Numismatics is about history, art, and economics, not simply coins. These finds include rare and expensive coins valued approximately $50 million USD. The top 10 of these exceptional coins have stories that transcend time and value.
California Gold Rush themes adorn the $20 million 1849 Double Eagle. This $20 coin was the first to depict Western affluence. Since only one specimen is thought to exist, it is safely stored in the Smithsonian. Lady Liberty on the coin symbolizes America's growth.
Mystery and legal issues surround the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, worth $7.6 million. The majority of these Great Depression-minted coins were melted down, making the few survivors unusual. Augustus Saint-Gaudens' artwork depicts a vibrant and energetic Liberty on the coin.
The 1343 Edward III Florin, popularly known as the Double Leopard, is a medieval coin worth $6.8 million. This English coin has just three instances. Due to its inflated gold content, it was swiftly removed, making it rare.
American independence is symbolized by the $7.4 million Brasher Doubloon. This coin commemorates the early United States and was made by George Washington's neighbor, goldsmith Ephraim Brasher. Collectors admire it for its rarity and historical relevance.
Mystery surrounds the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, worth over $4.5 million. Only five examples survive, and numismatists question their provenance. This coin shows how intriguing uncommon coins can be.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, worth $10 million, marks the beginning of American coinage. It is considered the first silver dollar minted by the US Mint, making it a numismatic landmark.
Early Islamic coins like the $6 million Umayyad Gold Dinar are uncommon. This gold coin represents the Islamic empire's heyday from Spain to India.
Modern minting is shown by this $1 million coin worth $4 million. The Canadian maple leaf and Queen Elizabeth II's effigy are on the 100-kilogram gold piece.
Another medieval rarity, the Edward III Gold Leopard, costs $2.5 million. A precursor to the Double Leopard, this coin shows medieval England's monetary history.
One of the rarest U.S. coins is the $8 million 1822 Half Eagle. Only three copies survive, two at the Smithsonian. This coin is from early 19th-century America, a time of expansion and change.
These coins are valued not only for their substance or rarity, but also for their particular historical significance. They show us that simple things may connect us to different eras and civilizations. More than a hobby, collecting these coins preserves history.