Unveiling the 9 Most Expensive Gold Coins: Gold coins have long been symbols of wealth, power, and prestige. Throughout history, certain gold coins have achieved legendary status due to their rarity, historical significance, and astonishing values at auction. Some of these coins are so valuable that they have sold for millions of dollars, attracting collectors and investors from around the world. In this article, we unveil the nine most expensive gold coins ever sold and explore the reasons behind their astronomical prices.
Also Read: Top 11 Most Valuable Dimes Ever Minted
Table of Contents
- 1 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 2 1794 Flowing Hair Gold Eagle
- 3 1787 Brasher Doubloon
- 4 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
- 5 1343 Edward III Florin
- 6 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle
- 7 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 8 1787 New York-Style Brasher Doubloon
- 9 2007 Queen Elizabeth II Million Dollar Coin
- 10 Table – 9 Most Expensive Gold Coins
- 11 Conclusion
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the most valuable gold coin ever sold, fetching an incredible $18.87 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2021. This coin was never officially circulated due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order to halt gold coin production. Most of the 1933 Double Eagles were melted down, but a few escaped. Their rarity and legal battles over ownership have made this coin one of the most famous in the world.
1794 Flowing Hair Gold Eagle
Though no known sales of the 1794 Flowing Hair Gold Eagle have reached the auction block in recent years, experts estimate its value at around $10 million. This coin was among the first gold pieces struck by the U.S. Mint, making it an incredibly historic artifact. Only a handful exist, and their rarity and significance drive their immense value.
1787 Brasher Doubloon
Ephraim Brasher, a goldsmith and silversmith in New York, privately minted the 1787 Brasher Doubloon. This coin is one of the first gold coins struck in America, making it a treasured piece of numismatic history. One of these coins sold for $9.36 million in 2021, reflecting its historical importance and extreme rarity.
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1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever created. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin was struck in ultra-high relief, making it difficult to mass-produce. Only a few examples exist, and one sold for $4.75 million in a 2015 private transaction.
1343 Edward III Florin
This medieval gold coin from England is one of the rarest in existence. The Edward III Florin, also known as the “Double Leopard,” was minted in 1343 but saw limited circulation. Only three examples are known to exist, and one sold for $6.8 million, making it the most expensive medieval coin ever sold.
1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle
The 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle is one of the rarest U.S. gold coins. While over 17,000 were originally minted, only three are known to exist today. One of these coins sold for $8.4 million at auction in 2021, cementing its place as one of the most valuable gold coins in American history.
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the rarest coins from the Saint-Gaudens series. While thousands were originally minted, almost all were melted down as part of the Gold Recall Act of 1933. Only a few examples are known to exist today, with one selling for over $3 million at auction.
Also Read: The Top 8 Most Valuable Walking Liberty Half Dollars
1787 New York-Style Brasher Doubloon
Another variety of the famous Brasher Doubloon, the New York-style version, is slightly different from the more commonly recognized design. This gold coin features Brasher’s signature punch on the eagle’s wing, distinguishing it from other versions. It sold for $7.4 million in a private sale.
2007 Queen Elizabeth II Million Dollar Coin
Unlike the other coins on this list, which are historic rarities, the 2007 Queen Elizabeth II Million Dollar Coin was specifically created as a collectible. Weighing 100 kilograms of pure gold, this coin was initially valued at $1 million but later sold for $4 million at auction due to its sheer gold content and status as the largest gold coin ever produced.
Table – 9 Most Expensive Gold Coins
| Coin | Mint | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | U.S. Mint | $18.87 Million |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Gold Eagle | U.S. Mint | $10 Million+ |
| 1787 Brasher Doubloon | Private Mint | $9.36 Million |
| 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle | U.S. Mint | $4.75 Million |
| 1343 Edward III Florin | England (Medieval) | $6.8 Million |
| 1822 Capped Bust Half Eagle | U.S. Mint | $8.4 Million |
| 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | U.S. Mint | $3 Million+ |
| 1787 New York-Style Brasher Doubloon | Private Mint | $7.4 Million |
| 2007 Queen Elizabeth II Million Dollar Coin | Royal Canadian Mint | $4 Million |
Conclusion
The allure of gold coins continues to captivate collectors, historians, and investors alike. The astronomical values of these coins are driven by their rarity, historical importance, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a coin from ancient times or a modern masterpiece, gold coins remain among the most sought-after treasures in the numismatic world. If you ever come across an old gold coin, it may be worth more than its weight in gold.
