While most coins in your pocket are worth just their face value, a select few are worth millions—sometimes even $10 million or more. These coins aren’t just currency; they’re historical artifacts, minting errors, and collector’s holy grails that fetch sky-high prices at auctions.
If you’re a coin enthusiast, history buff, or someone who’s ever inherited an old collection, you might be closer to a fortune than you think. Here are 8 ultra-rare coins, each worth up to $10 million, that represent the pinnacle of numismatic value.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Estimated Value: $10–$18.9 Million
This $20 gold coin is the most valuable U.S. coin ever sold, with one example auctioned for a record-breaking $18.9 million in 2021. Although 445,000 were minted, almost all were melted down after the U.S. abandoned the gold standard.
- Only one version is legal to own.
- It features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a flying eagle on the reverse.
- It’s considered the holy grail of American coin collecting.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Estimated Value: $10–$13 Million
This was the first dollar coin ever issued by the United States, and its value reflects its incredible significance.
- Only about 140 are known to exist.
- One example sold for $10 million in 2013.
- Its beautiful “Flowing Hair” Liberty design makes it iconic.
If one in perfect condition came up for auction again today, it could easily surpass $13 million.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Hawaii Five-O Coin)
Estimated Value: $4–$10 Million
Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist, none of which should have been minted in the first place.
- One specimen appeared on the TV show Hawaii Five-O.
- Collectors prize it for its extreme rarity and mysterious origin.
- Top-condition examples have sold for over $5 million, and values are projected to rise.
4. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar – Class I
Estimated Value: $7–$10 Million
Nicknamed the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 silver dollar was actually struck years later for diplomatic gifts.
- Only 8 Class I originals are known.
- One sold for $7.68 million.
- Its rarity, intrigue, and history make it one of the most desirable U.S. coins ever minted.
5. 1822 Half Eagle ($5 Gold Coin)
Estimated Value: $8–$10 Million
This coin is so rare, only three examples are known—and two are in the Smithsonian.
- That leaves only one in private hands.
- In 2021, it sold for $8.4 million.
- Its near-unattainability and pristine condition make it a collector’s dream.
6. 1894-S Barber Dime
Estimated Value: $2–$10 Million
Only 24 Barber dimes were minted in San Francisco in 1894—and fewer than 10 are known to exist today.
- One famously bought ice cream with it as a child.
- Another was found in a junk box decades later.
- Top-quality examples have crossed the $2 million mark, and experts believe future sales could approach $10 million.
7. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast)
Estimated Value: $7.4–$10 Million
Minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, this was a privately struck gold coin issued before the U.S. Mint was established.
- Only 7 known, with the “EB on breast” variety being the most valuable.
- In 2021, one sold for $9.36 million.
- It’s considered one of the first truly American coins—and a major historical treasure.
8. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
Estimated Value: $4–$10 Million
Not U.S. currency, but it deserves a spot on this list. This 100-kilogram gold coin is made of 99.999% pure gold.
- Only six were ever made.
- Originally valued at $1 million CAD, its gold content alone is worth more than $6 million USD.
- One sold for over $4 million and remains a favorite among collectors of ultra-rare bullion.
Final Thoughts: Could You Own One of These?
While these coins are mostly in the hands of elite collectors, museums, or auction houses, surprises still happen. In the world of rare coins, an attic find, an inherited collection, or even a flea market purchase can yield a once-in-a-lifetime jackpot.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if my coin is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, and condition. Coins with minting errors, historical rarity, or extremely low mintage are often worth more. Get rare coins authenticated by PCGS or NGC.
Q2: Where can I sell an ultra-rare coin?
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and GreatCollections are the best places for high-value coin sales.
Q3: Are all old coins valuable?
No. Age alone doesn’t make a coin rare or valuable. Condition, rarity, and demand play much larger roles.
Q4: Could there be more undiscovered ultra-rare coins out there?
Absolutely. Some of the world’s most valuable coins were discovered unexpectedly. Always double-check unusual coins before spending or selling them.