The 11 Most Valuable U.S. Dollar Coins: For collectors and numismatists alike, dollar coins represent not just money, but a tangible piece of history. U.S. dollar coins have a storied past and in some cases, they hold incredible value today. Let’s take a closer look at the 11 most valuable U.S. dollar coins and why they command such high prices.
| Coin | Mint | Value Range | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $10M+ | First U.S. silver dollar; record sale over $10M |
| 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $4M+ | Known as the “King of American Coins”; only 15 examples exist |
| 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar | New Orleans | $500K – $1M | Rare “O” mint mark; only a few dozen minted |
| 1795 Draped Bust Dollar (Off Center) | Philadelphia | $50K – $500K | Valuable due to minting error; rare off-center strike |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar | San Francisco | $1M+ | Only one known specimen; found in San Francisco Mint cornerstone |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | San Francisco | $500K+ | Lowest mintage in Morgan series; highly prized by collectors |
| 1884 & 1885 Trade Dollars | Philadelphia | $1M+ (each) | Never released for circulation; only 10 (1884) & 5 (1885) exist |
| 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (UHR) | Philadelphia | Up to $3M | Ultra High Relief design; considered the most beautiful U.S. coin |
| 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | Philadelphia | $4M+ | Only 5 known; shrouded in mystery; one sold for over $4M |
| 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | Denver | $1M – $2M | Most melted during the Great Depression; few survived |
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | Philadelphia | $7M+ | Never legally circulated; one sold for over $7M |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is legendary among coin collectors. It’s believed to be one of the first silver dollars ever minted by the U.S. Mint. The coin features Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. In pristine condition, a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar can be worth several million dollars, with one specimen selling for over $10 million at auction.
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1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar Often referred to as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is highly sought after. Despite being dated 1804, these coins were actually minted in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts. There are only 15 known examples, making it extremely rare. A Class I specimen was sold for over $4 million in 1999.
1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar The 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar is a unique coin due to its New Orleans mint mark. Only a few dozen of these coins were ever produced, making it a rare find. This coin is valued at around $500,000 to $1 million, depending on its condition.
1795 Draped Bust Dollar (Off Center) The 1795 Draped Bust Dollar has several varieties, but the off-center strike is particularly valuable. This minting error adds to its rarity, with values ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 based on condition and the degree of the off-center strike.
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is another coin shrouded in mystery. Only one specimen is known to exist, making it a numismatic treasure. It was discovered in the cornerstone of the San Francisco Mint, and its value is estimated at over $1 million.
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. With a mintage of only 100,000 coins, it’s the lowest production run of the Morgan series. Collectors highly prize this coin, and it can fetch prices of $500,000 or more in top condition.
1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars Trade Dollars were originally minted for trade in Asia, but the 1884 and 1885 issues were never officially released for circulation. Only 10 of the 1884 Trade Dollars and 5 of the 1885 Trade Dollars are known to exist. These coins are valued at over $1 million each.
1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (Ultra High Relief) The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted. The ultra high relief version is particularly prized for its detailed design. Only a handful were minted, and these coins can be worth up to $3 million.
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is another coin steeped in legend. Only five specimens are known, and they were minted under mysterious circumstances. Each of these coins is worth several million dollars, with one selling for over $4 million in 2018.
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is rare due to its low mintage of 180,000 coins. Most of these coins were melted down during the Great Depression, making surviving specimens extremely valuable. Prices range from $1 million to $2 million depending on condition.
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1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a legendary coin in the numismatic world. None were legally released for circulation due to the Gold Recall Act. However, a few specimens were obtained illegally, with one selling for over $7 million in 2002.
Conclusion The world of coin collecting is filled with hidden treasures and incredible stories. The most valuable U.S. dollar coins are more than just currency; they are pieces of history, artifacts of artistic craftsmanship, and coveted items for collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a curious newcomer, these coins represent the pinnacle of American coinage and the passion of those who seek them out.
