Some U.S. coins have achieved legendary status in the world of numismatics, not just for their rarity, but also for their fascinating history and immense value. Here are the top 2 rare U.S. coins that made history and are worth a fortune:
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US2000-1933-Saint-Gaudens-20-Dollar-Gold-lg-56a1787a3df78cf7726afa6b.jpg)
- Historical Significance: The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history. It was originally designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and was minted from 1907 to 1933. However, due to the U.S. abandoning the gold standard and ordering the recall of gold coins, the 1933 version was never officially released into circulation. Most of these coins were melted down, but a small number were illegally taken and hidden away.
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is notable for being a mintage error and for its historical significance related to the gold recall. Its rarity and the story behind it add to its allure.
- Value: The value of this coin is extraordinary. A single 1933 Double Eagle coin fetched $18.9 million at auction in 2021, setting a world record for the most expensive coin ever sold. Other examples of this coin have sold for several million dollars each, depending on their provenance and condition.
- How to Identify It: The coin features Lady Liberty holding a torch on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The date “1933” and the “In God We Trust” motto are clearly visible on the obverse.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/US0005-Walton-1913-Liberty-Head-Nickel-PR63-lg-58a4754f5f9b58819c8b23a4.jpg)
Also See: Do you have a spare dime? It could be worth more than $1 million. Here’s what to know
- Historical Significance: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and mysterious coins in U.S. history. This coin was never officially authorized by the U.S. Mint, and the design was replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. Only five of these coins were ever made, and their existence was a closely guarded secret for many years. The coins were allegedly struck illegally, and their origin remains a topic of intrigue among collectors.
- Why It’s Valuable: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is valued for both its rarity and its controversial history. It is an iconic error coin, and its very existence challenges what is known about coin production in the U.S. Mint. The coin is considered one of the greatest rarities in American coinage.
- Value: In 2003, one of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels was sold for $3.7 million, setting a record for any nickel at the time. Today, the value of these coins is still in the millions, with auction prices ranging from $2 million to $4.5 million depending on the coin’s condition and provenance.
- How to Identify It: The Liberty Head design shows a profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, with the word “Liberty” and the year “1913” prominently displayed. The reverse features a traditional eagle design, with “E Pluribus Unum” and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” around it.
| Coin | Historical Significance | Value | Key Identifiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle | Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, never released into circulation due to the gold recall. | $18.9 million (2021 auction record) | Features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Struck illegally, never authorized by the U.S. Mint, with only five known examples. | $2 million to $4.5 million | Profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, with “1913” and “Liberty” on the front, and an eagle reverse. |
Why These Coins are Worth a Fortune:
Both of these coins hold historical significance beyond just their rarity. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle reflects the shift in U.S. monetary policy during the Great Depression, while the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel embodies a story of minting secrecy and intrigue.
They are considered holy grails for collectors due to their extreme rarity, their cultural significance, and the aura of mystery surrounding their creation.