8 Rare Coins Worth Thousands That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors
While most coins are worth their face value, some are truly one-of-a-kind treasures. Coin collectors seek out rare currencies that can be valued at a small fortune or more. These coins are not only investments but also historical artifacts. Here are eight rare coins that collectors are eager to add to their collections.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This iconic coin set a world record when it sold for $18.9 million at auction in 2021. Despite 445,500 Double Eagles being minted in 1933, none were officially released into circulation, and nearly all were ordered to be melted down. Only 13 specimens of this coin are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most coveted coins in the world.
1787 Fugio Cent (aka Franklin Cent)
As one of the earliest, if not the earliest, coins issued by the United States, the 1787 Fugio Cent is steeped in history. This copper coin is widely regarded as the beginning of American coinage. The front of the coin features the slogan "Mind Your Business," while "We Are One" is emblazoned on the back, surrounded by 13 linked rings representing the original colonies. Some historians believe Benjamin Franklin designed the coin. Auction prices vary widely, with lower-quality examples selling for around $200, while rare, high-grade specimens can fetch as much as $92,500.
Morgan Dollars
Morgan dollars have been in high demand for years, prized for their large size, high silver content, and historical appeal. Coins minted at the Carson City Mint, marked "CC," are particularly sought after due to their scarcity and condition.
1886-S Morgan Dollar:
With a mintage of 750,000, this coin is consistently popular among collectors. In MS-64 condition, it can command around $1,300. However, as quality increases, so does the value—an MS-66 can fetch closer to $9,000.
"1895 Morgan Dollar" Often referred to as the "King of the Morgans," this proof coin has an incredibly low mintage of just 880. It's one of the most sought-after coins in the Morgan dollar series. These coins have not sold publicly for less than $38,000 in recent years, with some specimens fetching over $100,000 at auction.
1928 Peace Dollar
The 1928 Peace Dollar is highly desirable, especially in higher grades. Low mintage numbers and its key date status make it one of the more valuable Peace Dollars.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This penny is famous for the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, which were controversially placed on the reverse. Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, making it the lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent. The value of this coin is influenced by its color, with red being the most sought after. A low-grade brown 1909-S VDB might sell for around $800, while a high-grade MS65 in red can reach $8,000.
Liberty and Britannia
The "Liberty and Britannia" coin is a unique collaboration between the United States Mint and the Royal Mint of the United Kingdom. This limited production one-ounce gold coin is highly sought after due to its historical symbolism, limited availability, high craftsmanship, and precious metal content.
2023 Royal Succession Gold 1-Ounce Britannia
This coin is notable for its error: a small number were produced with Queen Elizabeth II on the reverse, after her passing in late 2022. This error caused the coin's value to surge, with one selling for $50,000 at a U.S. auction.