Unveiling the 11 Most Expensive One Dollar Coins: The world of coin collecting is full of surprises, and some one-dollar coins have proven to be worth a fortune. Whether due to their historical significance, limited mintage, or minting errors, these coins have fetched astonishing prices at auctions. In this article, we’ll unveil the 11 most expensive one-dollar coins, providing insight into their value and collectability.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- 0.2 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
- 0.3 1885 Trade Dollar
- 0.4 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Off-Center Bust)
- 0.5 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
- 0.6 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar
- 0.7 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar
- 0.8 1851 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar
- 0.9 1921 Peace Silver Dollar (High Relief Proof)
- 0.10 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar (Proof Only Issue)
- 0.11 1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Small Eagle Variety)
- 1 Table – Most Expensive One Dollar Coins
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Considered the first silver dollar ever minted by the U.S. Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is a legendary coin. With an estimated mintage of only 1,758 coins, it is extremely rare. In 2013, an exceptional specimen of this coin sold for $10 million, making it the most valuable silver dollar ever sold at auction.
Also Read: The Top 9 Most Valuable Quarters in Circulation
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is often called the “King of American Coins.” Although dated 1804, these coins were actually minted in the 1830s as diplomatic gifts. Only 15 known examples exist, divided into three classes. In 1999, a Class I specimen sold for $4.14 million, and subsequent sales have reached even higher prices.
1885 Trade Dollar
The 1885 Trade Dollar is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only five known specimens. Originally intended for international trade, the series was discontinued, making this particular year a numismatic mystery. In 2019, one of these coins was auctioned for $3.96 million.
1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Off-Center Bust)
The 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar was an important step in U.S. coinage, and one variety—the Off-Center Bust—is especially rare. With only a handful of known examples, this coin has reached prices of over $1 million at auction, reflecting its scarcity and historical significance.
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
One of the most sought-after Morgan dollars, the 1893-S has the lowest mintage of the entire series—only 100,000 coins. In pristine condition, this coin can easily command over $1 million, with a record price of $2 million for a top-graded specimen.
1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar
With only around 9 to 15 known examples, the 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. It was believed to be minted in San Francisco under mysterious circumstances. One example sold for $1.25 million in 2008, making it a true rarity in American numismatics.
1901 Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar is valuable due to its low mintage and the fact that most surviving examples are in poor condition. High-grade specimens can fetch upwards of $600,000, with some reaching $900,000 at auction.
1851 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar
The 1851 Seated Liberty Dollar had a small mintage of just 1,300 coins, making it one of the rarest issues of the series. In excellent condition, this coin has reached over $600,000 at auction.
Also Read: The 11 Most Valuable Liberty Head V Nickels
1921 Peace Silver Dollar (High Relief Proof)
The 1921 Peace Dollar was struck in high relief, but very few proof examples were made. These rare proof specimens have fetched up to $500,000 due to their scarcity and historical significance.
1895 Morgan Silver Dollar (Proof Only Issue)
The 1895 Morgan Dollar is famous for its lack of a business strike issue. Only 880 proof coins were minted, and they are highly coveted by collectors. Prices for these coins in top condition can exceed $400,000.
1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Small Eagle Variety)
The 1798 Draped Bust Dollar exists in several varieties, but the Small Eagle reverse is among the rarest. High-grade examples have been sold for over $350,000, making it a highly desirable piece of early U.S. coinage.
Table – Most Expensive One Dollar Coins
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $10 million | First U.S. silver dollar; extremely rare. |
| 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $4.14 million+ | “King of American Coins”; minted in the 1830s as gifts. |
| 1885 Trade Dollar | Philadelphia | $3.96 million | Only five known; mysterious issue. |
| 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Off-Center Bust) | Philadelphia | $1 million+ | Rare Off-Center Bust variety. |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | San Francisco | $2 million | Lowest mintage of all Morgan dollars (100,000). |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar | San Francisco | $1.25 million | Only 9-15 known; minted under mysterious circumstances. |
| 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $600,000-$900,000 | Low mintage; rare in high grades. |
| 1851 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | $600,000+ | Only 1,300 minted; one of the rarest of the series. |
| 1921 Peace Silver Dollar (High Relief Proof) | Philadelphia | $500,000+ | Rare high-relief proof strike. |
| 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar (Proof Only Issue) | Philadelphia | $400,000+ | Only 880 proofs; no business strikes issued. |
| 1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Small Eagle Variety) | Philadelphia | $350,000+ | Rare small eagle reverse variety. |
Collecting one-dollar coins can be both a rewarding hobby and a valuable investment. The coins listed above represent some of the rarest and most expensive pieces in American numismatics. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, keeping an eye out for these treasures could lead to an exciting discovery.
FAQs About Expensive One Dollar Coins
1. Why are some one-dollar coins worth millions? Rare one-dollar coins become valuable due to low mintage, historical significance, unique varieties, or minting errors. Collectors and investors drive up their prices in the numismatic market.
2. How can I tell if I have a valuable one-dollar coin? Examine the date, mint mark, condition, and any possible errors. Consulting a professional coin grader or price guide can help determine its value.
3. Where can I sell rare one-dollar coins? Auction houses, coin dealers, and online marketplaces like Heritage Auctions or eBay are great options for selling valuable one-dollar coins.
4. Are there valuable modern one-dollar coins? While older coins tend to be more valuable, certain modern dollar coins—such as mint error varieties—can also be worth significant amounts.
5. Should I clean my rare coins before selling them? No, cleaning a coin can reduce its value. It’s best to leave it in its original state and consult a professional before making any changes.
