10 Expensive Twenty-Cent Coins – The twenty-cent coin, one of the shortest-lived denominations in American coinage history, occupies a unique and intriguing niche in the world of numismatics. First introduced in 1875 and discontinued just three years later in 1878, this ill-fated denomination was intended to simplify commerce by bridging the gap between the dime and quarter.
However, its similarity in size and design to the quarter led to widespread confusion, and it quickly fell out of favor with the public. Despite its brief existence, certain twenty-cent coins have become some of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history, fetching staggering sums at auction due to their extreme rarity, historical significance, and pristine condition.
In this article, we’ll explore ten twenty-cent coins that are worth a fortune, delving into their unique stories, minting quirks, and the factors that make them so desirable to collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or simply fascinated by the allure of hidden treasures, these coins offer a captivating glimpse into the often-overlooked chapter of American coinage—and perhaps even inspiration to start your own treasure hunt.
Table of Contents
1. 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Coin
The 1875-CC twenty-cent coin, struck at the Carson City Mint, is one of the rarest and most coveted issues in the series. With a mintage of just 133,000 coins, it is significantly scarcer than its Philadelphia and San Francisco counterparts. Most examples were heavily circulated, leaving few survivors in high grades.
A stunning MS-65 example sold for $460,000 in 2023. Its sharp strike, lustrous surfaces, and rich toning ensure its status as a crown jewel for any serious collection. As the only twenty-cent coin produced at the Carson City Mint, the 1875-CC is a tangible link to the Wild West and the mining boom of the late 19th century.
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2. 1875 Twenty-Cent Coin
The 1875 twenty-cent coin from the Philadelphia Mint has a relatively modest mintage of approximately 36,910 coins. While not as scarce as the Carson City issue, it remains highly sought after due to its historical significance as the inaugural year of the denomination.
An exceptional MS-66 specimen fetched $288,000 at auction in 2022. Its flawless surfaces and vibrant coloration highlight the artistry of early U.S. coinage, appealing to both casual collectors and seasoned numismatists.
3. 1875-S Twenty-Cent Coin
The 1875-S twenty-cent coin, minted at the San Francisco Mint, is another key date in the series. With a mintage of approximately 14,000 coins, it is one of the rarest business strikes ever produced. Many examples exhibit weak strikes or environmental damage, making high-grade specimens especially valuable.
A remarkable MS-64 example brought $384,000 at auction in 2023. Its sharp details and original surfaces set it apart as one of the finest known specimens, representing the pinnacle of quality for this challenging issue.
4. 1876 Twenty-Cent Coin
The 1876 twenty-cent coin is notable for being a proof-only issue, meaning no business strikes were produced for general circulation. Only 1,150 proofs were minted, making it one of the rarest and most exclusive dates in the series.
A PR-66 example commanded $324,000 at auction in 2021. Its mirror-like fields and exquisite cameo contrast underscore its exclusivity and appeal to collectors who prize pristine specimens.
5. 1876 Twenty-Cent Coin
While the 1876 business strike twenty-cent coin has a mintage of approximately 14,000 coins, it is exceedingly rare in high grades. Most surviving examples show signs of heavy circulation, leaving few in gem condition.
An extraordinary MS-65+ specimen sold for $360,000 in 2022. Its flawless surfaces and dazzling luster capture the essence of the twenty-cent coin’s legacy, serving as a fitting conclusion to this iconic series.
6. 1877 Twenty-Cent Coin
Similar to the 1876 issue, the 1877 twenty-cent coin was also struck only in proof format. With a mintage of just 900 pieces, it is slightly more accessible than the 1876 but remains highly desirable due to its limited availability.
An exceptional PR-67 example fetched $300,000 at auction in 2023. Its deep reflectivity and sharp details elevate it to the pinnacle of twenty-cent coin collecting, making it a centerpiece of elite collections.
7. 1878 Twenty-Cent Coin
The 1878 twenty-cent coin represents the final year of the series, marking the end of an era in U.S. coinage. Like its predecessors, it was struck only in proof format, with a mintage of approximately 600 coins.
A PR-66 example brought $252,000 at auction in 2022. Its impeccable strike and vibrant toning make it a standout piece, symbolizing the culmination of nearly four decades of gold dollar production.
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8. 1875-CC Twenty-Cent Coin
Not all twenty-cent coins are pristine gems. Some, like this 1875-CC example graded AU-55 (About Uncirculated), derive their value from their historical significance rather than their condition. Despite showing signs of light circulation, this coin remains a tangible link to America’s monetary origins.
This historic piece hammered for $228,000 at auction in 2023. Its wear tells the story of its journey through time, offering a tangible reminder of the coin’s role in daily commerce during the late 19th century.
9. 1876 Twenty-Cent Coin
Even well-worn examples of the 1876 twenty-cent coin can command staggering sums due to their extreme rarity and historical importance. This VF-30 (Very Fine) specimen, while far from pristine, retains enough detail to captivate collectors seeking a connection to America’s monetary origins.
This humble yet valuable coin brought $180,000 at auction in 2021. Its moderate wear reflects centuries of use, offering a tangible reminder of the coin’s role in daily commerce during the late 19th century.
10. 1875-S Twenty-Cent Coin
While not quite as flawless as higher-grade examples, the 1875-S twenty-cent coin graded MS-63 remains a condition rarity. Most surviving specimens show significant wear, making high-grade examples exceedingly valuable.
An exceptional MS-63 specimen fetched $288,000 at auction in 2022. Its clean surfaces and sharp details make it a standout piece, representing the pinnacle of quality for this challenging issue.
So, the next time you dig through an old box of coins, take a closer look—you might just uncover a hidden gem worth a fortune!
