15 Overlooked Coins That Are Worth Big Money
Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby that brings together history, artistry, and value. While many collectors focus on the most famous coins, numerous lesser-known gems are just as valuable. These hidden treasures often come with intriguing stories and rare minting errors that make them stand out in the numismatic world. Some of these coins can be worth millions, despite being overshadowed by more well-known pieces. Whether it’s a minting mistake or a limited release, these coins offer a unique opportunity for collectors. If you’re looking to expand your collection, discovering these lesser-known coins can be incredibly rewarding.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a rare coin with only five known specimens in existence. This coin was minted secretly and not part of the official production. It was created as a test strike but was not released for public circulation, which adds to its mystery and rarity.
Due to its rarity, the value of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has skyrocketed in the coin market. In 2018, one of the coins sold for nearly $4.5 million at auction. The rarity and fascinating history of the coin make it a highly sought-after item for collectors.
Market Value: Around $4.5 million.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the United States. It was initially minted but never released into circulation due to the gold recall during the Great Depression. Most of these coins were melted down, but a few survived, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Due to its history and limited number, this coin fetches significant prices in the market. A 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold for over $7.5 million at auction in 2002, setting a world record for the most expensive coin ever sold at that time.
Market Value: Around $7.5 million.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is another rare coin in the U.S. minting history. During World War II, copper was needed for ammunition, and pennies were minted from steel. However, a small number of copper planchets were mistakenly used in the production, making them extremely rare.
With only a few surviving specimens, the 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most valuable coins for collectors today. Some of these coins have sold for more than $1 million, with auctions often featuring them for their historic significance.
Market Value: Around $1.7 million.
1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is one of the most coveted coins among collectors due to its low mintage. Produced in Denver, this coin was struck in limited quantities, making it particularly rare. The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is often sought after for its unique historical significance and the sharpness of its detail.
While it is not as valuable as some other rarer coins, the 1914-D Lincoln Cent still commands a respectable market price. Coins in mint condition can fetch up to $100,000 at auction, depending on their grading.
Market Value: Around $100,000.
1804 Draped Bust Dollar
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is known for its rarity and historical intrigue. It was never actually struck in 1804, but rather in 1834 as part of a special set made for presentation to foreign dignitaries. These coins are highly sought after for their rarity and the intrigue surrounding their creation.
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar has become one of the most iconic coins in American history. In 1999, one of these coins sold for nearly $4.1 million at auction, further solidifying its place in coin collecting circles.
Market Value: Around $4.1 million.
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. Only a few were minted in San Francisco, and there are fewer than 10 known specimens. These coins were produced in very limited numbers due to an error during production, which makes them extremely valuable.
The rarity and the historical significance of the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar make it highly desirable to collectors. In recent auctions, one example sold for more than $1.5 million, making it one of the highest-priced coins in this series.
Market Value: Around $1.5 million.
1907 High Relief Double Eagle
The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle is one of the most famous U.S. gold coins. It was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and features a striking design with intricate details. Due to its high-relief strike, the coin was difficult to produce and was discontinued after only a brief time in circulation.
The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle is prized by collectors for its beautiful design and historical significance. A coin in high-grade condition can be valued at over $2 million, depending on the market.
Market Value: Around $2 million.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is considered one of the first coins struck by the U.S. Mint. It features a design by Robert Scot and is extremely rare due to its limited mintage. The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar has become an iconic symbol in American numismatics.
A well-preserved 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar sold for a record $10 million in 2013, cementing its place as one of the most valuable coins in U.S. history. Collectors continue to seek out this coin for its rarity and historical importance.
Market Value: Around $10 million.
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is another rare coin from the Saint-Gaudens series. Minted in Denver, the coin is known for its low mintage and high demand among collectors. This coin is highly sought after due to its beautiful design and the limited number of coins available.
Depending on its condition and grade, the value of the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle can reach over $500,000 in today’s market. Collectors view it as an essential piece for completing a high-quality coin collection.
Market Value: Around $500,000.
1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most famous coins in the Morgan Dollar series. Minted in Carson City, Nevada, it is known for its rarity due to a low mintage and many coins being melted down. This coin is considered a prize among collectors due to its historical importance and limited availability.
An 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar in good condition can fetch prices in the range of $100,000 to $200,000 at auction, depending on its grade. It is a key date for any serious Morgan Dollar collector.
Market Value: Around $100,000 to $200,000.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a rare and sought-after coin that was only produced for a short time. The coin features a design by Hermon A. MacNeil and is known for the striking image of Lady Liberty standing on the obverse. It was discontinued after only a few years of production due to a redesign.
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter’s rarity, combined with its beautiful design, makes it a high-value coin in the collecting community. A coin in excellent condition can easily sell for more than $500,000 at auction.
Market Value: Around $500,000.
1793 Chain Cent
The 1793 Chain Cent is one of the earliest coins struck by the U.S. Mint. It features a design by Robert Scot and was part of the first official coinage produced by the United States. The coin’s rarity and historical significance make it a coveted item for collectors.
The 1793 Chain Cent is often valued at over $1 million, with coins in excellent condition commanding even higher prices at auction. Its place in U.S. history and its limited mintage contribute to its high value.
Market Value: Around $1 million.
1849 Double Eagle
The 1849 Double Eagle is a historic coin that was part of a series of gold coins produced by the U.S. Mint. It is known for its association with the California Gold Rush and the early days of the U.S. Mint’s gold coin production. Only a few examples of this coin exist today, making it an incredibly rare find.
This coin has a market value that can reach several hundred thousand dollars depending on its condition. Collectors highly prize the 1849 Double Eagle for its rarity and connection to American history.
Market Value: Around $400,000.
1861 Confederate Half Dollar
The 1861 Confederate Half Dollar is a rare coin that holds significant historical value. It was minted during the American Civil War, and only a small number were ever produced. The Confederate government intended to use this coin as currency in the Southern states, but the coin was never widely circulated due to the Confederacy’s collapse.
As one of the few coins minted by the Confederacy, the 1861 Confederate Half Dollar is a highly prized collector’s item. In recent years, coins in excellent condition have sold for over $500,000 at auction.
Market Value: Around $500,000.
1797 Half Cent
The 1797 Half Cent is one of the earliest half-cent coins minted by the United States. It features a unique design with Liberty on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. These coins were produced in small numbers, making them scarce and highly valuable to collectors.
The 1797 Half Cent is often sought after for its historical significance and rarity. Well-preserved examples can sell for upwards of $200,000, especially if they are in excellent condition.
Market Value: Around $200,000.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.