Coin collecting is an interesting and fun hobby for enthusiasts, investors and casual collectors alike. As your coin collecting supplies grow, you find yourself searching for more valuable coins. The final value is determined by what someone will pay for it. There are five coins in particular that are valued to the point that it’s an honor to simply view them.
- The Watters-Childs Specimen of a class I Proof-68 U.S. 1804 silver dollar sold in 1999 for $4,140,000. The coin has previously been held in government treasuries and owned by sultans.
- A 1787 Brasher Doubloon of EB on the Wing sold for $4,582,500 at auction in 2014. Ephraim Brasher was a gold and silversmith in the late 1700’s and minted the coin based on gold value at a time before American currency had been established, using styling similar to Spanish coins in use at the time.
- Another 1787 Brasher Doubloon with EB on the chest sold at the end of 2011 for $7,395,000. The extra rarity comes from the EB stamp being on the chest. Even at the time of minting it was a rare coin made of $15 worth of gold.
- The 1933 Twenty Dollar Double Eagle gold coin is typically illegal to own because of President Roosevelt’s order to withdraw all gold coins from circulation during the Great Depression. One survived in Egypt with King Farouk to be sold later. In 2002 it sold for $7,590,020 in a deal to split the proceeds with the Federal Mint and monetize the coin by paying the $20 currency value, making legal to own.
- The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold in 2013 for $10,016,875 and is thought to be the first silver dollar minted by the United States.