Over time, coins can transform into rare collectibles fetching thousands, if not millions, of dollars in today’s market. The United States has been producing coins since 1793, with many made from basic metals like gold and silver until changes in the 20th century. In 1933, gold was prohibited in coinage by executive order, and by the early 1970s, silver was phased out of production.
Despite alterations in composition, these coins retain value due to their rarity and historical significance. GOBankingRates delved into the history of sought-after coins that have become incredibly valuable to collectors worldwide. The current prices of these coins are influenced by their original mintage numbers, surviving quantities, materials, and composition.
For instance, the 1792 Silver Center Cent J-1, initially worth one cent when first minted, featured a unique composition of copper surrounding a silver center, making it highly sought after. Only about 25 Silver Center Cent J-1 Special Strike coins exist today, with the highest recorded sale reaching $2,520,000.
While rummaging through old belongings, such as jars of change or forgotten drawers, keep an eye out for potentially valuable coins that could be worth a fortune. Here are 10 rare coins that have sold for over $1 million, alongside their details from SD Bullion:
– 1907 Extremely High Relief Double Eagle $20 (Proof): Record Sale $3,600,000
– 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof): Record Sale $4,560,000
– 1804 Class I Draped Bust Silver Dollar $1 (Proof): Record Sale $7,680,000
– 1787 Brasher Doubloon $15, Breast Punch (Regular Strike): Record Sale $2,999,000
– 1885 Trade Dollar T$1 (Proof): Record Sale $3,960,000
– 1804 Eagle $10 Plane 4, Deep Cameo (Proof): Mintage Amount 6
These coins, with their unique compositions and limited quantities, continue to captivate collectors and command extraordinary prices in the numismatic world.
1. Coin: 1861 Double Eagle $20 Paquet Reverse (Regular Strike)
– Original Face Value: $10
– Record Sale: $5,280,000
– Material Composition: Copper (10%), Gold (90%)
– Mintage Amount: 2,976,453
– Estimated Survival Amount: 2
2. Coin: 1822 Capped Head Half Eagle $5 BD-1 (Regular Strike)
– Original Face Value: $20
– Record Sale: $7,200,000
– Material Composition: Copper (8.3%), Gold (91.7%)
– Mintage Amount: 17,796
– Estimated Survival Amount: 3
3. Coin: 1974 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar $1 (Special Strike)
– Original Face Value: $5
– Record Sale: $8,400,000
– Material Composition: Copper (10%), Silver (90%)
– Mintage Amount: Unknown
– Estimated Survival Amount: 1
4. Coin: 1933 Double Eagle $20 (Regular Strike)
– Original Face Value: $1
– Record Sale: $10,016,875
– Material Composition: Copper (10%), Gold (90%)
– Mintage Amount: 445,500
– Estimated Survival Amount: 16
5. Coin: 1933 Double Eagle $20 (Regular Strike)
– Original Face Value: $20
– Record Sale: $18,872,250
For more valuable insights, visit GOBankingRates.com.
