Prices in the Market Exploring numismatics is an adventure that unveils the rich historical and cultural heritage of various eras and locations.
Coin collecting, often referred to as the “queen of hobbies,” has fascinated individuals of all ages and backgrounds for centuries. Whether it’s due to their historical significance, rarity, state of preservation, or even unique defects, some coins can fetch astronomical prices. Below, we present a list of the ten most expensive coins ever sold worldwide.
A 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar (Green-Contursi-Cardinal specimen) – $9,209,743
This coin is considered one of the first minted by the United States. The United States Mint opened in 1792, but for the first two years, it only produced copper coins and a few pattern coins. This specimen has remained in its original state for over 200 years, significantly contributing to its high value.
20-Dollar Double Eagle from 1933 (Faruq’s Specimen) – $6,979,135
In 1933, nearly 500,000 twenty-dollar gold coins were minted, but an executive order from President Roosevelt mandated their withdrawal and melting. However, a handful of these coins survived. One of these, which belonged to King Faruq of Egypt, was sold legally after a lengthy legal battle, making it one of the most expensive and controversial coins in the world.
Umayyad Gold Dinar, 723 AD – $5,543,424
This Islamic coin was minted in Damascus and is made from gold sourced from a mine owned by the caliph. It is remarkable for being the first coin to mention a specific location in Saudi Arabia.
Historical coins hold a special allure for collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. Among these, a few stand out for their exceptional value and fascinating backstories.
The Umayyad Gold Dinar of 723 AD
The Umayyad Gold Dinar of 723 AD is an extraordinary Islamic coin. Minted with gold from the Caliph’s own mine, it is particularly notable for being the first coin to mention a specific location in Saudi Arabia. This makes it a prized piece for collectors and historians alike.
Flowing Hair Dollar of 1794
(Lord Oswald-Hayes-Pogue Specimen) – $4,591,879
The Flowing Hair Dollar of 1794 is one of the earliest coins struck by the United States Mint. Sold for a staggering $4.99 million in 2014, its clear provenance and exceptional condition make it one of the most valuable coins ever sold.
1787 Brasher Doubloon
(Newlin-Davis Specimen) – $4,215,087.36
Minted by Ephraim Brasher in New York in 1787, the Brasher Doubloon is among the first private coinages in the United States. Its rarity and handcrafted origin make it highly coveted among collectors.
1804 Class I Dollar
(Watters-Childs Specimen) – $3,808,172
Known as the most famous coin in the United States, this 1804 dollar was originally acquired by the Sultan of Mascate in 1835. Its storied history adds to its immense value and allure.
These coins are more than just currency; they are artifacts of history, each with a unique story that captivates the imagination of collectors worldwide. Their rarity, historical relevance, and exceptional condition make them invaluable treasures in the world of numismatics. In 2016, a record sum was offered for this coin at an auction, although it did not reach the reserve price.
Million Dollar Gold Maple Leaf Coin (Canada, 2007) – $3,697,727
Minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, this coin was designed to promote the Gold Maple Leaf coin line. With a purity of 99.999%, it was sold in Vienna for over 3 million dollars, standing out for its exceptional size and purity.
The Million Dollar Gold Maple Leaf Coin, minted in 2007 by the Royal Canadian Mint, is renowned for its impressive purity and large size, making it one of the most valuable and unique pieces in the numismatic world.
1804 Class I Draped Bust Dollar (Mickley-Hawn-Queller specimen) – $3,566,677
Another coin from 1804, this specific specimen has a small “D” punched on the reverse, indicating its provenance from the collection of James V. Dexter. Its history and condition make it extremely valuable.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Hawaii Five-0 specimen) – $3,437,826
This 5-cent coin is famous for appearing in the 1970s TV series “Hawaii Five-0.” Its rarity and appearance in popular culture make it highly coveted among collectors.
1804 Class I Draped Bust Dollar – $3,026,370
Known as the “Queen of American Coins,” this 1804 dollar was actually minted in 1834 as a diplomatic gift. Only fifteen known specimens exist, making it one of the rarest and most expensive coins in the world.
The 1804 Class I Draped Bust Dollar, known as the “Queen of American Coins,” is one of the rarest and most sought-after pieces by collectors due to its history and limited number of specimens.
The collecting of coins is not only a thrilling hobby but also potentially lucrative. Each coin tells a unique story, and some of these stories can be worth millions of dollars.