The Rarest and Most Expensive Coins in the World
The 1804 Silver Dollar is often called the 'King of all American Coins.' Initially, these coins were not intended for wide circulation. They were minted as diplomatic gifts for high-ranking officials, such as kings, queens, and other heads of state.
1804 Silver Dollar
The 1804 Silver Dollar is often called the 'King of all American Coins.' Initially, these coins were not intended for wide circulation. They were minted as diplomatic gifts for high-ranking officials, such as kings, queens, and other heads of state.
In total, 1804 of these coins were minted. It is believed that fewer than ten specimens have survived to this day. Although the exact number is unknown, this coin is considered one of the rarest and most expensive in the world. In 2017, one of the 1804 silver dollars was sold at auction for an impressive sum of $3,290,000.
Flowing Hair Liberty Dollar
One of the most expensive coins in the world is the Flowing Hair Liberty Dollar. It is a historically significant specimen, as it represents the first one-dollar silver coin of the United States.
The value of this coin has only grown over time, as confirmed by its auction sales history. A new price record was set in early 2013, making it one of the most coveted items for numismatists.
- In 2005, the coin was sold for $7,850,000.
- On January 24, 2013, its value at auction reached $10,000,000.
The Million Dollar Canadian Coin
| Characteristic | Value |
| Weight | 100 kg |
| Diameter | 53 cm |
| Thickness | over 3 cm |
| Material | Purest fine gold |
In 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a unique coin made of the purest fine gold. Its face value is one million Canadian dollars, which is equivalent to approximately 750,000 US dollars. This giant monetary token was conceived as a way to restore the mint's leading position in the global market.
The issue was limited, and at the time of emission, there were only 15 such coins in the world. Recently, one of these specimens was sold at an auction in Vienna for $4 million.
Initially, there were plans to continue minting, but production currently remains limited, which only increases the value of the existing specimens.
Brasher Doubloon
The Brasher Doubloon is a rare gold coin created in the USA in 1787 by jeweler Ephraim Brasher. It is considered the first gold coin with a dollar denomination minted in the United States. It got its name 'doubloon' because its weight was approximately equal to that of the popular Spanish gold doubloon of the time.
The initial value of the coin in 1787 was just $15. However, today its price reaches $4.5 million. The last recorded sale took place in 2004, when about $3 million was paid for the coin, highlighting its high collectible value.
US $10 Turban Head Liberty
Gold coins with a face value of $10 featuring the Turban Head Liberty were minted in the USA from 1795 to 1804. In total, just over 132,000 specimens were issued. Despite the relatively small mintage, there are many varieties of this coin, making it interesting for collectors.
The obverse of the coin features a profile of Liberty, framed by stars on the sides. The inscription 'Liberty' is at the top, and the year of issue is at the bottom. Due to their rarity and historical significance, the value of such coins can reach $5 million, making them some of the most sought-after in the world of numismatics.
Liberty Head V Nickel
The five-cent coin featuring Liberty V is quite large for its denomination, weighing 5 grams, which is comparable to the weight of a modern ten-ruble coin. Despite its apparent simplicity, this specimen holds immense collectible value.
The value of this coin can reach $3.5 million. Such a high price makes it accessible only to the wealthiest and most passionate numismatists. Interestingly, this nickel once appeared in the American TV series 'Hawaii Five-0', but due to its high value, the film crew limited its appearance to just one close-up shot.
Single 9
The 'Single 9' coin is a unique South African specimen with a minting year of 1898, which was actually issued in 1899 during the Anglo-Boer War. Due to the impossibility of creating a new die with the 1899 date, the old one was sent to Germany for modification but was intercepted by the British.
The mint staff found a solution by punching the number '9' over the old date directly on the coin's obverse. However, only a single specimen was made this way. Subsequently, minting continued with the correct date. This unique coin was named the 'Single 9'. Today, its value is estimated at $4 million.
One Gold Dinar
The Gold Dinar of the Arab Caliphate is a medieval coin that served as the main monetary unit over a vast territory from the late 7th to the mid-13th centuries. The minting of these coins was carried out at the court in Damascus, starting from the 7th century.
These coins are important historical artifacts, reflecting the economic and political power of the Caliphate. Today, original ancient gold dinars are highly valued by collectors. The value of a single specimen can reach $6 million.
1792 Birch Cent
The 1792 'Birch Cent' holds enormous value for collectors, as it is one of the very first coins minted in Philadelphia. The obverse of the coin features a profile of Liberty, surrounded by the inscription: 'Liberty Parent of Science & Industry'.
Only about ten of these coins have survived to this day, making each specimen extremely rare. At an auction held in 2015, one of these coins was sold for $2.2 million.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
US $20 gold coins, known as Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, were minted from 1907 to 1933. In the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt decided to melt these coins back into gold, but some specimens managed to survive. Although nearly half a million of these coins were issued in 1933, only a few have survived to this day.
These coins are considered some of the most beautiful and rare. While their value in the 1930s was their face value of $20, today their price has increased significantly. According to expert estimates, a single specimen of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle can be worth up to $6.5 million.
Hidden Symbols in American Dollars
| Latin Phrase | Translation |
| Annuit Coeptis | God has favored our undertakings |
| Novus Ordo Seclorum | New order of the ages |
| E Pluribus Unum | Out of many, one |
Beyond their primary function, American dollars contain numerous hidden symbols that give rise to various theories. A close examination of the one-dollar bill reveals several interesting details.
In the upper right corner, within the ornamentation near one of the leaves, a tiny image can be discerned, which many believe to be an owl. The owl is one of the main symbols of Freemasonry, to which the founding fathers of the USA are thought to have belonged.
- 13 horizontal and 13 vertical stripes on the eagle's shield.
- 13 berries on the olive branch in the eagle's claw.
- 13 arrows in the other claw.
- 13 stars above the eagle's head.
- 13 steps on the pyramid.
Finally, on the left side of the banknote is the Federal Reserve seal with a letter and number. This is the code for one of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks authorized to produce banknotes. For example, the code A1 means the bill was issued in Boston, and L12 means in San Francisco.