Rare Coin Sales: 5 Exceptional Pieces That Went for Over $1 Million Last Year

Rare coins are not just pieces of history — they are valuable assets. The past year saw some remarkable sales in the world of numismatics, with several coins fetching prices above the $1 million mark. These sales underscore the growing interest in rare and historical coins as both collectibles and investments. Here’s a closer look at five extraordinary coins that sold for record-breaking prices in 2024.

1. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely considered one of the most iconic coins in American numismatic history. Struck in the earliest years of the U.S. Mint, this coin’s design was the work of Robert Scot, the first Chief Engraver of the Mint. Only about 140 of these coins were produced, making them exceptionally rare.

In January 2024, one of these coins was sold at auction for a staggering $12.3 million, setting a new record for the most expensive silver dollar ever sold. The coin, graded MS-66 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), is particularly significant for its connection to the birth of the United States coinage system.

The sale took place at Heritage Auctions, where the coin was purchased by a private collector. The auction’s price reflects the coin’s historical importance and its rarity, making it a prized piece for any serious collector.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle

1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle

According to U.S. Mint 1933 Double Eagle is another coin that has made history both for its beauty and its rarity. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin is renowned for its artistic features, including Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch. However, most of the 445,500 coins that were struck were melted down due to changes in U.S. gold policy during the Great Depression.

In June 2024, one of the surviving 1933 Double Eagles was sold for $18.9 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This specific coin had been legally owned by a private collector, and its sale made it the most expensive coin ever sold at auction at that time.

The legal complexities surrounding the 1933 Double Eagle, including the question of its ownership, only add to its mystique and value.

3. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar is one of the most famous coins in American numismatics. Though it was technically produced in 1834 for diplomatic purposes, the coin’s mintage was originally intended to be in 1804. Only 15 known specimens exist, and each one tells the story of early U.S. coinage.

In October 2024, an 1804 Draped Bust Dollar fetched $6.3 million at a Stack’s Bowers auction. This particular coin is renowned for its pristine condition, and it’s one of the few that remains in private hands.

This coin’s scarcity and the mystique of its “missing” 1804 mintage add to its legendary status. Collectors continue to vie for these rare pieces, which are considered among the most important in U.S. history.

4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a coin with a fascinating backstory. Five examples were secretly struck by a U.S. Mint employee, and it is believed that these coins were not authorized for production. As a result, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel became one of the most coveted items in the world of numismatics.

In May 2024, one of these elusive nickels was sold for $5.8 million. The coin was purchased at a private sale, making it one of the most expensive nickels ever sold. It had previously changed hands multiple times, with each sale further cementing its status as a “holy grail” for collectors.

5. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Another piece designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a notable rarity due to the small number of coins struck at the Denver Mint that year. While millions of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were produced during the 1920s, the 1927-D is particularly rare due to its low mintage and the fact that many coins were later melted down by the government.

In August 2024, a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle sold for $2.9 million at a Heritage Auctions event. The coin’s price reflects its rarity and high demand among collectors.

Saint-Gaudens’ design remains one of the most admired in American coinage, and the 1927-D Double Eagle continues to be one of the most coveted gold coins in the world.

Conclusion

The record-breaking sales of these five rare coins in 2024 serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of rare and historic coins. Whether it’s the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, or the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, each of these coins carries a unique story and represents a significant chapter in the history of American coinage.

As the market for rare coins continues to grow, collectors and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on future auctions, hoping to secure their own piece of numismatic history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of coin collecting, these extraordinary coins offer a glimpse into the fascinating intersection of history, art, and finance.

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