A Look at 5 Rare Coins in the U.S. Worth Thousands to Millions of Dollars Among Collectors

For many, coins are simple currency, but for collectors, they’re treasure chests of history, art, and extraordinary value. Some rare coins in the U.S. have fetched millions at auctions, and others, though smaller in value, are still worth thousands—far beyond their face value. If you’re a casual collector or someone who keeps loose change in a jar, here are five rare coins that could be worth a fortune.

1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

• Face Value: $20
• Estimated Auction Value: Up to $18.9 million
• Why It’s Rare: This coin never officially entered circulation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt took the U.S. off the gold standard in 1933, and most of the 445,500 coins minted were melted down. Only 13 known specimens survived, making it a collector’s dream.
• Recent Highlight: In 2021, one example sold for a record $18.9 million at Sotheby’s.

2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

• Face Value: 5 cents
• Estimated Auction Value: Over $3 million
• Why It’s Rare: Only five coins are known to exist. They were minted under mysterious circumstances and were not authorized by the U.S. Mint. These coins first gained fame in the 1920s when displayed by collector Samuel Brown.
• Recent Highlight: A specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018.

3. 1787 Fugio Cent (Also Known as the Franklin Cent)

• Face Value: 1 cent
• Estimated Auction Value: Up to $92,500
• Why It’s Rare: Considered the first official coin issued by the U.S. government. The design is believed to have been created by Benjamin Franklin, with the famous inscription “Mind Your Business.” Many versions were produced with subtle variations, making specific ones quite valuable.
• Historical Significance: This coin represents the founding era of American currency.

4. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

• Face Value: $1
• Estimated Auction Value: Over $10 million
• Why It’s Rare: Known as the “King of American Coins,” only 15 examples are known to exist (including different classes), and it was minted for diplomatic gifts, not public circulation.
• Recent Highlight: A Class I version sold for $7.68 million in 2021.

5. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

• Face Value: 1 cent
• Estimated Auction Value: Up to $8,000
• Why It’s Rare: Only 484,000 were minted in San Francisco, and it features the initials “V.D.B.” (Victor David Brenner, the designer) on the reverse side. Due to public outcry over the initials, they were quickly removed from future versions.
• Current Market: Many coin collectors seek this piece to complete Lincoln cent collections.

Why Are These Coins So Valuable?

• Low mintage or unauthorized minting
• Historical significance
• Pristine condition or unique markings
• Collector demand

Rare coins are often sold at specialized coin auctions or through certified numismatic dealers. If you believe you might have one, it’s worth having it appraised by a reputable service like PCGS or NGC.

How to Spot Rare Coins in Your Change Jar

1. Check mint marks – Coins from the San Francisco Mint (“S”) or with no mint mark can be rarer.
2. Look for errors – Double dies, misprints, and off-center strikes can dramatically increase value.
3. Use a magnifier – Small initials, details, or errors are sometimes only visible up close.
4. Keep coins in good condition – Avoid cleaning or scrubbing old coins.

Conclusion

These five coins aren’t just collectibles—they’re historical artifacts worth significant amounts of money. Whether you’re cleaning out an attic or flipping through a coin album, you might just find a piece of history worth thousands—if not millions—of dollars.

Before selling or purchasing rare coins, always consult trusted grading services and check listings on USA.gov’s Money and Finance page or U.S. Mint’s official site.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.