Coin collecting is full of surprises and treasures, some of which are worth a small fortune. Among these, the Bicentennial Quarter stands out for its historical significance and staggering value. In this article, we’ll look into the Bicentennial Quarter and seven other rare coins, each valued at over $10 million USD, cutting into their history, rarity, and the reasons behind their extraordinary worth.
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Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter, released in 1976 to commemorate 200 years of American independence, usually holds a value close to its face value. However, a rare variant of this quarter, struck in 40% silver and featuring a special design with a drummer boy on the reverse, can be worth nearly $1 million. This value is due to its limited mintage, historical significance, and the pristine condition required for high valuation.
Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar 1794/5
Estimated at over $10 million, the Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar from 1794/5 is a piece of history. As the first dollar coin issued by the United States federal government, its value lies in its historical significance and extreme rarity. Only a few specimens are known to exist in good condition, making it a coveted item among collectors.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, 1933
This $20 gold coin, designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is one of the most valuable coins in the world, with a value exceeding $10 million. The coin’s rarity stems from the fact that most of the 1933 series were melted down and never released into circulation, making any surviving examples incredibly rare and valuable.
Brasher Doubloon, 1787
The Brasher Doubloon, minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, is a gold coin that can fetch over $10 million at auction. Its rarity is due to its historical significance as one of the earliest gold coins minted in the newly independent United States, along with its unique design and craftsmanship.
Edward III Florin, 1343
This medieval coin, worth well over $10 million, is a rare example of English coinage from the reign of Edward III. Known as a “double leopard,” the coin’s value lies in its extreme rarity – only three examples are known to exist – and its importance in the history of English coinage.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
With only five known examples, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world, valued at over $10 million. Its rarity is due to its mysterious origins – it was never officially released for circulation – and its iconic status among coin collectors.
1894-S Barber Dime
One of the most famous rarities in American coinage, the 1894-S Barber Dime can command a price of over $10 million. With only nine known examples, its rarity is attributed to its extremely limited mintage and the mystery surrounding why so few were made.
1804 Silver Dollar
Known as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world, with a value exceeding $10 million. Its rarity is due to its limited mintage – only 15 are known to exist – and its fascinating history, which includes being presented as gifts to foreign dignitaries.
| Coin | Value | Mintage | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | Nearly $1M | Limited | Special design, historical significance |
| Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar | Over $10M | Few | First US dollar coin, historical significance |
| Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | Over $10M | Few | Rare, most melted down |
| Brasher Doubloon | Over $10M | Few | Early US gold coin, unique design |
| Edward III Florin | Well over $10M | Three | Medieval English coin, extreme rarity |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Over $10M | Five | Never officially released, mysterious origins |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | Over $10M | Nine | Extremely limited mintage, mysterious origins |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | Over $10M | Fifteen | Rare, presented to foreign dignitaries |
FAQs
Why is the Bicentennial Quarter so valuable?
The Bicentennial Quarter’s rare variant is valuable due to its 40% silver content, special design, and limited mintage.
What makes the Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar rare?
Its historical significance as the first US dollar coin and its extreme rarity, with few known specimens in good condition, make it valuable.
Why is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle rare?
Most of the 1933 series were melted down and never circulated, making any surviving examples incredibly rare and valuable.
What is special about the Brasher Doubloon?
The Brasher Doubloon is one of the earliest US gold coins, minted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, with unique design and historical significance.
Why is the Edward III Florin so valuable?
Only three examples of this medieval English coin are known to exist, making it extremely rare and historically significant.
