8 Other Rare Coins: Have you ever looked at the loose change in your pocket and wondered if it could be worth a fortune? While the idea of a quarter being worth $18.4 million might sound like a dream, it stems from the fascinating world of rare and valuable coins. Certain coins, because of their age, rarity, minting error, or historical value, have sold for astonishing amounts at auctions.
If you’re holding onto a few old coins, it might be worth checking them closely. Some rare coins have been known to turn ordinary people into millionaires overnight. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 8 rare coins that have fetched millions, share why they’re so valuable, and guide you on how to check your coins.
8 Other Rare Coins
| Rare Coin | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable | Year Sold |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $12 million | First silver dollar minted in U.S. history | 2022 |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | $9.36 million | Handcrafted by Ephraim Brasher; early U.S. coin | 2021 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $3.7 million | Only 5 known to exist | 2010 |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | $19 million | Rare $20 gold coin; never circulated due to Gold Recall Act | 2021 |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $1.9 million | Only 24 ever minted | 2007 |
| 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar | $6 million+ | One of the oldest Islamic gold coins | 2019 |
| 2007 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf | $4.07 million | Made of 100kg 99.999% pure gold | 2010 |
| 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin | $1 million+ | Minted during California Gold Rush | Various |
While your everyday change might not hide an $18.4 million quarter, checking for rare coins can be a fun and potentially rewarding hobby. From the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar to the 1933 Double Eagle, history has shown that small pieces of metal can hold enormous value. If you think you have something special, get it appraised and graded—you never know, your loose change could make you rich!
Why Are Some Coins Worth Millions?
Let’s start with a simple truth: not all old coins are valuable, but some rare ones can be worth life-changing amounts. A coin’s value depends on a few critical factors:
Rarity
Coins with very limited mintages or those pulled from circulation quickly are the rarest. Fewer surviving examples mean higher demand and value.
Historical Significance
Coins tied to historic events, such as the Gold Rush or early U.S. history, hold tremendous appeal to collectors and historians.
Minting Errors
Some of the most valuable coins have minting mistakes — like being struck on the wrong metal or missing key design features. These “error coins” are prized by collectors.
Condition (Grading)
Coins are graded from Poor to Mint State (MS-70). Coins in better condition usually sell for higher prices, even if they aren’t extremely rare.
Deep Dive: 8 Rare Coins That Could Make You Rich
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This is believed to be the first silver dollar minted by the United States. It features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the front. Only a handful exist in high-grade condition. In 2022, one sold for a jaw-dropping $12 million.
2. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
Goldsmith Ephraim Brasher created these coins before the U.S. Mint existed. The coin shows a sun rising over a mountain and an eagle. It’s an iconic symbol of early American independence. In 2021, one fetched $9.36 million.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five of these nickels are known to exist. They’re so rare, one was featured in an episode of Hawaii Five-O. The “Olsen specimen” sold for over $3.7 million.
4. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Though over 400,000 of these $20 gold coins were made, they were never officially released due to the Gold Recall Act. Nearly all were melted down. The few that survived are worth millions. In 2021, one sold for $19 million.
5. 1894-S Barber Dime
Only 24 dimes were ever minted in San Francisco that year, likely for testing or ceremonial purposes. Only 9 are known to exist today. One sold in 2007 for $1.9 million.
6. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
This ancient Islamic coin was minted in 723 AD and is one of the earliest known Islamic coins made of gold. One sold for over $6 million, prized for its age and religious significance.
7. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
This is the heaviest legal coin ever made. It weighs 100 kilograms and is made of 99.999% pure gold. Only six were minted. One sold for $4.07 million in 2010.
8. 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin
Minted during the California Gold Rush, this coin represents the start of large denomination gold currency in the U.S. Only a few exist, and one resides at the Smithsonian. Its estimated value: $1 million+.
How to Check If You Have Rare Coins
Here are simple steps to follow:
Step 1: Identify the Coin
Look for the year, mint mark, and denomination. Use a magnifying glass if needed.
Step 2: Research Online
Use trusted sites like PCGS, NGC, and Numista to check for rarity and value.
Step 3: Check for Errors
Does your coin look strange? Check for off-center designs, double strikes, or wrong metal. These could indicate valuable mint errors.
Step 4: Get it Graded
Contact a professional service like NGC or PCGS to get your coin officially graded. Graded coins sell for more.
Step 5: Sell or Preserve
Valuable coins can be sold through auction houses (like Heritage Auctions) or kept safely in coin holders or bank lockers.
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FAQs on 8 Other Rare Coins
Can a U.S. quarter really be worth $18.4 million?
Not likely. There is no known quarter that has sold for that amount. The figure is likely exaggerated. However, some rare coins (like the 1794 silver dollar) have crossed $10 million.
Where can I get my coin appraised?
Use certified grading companies like PCGS or NGC. Avoid unverified online buyers.
How do I know if my coin has a mint error?
Look for visible mistakes like doubled images, misaligned printing, or wrong metal. Compare with images on Numista or consult a professional.
Is it safe to clean old coins?
No. Cleaning coins can lower their value drastically. Collectors prefer untouched, original coins.
