Among all American history, only a few coins became so iconic that their sales crossed over more than $1 million in an auction. Rare pieces are not just mere pieces of currency but treasures that contain artistic brilliance, historical significance, and stories full of wonder. Let’s cut into 11 of these extraordinary coins that have enthralled collectors and broken records.
Crown Jewels
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is a beacon in America’s early monetary pursuits. Designed to depict liberty through Lady Liberty with flowing hair, it represented the first silver dollar in the United States upon first minting by the U.S. Mint. Combined historical appeal and pristine state saw it auction for $10 million in 2013.
The other legend is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, coming from a dramatic phase in the history of the United States.
During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the melting of all gold coins. A few of them survived. In 2021, one sold for $18.9 million, a record-breaking amount for any sold coin.
Artistic Marvels
The Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle of 1907 is perhaps the crowning jewel of American coin art. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this high-relief design was too problematic to manufacture. Still, such a masterpiece demanded a $2.99 million sale in 2005.
The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar has been called the “King of American Coins.” Although dated 1804, it was actually produced in the 1830s as diplomatic pieces. Only 15 are known to exist. One sold for $4.1 million.
Historical Treasures
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon designed by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher is highly important in terms of American coins. Its EB hallmark and its gold melt provide an iconic sample of early America’s artistry. In 2011, one sold for $7.4 million.
There is mystery coin in the liberty head nickel issued in 1913. No more than five were ever printed, and one would guess so much about this coin’s happening. One in 2018 sold for $4.56 million
Rarities Minted
The 1894-S Barber Dime is extremely rare, only 24 made and nine are known today. Its elusive nature sold for $1.9 million in 2007.
The 1804 Gold Eagle, dated wrongly, was made in the 1830s. With just four known, one sold for $5.28 million in 2020.
Foundational Coins
The 1792 Birch Cent is an important experiment in the history of the U.S. Mint. Being one of the first coins, its link to Robert Birch and its scarcity fetched a $2.6 million sale in 2015.
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is another rarity gem. Minted in San Francisco, this coin witnessed a $1.3 million auction result in 2003, with only nine examples known.
The first official coin
The first authorized U.S. coin is the 1787 Fugio Cent, with its Benjamin Franklin “Mind Your Business” motto. One sold for $1.5 million in 2021, but that one was rare.
These coins are not only monetary artifacts but also pieces of history, combining rarity, artistry, and significance. They are tangible reminders of America’s past and, for collectors, a slice of history to be owned and admired for their craftsmanship and stories.
FAQs:
What is the most expensive U.S. coin?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold for $18.9 million in 2021.
Why is the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar valuable?
It was the first U.S. silver dollar and sold for $10 million in 2013.