Ever thought the spare change lying around your house could buy you a mansion? Sounds wild, right? But in the world of coin collecting, that dream has become reality. Some old U.S. coins are so rare and sought-after that they’ve sold for millions.
Whether you’re casually curious or already hoarding coins in a shoebox, these 9 ultra-rare finds—worth a combined $18 million—might just change the way you look at your pocket change.
Legends
We’re starting strong with the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. This isn’t just a coin—it’s believed to be the very first silver dollar minted by the United States. With its historical weight and elegant design, one example sold for over $10 million. Holding one is like cradling a piece of the nation’s birth—only this piece could out-price a superyacht.
Mystery
Then comes the 1933 Double Eagle, shrouded in mystery. Though 445,000 were minted, nearly all were destroyed during the Great Depression. Just a few escaped. One of these rare survivors fetched $7.6 million. The coin’s story includes legal drama and court battles—it’s even technically illegal to own for most people. Pure numismatic intrigue.
Nickel
Yes, a nickel worth millions exists. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel holds that distinction. Only five were ever made, and one sold for $4.5 million. Imagine accidentally feeding this into a vending machine—an epic $4.5 million blunder.
Royalty
Meet the “King of Coins”—the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar. Oddly enough, it wasn’t minted in 1804 but in the 1830s for diplomatic gifts. Only 15 are known to exist, and one reached $4.1 million at auction. It’s the kind of coin that would turn even royalty green with envy.
Rarity
Gold coin enthusiasts, take note—the 1822 Half Eagle is one of the rarest out there. Just three examples are known, and one sold for $1.5 million. This coin isn’t flashy—it’s legendary. If rarity had a poster child, this would be it.
Western
Next, we head west to the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar. Minted in San Francisco, it’s dripping with frontier charm. Only a handful were produced, and one brought in $1.3 million. It feels like it was plucked from an old miner’s forgotten satchel.
Art
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle isn’t just currency—it’s sculpture. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin is one of the most visually stunning in existence. Only a few were struck, and one sold for $2.9 million. This is art you don’t hang on a wall—you vault it.
Dime
Small but mighty, the 1894-S Barber Dime proves you shouldn’t overlook the little guys. Just 24 were minted, and only 9 are known today. One of these tiny treasures sold for $1.9 million. Next time you see a dime, maybe pause for a second look.
Colonial
To wrap it up, we travel back before America even had a mint. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon, created by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, is a true colonial relic. Deeply historic and highly coveted, one sold for $7.4 million. This isn’t just a coin—it’s a golden slice of American origins.
Value Breakdown
Here’s a quick recap of what these treasures have sold for:
Coin Name | Sale Price |
---|---|
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | $10 million |
1933 Double Eagle | $7.6 million |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $4.5 million |
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar | $4.1 million |
1822 Half Eagle | $1.5 million |
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar | $1.3 million |
1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle | $2.9 million |
1894-S Barber Dime | $1.9 million |
1787 Brasher Doubloon | $7.4 million |
All together, that’s over $41 million in value—far more than the $18 million headline figure, thanks to auction inflation and growing demand.
So whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone checking the change on your dresser, remember this: even the tiniest coins can carry monumental stories—and maybe even a massive payday. Keep your eyes open. Your next fortune might just be hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
What’s the rarest U.S. coin?
The 1933 Double Eagle is among the rarest and most valuable.
Can I legally own a 1933 Double Eagle?
Most are illegal to own, except one privately owned example.
How many 1913 Liberty Nickels exist?
Only five are known to exist worldwide.
What coin sold for $10 million?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar holds that record.
Is coin collecting profitable?
Yes, rare coins can be worth millions to collectors.