Finding a rare coins that could make you a millionaire is the stuff of dreams. Some of the world’s most expensive and rare coins have a great story behind that rarity. Not all rare coins are super expensive, so coin collecting can be an affordable hobby, and you may just make some money along the way. A lot of fake coins are being peddled by fraudsters, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying before you buy it.
List of 8 Rare Coins That Could Make You a Millionaire
- The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
- Edward III Florin (1343)
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- The Umayyad Gold Dinar (723)
- The 1849 Double Eagle
- 1804 Silver Dollar (“King of American Coins”)
1. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint Gaudend Double Eagle is at the top of the rankings of the most rare coins that could make a millionaire. It boasts a jaw-dropping auction record of $18.9 million, with only one legally owned in private hands because of its controversial history with government recalls and melting of nearly all minted coins. This coin is a true numismatic legend. This coin’s front side features a profile of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, and the reverse depicts an American eagle.
2. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is the first official silver dollar coin minted by the United States federal government. It was minted from 1794–1795 and designed by Robert Scot. This coin, based on the popular Spanish dollar, with a very small mintage of only 1,758 coins. This 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is an extremely rare and expensive coin. It has the portrait of Liberty on the obverse side and an eagle with spread wings on the reverse side of the coin.
This coin was recently sold for $12 million at auction. Its historic importance and extremely limited numbers make this coin a rarity, a major numismatist for collectors seeking foundational pieces of American history.
Gem 1882 Liberty Head Double Eagle Proof at GreatCollections
3. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The Brasher Doubloon is a rare American doubloon privately minted in and after 1787 by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher. Before the U.S. Mint existed, the Brasher Doubloon represented early American enterprise and rarity. The reverse side of the coin has a version of the Great Seal of the United States, but the eagle shown has a feather on its head. Brasher Doubloon was already quite highly regarded for his skills, and his Hallmark Record sales have reached up to $9.36 million.
4. Edward III Florin (1343)
This medieval British coin, Edward III Florin, known as the “Double Leopard,” was authorised on 27 January 1344. It gives collectors a glimpse into European monarchical history. The obverse side of the coin has the king enthroned under a canopy, with two leopards’ heads at the sides, and the reverse side of the coin has the royal cross, a leopard in each spandrel.
There are only three known to exist, and they are worth more than $6.8 million. It is coveted by people who are interested in financial history and aristocratic heritage. A list included the coin as one of the most expensive coins in the world 2013.
5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel, a rare coin is an American five-cent piece, was introduced in very limited quantities and it is unauthorized by the United States Mint. This makes it one of the best-known and rare in American numismatics with its fame depending on the story behind its making and the mystery of its limited issue.
One specimen of the five cent coin became in 1972 the first coin to sell for over US$100,000 and another specimen in 1996 became the first to sell for over US$1 million. In 2004 a specimen of 1913 Liberty Head Nickle coin was sold for US$3 million in private sale. And this coin resold for US$3.7 million in 2010 at a public auction.
Only five examples of 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known to exist, two in private collections and three in museums.
6. The Umayyad Gold Dinar (723)
The Umayyad gold dinar first came in 696–697 CE by Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. The weight of the Gold dinar is 4.25 grams or 0.137 troy ounces. This Umayyad gold coin showcases the cultural and religious history of early Islam and its Offering provenance and rarity, specimens have brought millions, making them highly demanded by world coin collectors. It has a historically important and very rare coin with a specific gold mine in the region.
Today, a small number of these coins are known to exist because of its rarity and historical importance. So these coins are highly valued and have been sold at public auctions.
7. The 1849 Double Eagle
The 1849 double eagle is a gold coin of the United States made from a 90% gold and 10% copper alloy. This coin has a total weight of 1.0750 troy ounces. The double eagle was made by the Coinage Act of 1849. The mint produced two pieces in proof. It is also one of the rarest and most valuable coins, the 1849 Double Eagle has a legendary status, with an estimated value approaching $20 million, though rarely available for public sale. Its exquisite design and historical significance continue to inspire awe among collectors.
8. 1804 Silver Dollar (“King of American Coins”)
The 1804 Silver Dollar, famously known as the “King of American Coins,” is among the rarest and most romantic U.S. collectibles, valued between $3–$4 million. None were struck in 1804, despite being dated that year; instead, they were all issued for diplomatic presents in the 1830s or later. There are only 16 specimens known.
Created for special proof sets during Edmund Roberts’ missions to Siam and Muscat (1834–1835), additional sets intended for Japan and Cochin China went undelivered due to Roberts’ death. Some coins were also struck to trade with collectors for the Mint’s cabinet.
Numismatists learned of the 1804 dollar in 1842, and one was acquired from the Mint in 1843. Due to collector demand, Mint officials later secretly produced more coins. These are classified into:
- Class I – Original diplomatic coins
- Class II – Restrikes without edge lettering
- Class III – Later restrikes with proper edge lettering
All are collectively revered under the legendary title: 1804 Silver Dollar.
Conclusion
The rarity, design, and history of these rare coins—from the fabled 1804 Silver Dollar to the famous 1933 Double Eagle—provide fascinating histories. Every coin has a unique place in history and in collectors’ hearts, no matter whether it was issued for diplomatic purposes, early American business ventures, or royal orders.
Coin collecting may start as a pastime, but making one of these unique finds has a chance to turn you into a multimillionaire. There are a lot of fakes out there, so always be aware and know what you’re buying. However, one rare coins can make all the difference for someone with a good eye and just a bit of luck.