The U.S. has produced some of the most valuable and sought-after coins in the world. These coins, often representing significant historical events, artistic craftsmanship, and rarity, have fetched millions at auctions.
In this article, we explore the 11 most expensive U.S. coins ever sold at auction, detailing their backgrounds, auction prices, and what makes them so valuable.
11 Most Expensive U.S. Coins Ever Sold at Auction
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $18.9 Million
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds the title for the most expensive coin ever sold. Auctioned in 2021 for $18.9 million, this gold coin is famous for its rarity and history. After President Franklin Roosevelt outlawed gold ownership, almost all 1933 Double Eagles were melted, leaving only a few, with this being the only legally owned example in private hands.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – $10.02 Million
Known as the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for $10 million in 2013. This coin is historically significant as it represents the birth of the American monetary system and is thought to be among the first silver dollars ever minted.
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) – $9.36 Million
The Brasher Doubloon, minted privately by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, is one of the most famous gold coins in U.S. history. The version with “EB” stamped on the eagle’s wing sold for $9.36 million in 2021, making it the most valuable colonial-era coin.
4. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast) – $7.4 Million
Another Brasher Doubloon, this time with “EB” stamped on the breast, sold for $7.4 million in 2011. Brasher’s coins are unique due to their rarity and their role in early American coinage.
5. 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) – $7.68 Million
The 1804 Silver Dollar is one of the most famous coins among collectors. It was minted in the 1830s, not 1804, as gifts for foreign dignitaries. Only 15 examples of this coin exist, with one selling for $7.68 million in 2021.
6. 1861 Paquet Double Eagle – $7.2 Million
The 1861 Paquet Double Eagle, designed by Anthony Paquet, is one of the rarest $20 gold coins. Only two known examples exist, with one selling for $7.2 million in 2021.
7. 1822 Half Eagle – $8.4 Million
With only three known examples, the 1822 Half Eagle is one of the rarest U.S. gold coins. The only privately owned version was sold for $8.4 million in 2021. The other two examples are housed in the Smithsonian Institution.
8. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $5 Million
This coin’s fame stems from its mystery, as the U.S. Mint did not officially issue Liberty Head Nickels in 1913. Only five are known to exist, with one selling for $5 million in 2007.
9. 1804 $10 Gold Eagle (Proof) – $5.28 Million
The 1804 $10 Gold Eagle is another rarity minted for special diplomatic purposes. Only a handful were ever struck, with one of them selling for $5.28 million in 2021.
10. 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – $4.61 Million
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever made. One sold for $4.61 million in 2021 due to its high relief design and historical significance.
11. 1792 Silver Center Cent – $4.1 Million
This prototype coin represents the beginning of U.S. coinage. Only a few examples exist, with one selling for $4.1 million in 2021. It was a revolutionary design featuring a silver plug at the center of a copper coin.
| Coin | Auction Price | Year of Sale | Noteworthy Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $18.9 Million | 2021 | Only legal privately owned coin of its kind |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10.02 Million | 2013 | First U.S. silver dollar ever minted |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) | $9.36 Million | 2021 | Private mint, first American gold coin |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast) | $7.4 Million | 2011 | Iconic colonial gold coin |
| 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) | $7.68 Million | 2021 | Minted for diplomatic gifts |
| 1861 Paquet Double Eagle | $7.2 Million | 2021 | Unique reverse design, ultra-rare |
| 1822 Half Eagle | $8.4 Million | 2021 | Only 3 known, Smithsonian owns 2 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $5 Million | 2007 | Not officially issued by U.S. Mint |
| 1804 $10 Gold Eagle (Proof) | $5.28 Million | 2021 | Made for diplomatic purposes |
| 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens | $4.61 Million | 2021 | Known for its artistic design |
| 1792 Silver Center Cent | $4.1 Million | 2021 | Prototype coin |
Conclusion
The most expensive U.S. coins ever sold at auction represent not just financial value but historical and artistic significance. These coins are rare, some existing in only a handful of examples, and they tell the story of the United States through its evolving monetary history. With auction prices reaching up to $18.9 million, these coins are the ultimate treasures for numismatists.
FAQs
1. What is the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold?
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle holds the record, sold for $18.9 million in 2021.
2. Why is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar valuable?
It is the first U.S. silver dollar, making it a piece of numismatic history and highly sought after by collectors.
3. What makes the Brasher Doubloon special?
The Brasher Doubloon is one of the first gold coins minted in the U.S., privately produced by Ephraim Brasher.
4. How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels exist?
Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known, and they are prized for their rarity and historical intrigue.
5. Why is the 1822 Half Eagle so rare?
Only three examples of the 1822 Half Eagle exist, with two housed in the Smithsonian Institution.
References
- Bullion Shark
- Smithsonian
- Lost Treasure HQ
- Bellevue Rare Coins
