The world of numismatics has witnessed astonishing sales, with rare U.S. coins fetching millions at auctions. These coins are not only valuable for their precious metals but also for their historical significance and rarity.
Below is a curated list of the 11 most expensive U.S. coins ever sold at auction, highlighting their unique features and the record-breaking prices they achieved.
1. 1933 Double Eagle
Sale Price: $18,900,000
Year Sold: 2021
The 1933 Double Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is renowned for its tumultuous history. Although minted, it was never officially circulated due to the U.S. abandoning the gold standard.
Most coins were melted down, but a few survived, making them exceedingly rare. In June 2021, one of these coins shattered records by selling for $18.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Sale Price: $12,000,000
Year Sold: 2013
Believed to be among the first silver dollars minted by the U.S., the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds immense historical significance.
Its design features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. In a private sale in 2013, this coin fetched $12 million, underscoring its rarity and importance.
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing)
Sale Price: $9,360,000
Year Sold: 2021
Crafted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, the 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a cornerstone of American numismatics. Distinguished by the “EB” hallmark on the eagle’s wing, this coin exemplifies early American coinage. In January 2021, it achieved a sale price of $9.36 million at a Heritage Auctions event.
4. 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle
Sale Price: $8,400,000
Year Sold: 2021
The 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only three known specimens. This $5 gold piece, featuring a left-facing Lady Liberty, was sold for $8.4 million in March 2021, highlighting its scarcity and desirability among collectors.
5. 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
Sale Price: $7,680,000
Year Sold: 2021
Dubbed the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar was actually struck in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts. Its rarity and mystique have made it highly sought after. In August 2021, a Class I specimen realized $7.68 million at auction.
6. 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle
Sale Price: $7,200,000
Year Sold: 2021
The 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle features a unique design by Anthony Paquet, characterized by modified lettering. Due to production issues, only a few were minted. One of these rare coins sold for $7.2 million in August 2021.
7. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast)
Sale Price: $7,395,000
Year Sold: 2011
Another variant of the Brasher Doubloon, this coin bears the “EB” hallmark on the eagle’s breast. Its rarity and connection to early American coinage contributed to its $7.395 million sale in a private transaction in December 2011.
8. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (Specimen-66)
Sale Price: $6,600,000
Year Sold: 2021
Another example of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, graded Specimen-66, achieved a remarkable $6.6 million at auction in August 2021, reflecting its pristine condition and historical importance.
9. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief)
Sale Price: $4,750,000
Year Sold: 2015
Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the 1907 Double Eagle in Ultra High Relief is celebrated for its artistic beauty. Due to minting challenges, only a few were produced. One such coin was sold for $4.75 million in 2015.
10. 1804 Draped Bust Quarter
Sale Price: $4,165,000
Year Sold: 2021
The 1804 Draped Bust Quarter is an exceptionally rare coin, with only a few known to exist. Its rarity and historical significance led to a sale price of $4,165,000 at auction in 2021.
This quarter represents one of the earliest coinage efforts of the U.S. Mint and is highly coveted by serious collectors for its rarity and historical importance.
11. 1796 Draped Bust Dime (Small Eagle Reverse)
Sale Price: $3,290,000
Year Sold: 2019
The 1796 Draped Bust Dime was the first dime ever minted in the United States, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a small eagle on the reverse. Only a small number of these coins exist in high-grade conditions, making them highly sought after.
In 2019, an exceptionally well-preserved piece sold for $3.29 million at auction, showcasing the coin’s enduring appeal to collectors.
Summary of the 11 Most Expensive U.S. Coins
| Rank | Coin Name | Year | Sale Price | Year Sold | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1933 Double Eagle | 1933 | $18,900,000 | 2021 | Most valuable U.S. coin ever sold |
| 2 | 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $12,000,000 | 2013 | First U.S. silver dollar |
| 3 | 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) | 1787 | $9,360,000 | 2021 | Early American gold coin |
| 4 | 1822 Capped Head Left Half Eagle | 1822 | $8,400,000 | 2021 | Only three known specimens |
| 5 | 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I) | 1804 | $7,680,000 | 2021 | Known as the “King of American Coins” |
| 6 | 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle | 1861 | $7,200,000 | 2021 | Rare design variation |
| 7 | 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast) | 1787 | $7,395,000 | 2011 | Important early gold coin |
| 8 | 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (SP-66) | 1794 | $6,600,000 | 2021 | Exceptional grade and rarity |
| 9 | 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief) | 1907 | $4,750,000 | 2015 | Known for its artistic beauty |
| 10 | 1804 Draped Bust Quarter | 1804 | $4,165,000 | 2021 | Extremely rare early quarter |
| 11 | 1796 Draped Bust Dime (Small Eagle Reverse) | 1796 | $3,290,000 | 2019 | First U.S. dime |
The 11 most expensive U.S. coins represent more than just currency; they are pieces of history, artistry, and rarity that captivate collectors worldwide. From the $18.9 million 1933 Double Eagle to the 1796 Draped Bust Dime worth over $3 million, these coins highlight the profound value that numismatics can hold.
