TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When you’re looking at coins, it’s inspiring to remember that some are defined more than a currency, but a reflection of history and power. A matter of fact is that a few of the rarest coins in the world unveils its own fascinating legacy, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike..
List of the Rarest Coins in the World
Various sources have listed the rarest coins in the world, and the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar often takes the top spot. Sharing the reputation with other nine coins, the complete list is as follows:
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is often considered the rarest coin in the world, among one of the first silver dollars minted by the U.S. government. It was authorized through the Coinage Act of 1792 for which the production began in 1794, with the original Flowing Hair design used for the first issue.
The design was replaced the following year in 1795, making the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar exceptionally rare—only 1,758 coins struck in total.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the world’s most famous error coins in history, having been minted illegally. Created by a mint worker named William Johnson, the coin used the design of the 1912 Liberty Head Nickel. Today, only five known specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel exist, making it the most valuable coin today.
3. 1787 Brasher Gold Doubloon
Ephraim Brasher, a renowned goldsmith and silversmith, initially proposed a petition to the State of New York for minting copper coins. Though his request got declined, Brasher still minted some samples of his copper and gold coins, complete with his distinctive EB hallmark. As a result, only a handful of Brasher Doubloons were struck, ever. And over time, they became one of the rarest coins in the world.
4. 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin
The 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin is one of the rarest coins in U.S. history—not because it was minted in small numbers, but because only one known specimen exists today. The masterpiece was created during the California Gold Rush, as a government response to the sudden abundance of gold, marking the first official authorization of $20 gold coins.
5. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
Symbolizing the Great Depression and the history of American togetherness, the 1933 Double Eagle is considered as the most expensive coin in the world—sold at an auction for $18.9 million. Although 445,000 of these U.S. gold coins were minted in 1933, they were never officially released into circulation.
The coin’s scarcity stems from the government order to melt them down, but 20 were stolen—leaving only a few remaining today.
6. 2007 ‘Big Maple Leaf’ 100kg Gold Coin
Weighing a staggering 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and made from 99.999% pure gold, the Big Maple Leaf was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint as a showpiece of technical excellence. Only five of these gigantic coins were ever made, each with a face value of $1 million—but their gold content alone makes them worth far more.
7. 1804 Silver Dollar
Dubbed “King of U.S. Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar wasn’t actually minted in 1804. These coins were struck years later—between 1834 and 1835—for diplomatic gifts to certain Asian rulers. Historically, there are only 15 known to exist.
Because of its story, beauty, and limited number, the 1804 Silver Dollar is among the most fabled collectibles, selling for as much as $7 million in 2021.
8. 1822 Half Eagle Gold Coin
A $5 piece of 1822 Half Eagle Gold Coin is one of the rarest and most coveted U.S. coin denominations, with a known value of $10.1 million. Although over 17,000 were originally minted, only three are known to exist today—two securely housed in the Smithsonian Institution and one in private hands.
More than just a legacy of early U.S. minting, the coin also carries a thread of mystery: what happened to the rest? Most experts believe the others were melted down, lost, or destroyed, adding to the intrigue and value of this extraordinary rarity.
9. 1902 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (High Relief)
Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the 1907 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle featured high-relief engravings that, while artistically stunning, proved difficult to mass-produce—resulting in a limited initial mintage.
To streamline production, the design was later modified into a lower-relief version, which remained in circulation until 1933. While not as rare as some other coins on this list, pristine High Relief examples are highly prized by collectors and have sold for over $3 million.
10. 1344 Edward III Gold Florin
Dating back to the reign of King Edward III, the 1344 Edward III Gold Florin rounds out the list of the rarest coins in the world. It was part of an unsuccessful attempt to introduce gold coinage to England. Known as “Double Leopard”, there are only three examples that exist today.
Collecting rare coins isn’t just a hobby—it’s a window into history. Each of these coins tells a story: of empires rising and falling, economies collapsing, or bold innovation. And for collectors, here’s the guide on how to sell rare coins.
Editor's Choice: Top 10 Strongest Militaries in the World: United States Remains at the Forefront
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
