5 Incredible Rare U.S. Coins Worth Over $750,000

The world of coin collecting holds some truly astonishing treasures—many of which are not only rare but also worth staggering sums of money.

While some of these coins are safely tucked away in museums or private collections, others occasionally appear in auctions, breaking records and fascinating collectors with their history and value. Here’s a look at five incredible U.S. coins, each worth more than $750,000, and what makes them so exceptional.

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – Worth Over $10 Million

Regarded by many as the first silver dollar ever struck by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the crown jewel of American coinage. It represents the birth of the U.S. monetary system and carries immense historical significance.

Key Facts:

• Only around 1,758 were minted, and far fewer survive today.
• The obverse features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse shows a simple eagle design.
• One of the finest known examples sold at auction for $10,016,875 in 2013, setting a world record.

Value:

• $1 million to over $10 million, depending on condition and provenance.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – Worth $7.6 Million

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is arguably the most famous and legally complex U.S. coin. Although nearly 450,000 of them were minted, almost all were melted down due to the Gold Reserve Act. Only a few examples escaped destruction.

Key Facts:

• Only one coin is legal to own, with others held by the U.S. government.
• Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, it features Lady Liberty striding forward and a majestic eagle in flight.

Value:

• In 2021, the only legal-to-own specimen was sold at Sotheby’s for $18.9 million, a record for any U.S. coin.

3. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar (Class I) – Worth $3.8 Million+

Often called the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar wasn’t actually minted in that year. These coins were struck decades later for diplomatic gifts but dated “1804” to match original dollar issues.

Key Facts:

• Only eight Class I examples are known to exist.
• Created under special orders by the State Department during the 1830s.

Value:

• One specimen sold for $3.8 million in 2017, though private sales suggest even higher values.

4. 1822 Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin) – Worth $8.4 Million

This incredibly rare gold coin is one of just three known examples, with only one in private hands. The 1822 Half Eagle is so rare that its very existence elevates it to legendary status among collectors.

Key Facts:

• Minted during a time when gold coins saw limited production.
• Two examples are held in the Smithsonian, leaving only one available on the market.

Value:

• Sold in 2021 for $8.4 million at a Stack’s Bowers auction.

5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth Over $4 Million

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is surrounded by mystery, as no official mint records document its creation. Only five examples are known to exist, and each has a unique backstory filled with intrigue and legend.

Key Facts:

• Produced secretly at the Philadelphia Mint.
• One was featured on an episode of “Hawaii Five-O”, adding to its fame.

Value:

• Depending on condition, these nickels have sold for $3 million to over $4 million.

Conclusion

These rare coins are far more than currency—they are historic artifacts, each telling a unique story about the nation’s early years, politics, and the evolution of the U.S. Mint. Their high values are not just tied to their rarity, but also to their cultural and historical significance. Whether you’re a dedicated numismatist or just fascinated by the hidden treasures of American history, these coins represent the ultimate finds in the world of collecting.

Even if these specific coins aren’t in your collection, learning about them reminds us of the hidden potential value in old change, historical pieces, and family heirlooms.

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