Most Valuable Rare Coins Worth Over $1 Million: Record-Breaking Coin Sales

Rare Coins That Sold for Over $1 Million

Coins don’t always stay small in value. Some end up selling for millions. This happens when they're old, rare, or made from valuable metals. The United States has been minting coins since 1793. In the early days, many coins were made with real silver or gold. That changed in 1933 when gold coins were banned. Silver coins got phased out by the 1970s.

Even though the materials changed, those older coins didn’t disappear. A lot of them are still around, and their value has gone way up. What makes a coin worth a fortune depends on a few key things. First, how many were made when they were first minted. Next, how many still exist. Lastly, what they were made from. Rare metals like gold and silver raise the price, especially when the coin is already hard to find.

One of the most famous examples is the 1792 Silver Center Cent J-1. When it was minted, it was only worth one cent. That coin had a copper body with a silver plug in the center. It stood out because of that unique design. It wasn’t just a regular penny. It was a test coin, created by the U.S. Mint as part of a new pattern they were working on in 1792 and trying out in 1793.

There are only around 25 of those coins known to exist today. And when one of them went up for auction, it sold for $2,520,000. That’s right; a one-cent coin turned into a multi-million dollar collector’s item, just because it was rare, had a unique design, and came from a key moment in early U.S. coin history.

So, if you ever come across an old jar of coins in the attic, or you're digging through a forgotten thrift store drawer, take a closer look. That dusty penny might not be junk. It could be one of the rare coins still out there, waiting to make someone a millionaire.

 

Most Valuable Rare Coins That Sold for Over $1 Million

Some coins hold history as well as massive value. Over time, a few rare coins have broken records and sold for millions. Their worth usually comes from low mintage numbers, unique designs, high-grade condition, and the stories behind them.
Below is a breakdown of the most expensive rare coins ever sold, ranked from the most expensive to the least:

Aureus of Marcus Junius Brutus – Roman Republic, 42 BCE

This gold coin is tied to the assassination of Julius Caesar. It features Brutus on one side and two daggers on the other. It sold in 2020 for $4,174,950. Few ancient coins match this one in both story and price.

Umayyad Gold Dinar – Umayyad Caliphate, 723 CE

This Islamic gold coin from the early Umayyad period is known for its historic minting and connection to early Islamic rule. One sold for $6,029,400 in 2011, and another for $4,780,000 in 2019.

Brasher Doubloon – United States, 1787

The Brasher Doubloon is one of the rarest early American gold coins. Ephraim Brasher made it before the U.S. Mint was formed. One with “EB” stamped on the wing sold in 2021 for $9,360,000. Another with the mark on the chest sold for $7,395,000. A third one sold for $5,500,000 in 2019.

Flowing Hair Dollar – United States, 1794

This was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. It carries major historical value. One specimen graded SP-66 sold in 2013 for $12,000,000. Another high-grade version sold in 2021 for $6,600,000.

Eagle, 9 Leaves – United States, 1795

This $10 gold coin stands out because only a few were minted with a reverse showing 9 leaves. One of these sold in early 2022 for $3,360,000.

Half Eagle – United States, 1822

Only three are known to exist. This $5 gold piece is one of the rarest in American numismatics. A single coin sold in 2021 for $8,400,000.

1804 Silver Dollar – United States, 1804

Often called the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 dollar was minted later than the date it bears, as a gift for foreign dignitaries. Several have sold for millions. One fetched $7,680,000 in 2021. Other examples went for $3,877,500, $3,360,000, and $3,290,000 in different years.

$10 Proof Eagle – United States, 1804

Another 1804 rarity, this $10 gold eagle proof struck in deep cameo condition sold for $5,280,000 in 2021.

Three-Dollar Piece – United States, 1870

Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this $3 gold coin is one-of-a-kind. It sold for $5,520,000 in early 2023.

Trade Dollar – United States, 1885

One of only five known examples, this coin was never meant for public circulation. One sold for $3,960,000 in 2019.

Single 9 Pond – South African Republic, 1898

This rare gold coin from South Africa was marked with a large “9” to replace a missing date die. It sold in 2010 for $4,000,000.

Liberty Head Nickel – United States, 1913

Only five were made. This nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coins. One sold in 2007 for $5,000,000. Another sold for $3,290,000 in 2014. Both are considered top-tier collectibles.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – United States, 1907

This coin is one of the most beautiful U.S. designs. The ultra high relief version graded PR-68 sold for $4,750,000 in 2021.

Fengtien Tael – China, 1903

This rare Chinese silver coin sold for $6,900,000 in 2022. It's one of the most expensive Asian coins ever sold.

1933 Double Eagle – United States, 1933

This gold coin is the most expensive ever sold. It was never officially released to the public. Still, one made it into private hands. It sold for a record $18,900,000 in 2021. It once belonged to King Farouk of Egypt.

$1 Million Gold Maple Leaf – Canada, 2007

This massive coin is made from pure gold and weighs 100 kilograms. It’s mostly symbolic, but it still sold for $4,070,000 in 2010.

1792 Birch Cent – United States

This early American coin was a trial piece before the first official U.S. cents were minted. Known for its sharp details and clean design, one sold for $2,585,000 in 2015. Only a handful exist in high-grade condition.

1792 Pattern Quarter Dollar – United States

Another test coin from the early Mint era, this quarter pattern drew attention for its rarity. It was once part of the Partrick collection and sold for $2,232,500 in 2015.

1793 Chain Cent – United States

This was the first U.S. cent struck for general use. The “chain” design symbolized unity, but it was unpopular and quickly changed. A top-grade example of the S-4 variety sold for $2,350,000 in 2015.

1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – United States

An MS-64 graded example of this historic first silver dollar brought $2,820,000 in 2017. It’s one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history.

1795 Capped Bust Gold Eagle – United States

Two varieties of this $10 coin made headlines. The 13 leaves version sold for $2,585,000 in 2015. Another example, the MS-63+ grade, sold in 2023 for $2,711,250.

1804 Bust Dollar – United States

This coin continues to dominate auction records. A different example not in earlier lists sold for $2,300,000 in 2009, from the Adams and Carter collection.

1808 Quarter Eagle – United States

Struck for only one year, this small gold coin is one of the rarest types. A known specimen brought $2,350,000 in 2015.

1825 Constantine Ruble – Russian Empire

This silver ruble was part of a short-lived pattern coin series never officially released. One sold for $2,640,000 in 2021.

1854-S Liberty Half Eagle – United States

This San Francisco gold coin is ultra-rare, with only a few known. Two examples sold for $2,160,000 and $2,400,000 at separate auctions in 2018 and 2021.

1880 Coiled Hair Stella – United States

This $4 gold coin was part of a short-lived experimental series. The 1880 “coiled hair” design is among the rarest. One example went for $2,574,000 in 2013.

1893-S Morgan Dollar – United States

This is the rarest Morgan silver dollar. The 1893-S in MS-67 condition fetched $2,086,875 in 2021. High-grade examples are extremely hard to find.

1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – United States

Several versions of the 1907 gold $20 coin have set records. The ultra-high relief PR-69 sold in 2005 for $2,990,000. Another version sold for $2,115,000 in 2015.

1907 Eagle Rolled Edge – United States

This variation of the $10 gold eagle had a short production run. A rare piece sold for $2,185,000 in 2011.

1911 Long Whisker Dragon Dollar – China

This detailed coin shows a unique dragon design and was struck in limited quantities. A high-grade example sold for $3,000,000.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel – United States

Another specimen of this famous five-cent coin, once owned by George O. Walton, sold for $3,172,500 in 2013. Each of the five known examples has sold for millions.

1921 $20 Gold Coin – United States

Proof gold coins from this year are hard to find. One sold for $2,000,000 in 2021.

1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – United States

This $20 gold piece is extremely rare. One sold for $3,090,000 in 2021, and another went for $2,160,000 in 2020.

1928 Pattern "Mukden Tiger" Dollar – China

This coin shows a striking tiger design and was part of an experimental issue. One sold in 2021 for $2,160,000.

1928 Pattern Dollar – China

Another rare Chinese pattern coin, also dated 1928, sold for $2,280,000 in 2021.

1937 Edward VIII 5 Pounds Pattern – United Kingdom

This coin was never officially released due to Edward’s abdication. A rare pattern version sold for $2,280,000 in 2021.

1621 100 Ducat of Sigismund III Vasa – Poland-Lithuania and Norway

This large gold coin has drawn attention in both the Polish and Norwegian auction scenes. One sold for $2,160,000 in 2018, and another went for $2,242,000 in 2025.

2005 Brasher Doubloon – United States

Another Brasher Doubloon with a chest punch sold for $2,990,000 back in 2005, proving this coin’s market power has been strong for years.

Continental Silver Coins – United States, 1776

A few silver Continental dollars from the American Revolution have reached high prices. One marked N-3D sold for $1,527,500 in 2015. Another N-1C design went for the same amount. A third from the Newman collection fetched $1,410,000 in 2014. These coins were experimental and not officially circulated, which makes them highly sought after.

Washington $10 Pattern – United States, 1792

This rare coin design showing George Washington sold for $1,740,000 in 2018. It was never meant for general release, which adds to its value.

Silver Center Cent J-1 – United States, 1792

This is the same design mentioned earlier; a pattern cent made with a copper ring and a silver plug. One example sold in 2014 for $1,997,500.

Flowing Hair Quarter – United States, 1796

An early quarter with flowing hair design, graded MS-66, sold in 2022 for $1,740,000. Other 1796 coins, like the No Stars $2.50 gold piece, sold for $1,725,000 in 2008.

B-2 Quarter Dollar – United States, 1796

Two separate coins with this variety of the 1796 quarter sold for $1,527,500; one in 2013, the other in 2015.

Half Dollar O-101a – United States, 1797

Another early American coin, this 1797 half dollar sold for $1,527,500 in 2015.

Chain Cent S-1 – United States, 1793

Known as one of the first cents made by the U.S. Mint, this one features a chain link on the back. A specimen sold for $1,500,000 in 2019.

Eagle Coin LL Variety – United States, 1839/8

A rare overdate gold $10 eagle with long locks design sold for $1,610,000 in 2007. It's known for its sharp strike and distinct style.

Coiled Hair Stella – United States, 1880

This rare $4 gold coin design is among the hardest-to-find in the Stella series. One example sold for $1,821,250 in 2015.

Barber Dime – United States, 1894-S

One of the rarest U.S. dimes ever made. Only nine are known. A high-grade piece sold in 2016 for $1,997,500.

Bickford $10 Pattern – United States, 1874

This was an experimental $10 gold coin designed with international trade in mind. A proof example graded PR-65+ sold for $1,980,000 in 2022.

Quintuple Stella – United States, 1879

A five-dollar gold pattern coin meant as a follow-up to the Stella series. One example sold for $1,880,000 in 2016.

No Arrows Dime – United States, 1873

This ten-cent coin with no arrows next to the date is an extreme rarity. A piece from the Eliasberg collection went for $1,840,000 in 2012.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles – United States, 1927

Several $20 gold coins from 1927 have sold in this price range. One from the Duckor collection sold for $1,997,500 in 2014. Others sold for $1,897,500 in 2005 and $1,495,000 in 2010.

Liberty Head Nickels – United States, 1913

These are among the most famous U.S. coins. One sold in 2008 for $1,840,000. Another, part of the Eliasberg collection, fetched $1,485,000 back in 1996.

Paquet $20 Double Eagles – United States, 1861

Several examples of this rare version of the Liberty Head design sold in different years. One reached $1,645,000 in 2014. Two others sold for $1,610,000 and $1,800,000.

Gold Coins from Carson City – United States, 1870-CC

These are scarce and usually tied to the Wild West period. One $20 coin graded AU-53 sold for $1,620,000 in 2021.

British 5 Pounds Coin – United Kingdom, 1839

A Victoria-era five-pound gold coin graded PR-66* sold for $1,440,000 in 2021.

Gold 10000 Yuan – China, 1991

This large gold coin from China sold in 2011 for $1,567,190. It’s one of the few modern coins to break into this price bracket.

Sestertius of Hadrian – Roman Empire, 135–136 CE

This ancient bronze coin featuring the Roman emperor Hadrian fetched $1,648,805 in 2008. It's one of the highest prices paid for a non-gold ancient coin.

Continental Dollar – United States, 1776

This coin dates to the American Revolution. Though some debate its original purpose, it’s still a prized piece of early American history. One sold for $1,140,000 in 2021.

Nova Constellatio Quint – United States, 1783

This pattern coin came from the earliest effort to unify American currency after independence. A rare example changed hands in 2013 for $1,175,000.

Birch Cent J-4 Pattern – United States, 1792

The Birch cent was an early pattern that helped shape the U.S. cent design. This experimental piece brought in $1,175,000 in 2015.

Silver Center J-1 Pattern – United States, 1792

This coin combined copper with a silver plug in the center. One version known as the Morris specimen sold in 2012 for $1,150,000. Another fetched $1,410,000 in 2014.

Half Disme J-7 Pattern – United States, 1792

The half disme is considered one of the first coins struck under the U.S. Constitution. Several examples have sold for big money: $1,410,000 in 2013, $1,322,500 in both 2006 and 2014, and $1,145,625 in 2013.

White Metal Pattern Quarter – United States, 1792

Another early pattern, this rare quarter was made of white metal. One example in AU-58 grade brought in $1,260,000 at auction in 2021.

10 Cent SP-64 Pattern – United States, 1792

This early dime was a special strike and highly limited. It sold for $1,170,000 in 2022.

Chain Cent S-4 1C – United States, 1793

The chain cent is the first official U.S. penny. It has a bold chain design on the back. One with top provenance sold for $1,380,000 in 2012.

Flowing Hair Silver Dollar – United States, 1794

Another strong example of the first U.S. dollar coin sold in 2010 for $1,207,500. These early silver dollars are among the most collectible.

C-7 Half Cent – United States, 1794

This small-denomination coin still brought in big money. One sold for $1,150,000 in 2014.

Reeded Edge One Cent – United States, 1795

A rare variety of the large cent, this coin sold for $1,265,000 in 2009.

Flowing Hair Dollar – United States, 1795

Another early silver dollar example reached $1,265,000 in 2005.

Eagle No Stars $2.50 – United States, 1796

This $2.50 gold coin is rare because it has no stars on the obverse. It sold for $1,380,000 in 2005.

Silver Dollar SD, SL BB-63 – United States, 1796

This is a standout early silver dollar variety. It reached $1,175,000 at auction in 2013.

Half Dollar O-101a – United States, 1797

This early half dollar, linked to the Norweb family, brought in $1,380,000 in 2008 and again in 2014 for a different example.

Small Eagle BD-1 $5 – United States, 1798

This early gold coin was once part of King Farouk’s collection. It sold for $1,175,000 in 2015.

Large Date $5 – United States, 1829 and 1833

Gold half eagles from these years in rare varieties sold for $1,380,000 and $1,351,250, respectively. The 1833 coin also once belonged to King Farouk.

No Motto Silver Dollar – United States, 1866

This silver dollar lacks the phrase "In God We Trust," making it extremely rare. One sold for $1,207,500 in 2005.

Bickford $10 J-1373 Pattern – United States, 1874

An experimental coin designed to promote international trade, it sold for $1,265,000 in 2010.

Trade Dollar – United States, 1884 and 1885

The 1884 version brought in $1,140,000 in 2019. These coins were struck mainly for overseas trade, but some are now very rare. The 1885 version, with only five known, is worth far more.

Dime – United States, 1894

Only 24 were made, and even fewer survived. A dime from this group sold for $1,322,500 in both 2005 and 2019.

Ultra High Relief Liberty Eagle – United States, 1907

One of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs, this $20 gold piece sold for $1,210,000 back in 1999.

Twenty Dollar Gold – United States, 1927

Two examples of the 1927 $20 gold coin each sold for over $1.2 million in separate auctions, one in 2006 and the other in 2014.

Hsüan-t'ung Dollar Pattern – China, 1911

This rare pattern coin from the Qing dynasty sold for $1,200,000 in 2021.

Gold 2000 Yuan – China, 1992

Modern but extremely limited, this large gold coin reached $1,298,000 in 2011.

1811 C-1 Half Cent – United States

This early American half cent drew major attention when it sold in 2014 for $1,121,250. With provenance from names like Hall, Brand, Newman, and Tett, this coin’s value stems from its rare variety and strong condition.

AR Shekel from Arwad, 66 to 70 CE – Roman Empire

Minted during the Jewish-Roman War, this silver shekel is one of the rare survivors tied to ancient conflict. It sold in 2012 for $1,105,375. Its origin, weight, and role in Roman-era trade make it a standout among ancient coin collectors.

1870 Silver Dollar – United States

This dollar from 1870 remains one of the scarcer examples of early U.S. silver currency. It brought in $1,092,500 at a 2003 auction hosted by Stack’s Bowers.

1921 $20 Gold Piece – United States

Only a few of these $20 Saint-Gaudens double eagles from 1921 were struck. The coin’s high value comes from low mintage and collector demand. It sold in 2005 for $1,092,500.

1792 Disme Pattern Coins – United States

Two different examples of early American Disme patterns reached the same auction price of $1,057,500 in 2015. One was simply listed as a 1792 pattern Disme, while the other was the J-11 variety from the Garrett and Partrick collections. These coins are among the first coin experiments from the U.S. Mint, making them highly prized.

1795 Nine Leaves BD-3 $10 Gold Coin – United States

Another rare 9 leaves reverse variety, this 1795 gold eagle sold for $1,057,500 in 2015. The leaf count sets it apart from more common versions of the same coin.

1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar BB-51 – United States

This silver dollar, graded and cataloged as BB-51, is a rare version of the 1795 Draped Bust series. The Garrett collection piece sold in 2016 for $1,057,500.

1852 Humbert $10 Territorial Gold – United States

Struck during the California Gold Rush, this $10 gold piece from Augustus Humbert is a major part of West Coast minting history. It went for $1,057,500 in 2013.

1907 Ultra High Relief $20 Liberty Head – United States

The 1907 ultra high relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle remains one of the most iconic American coins. One sold for $1,057,500 in 2012, reflecting the artistry and rarity of this exact style.

1866 Seated Liberty Dollar, No Motto – United States

This proof coin from 1866 lacks the "In God We Trust" motto, making it highly unique. Graded PR-63+, it was part of the Simpson collection and sold for $1,050,000 in 2021.

1879 $4 Coiled Hair Stella – United States

Two examples of this rare $4 gold pattern coin have sold for over a million. One hit $1,050,000 in 2019. The other, part of the Gold Rush Collection, sold for $1,041,300 in 2013. The Coiled Hair design is much rarer than the Flowing Hair version.

1894-S Dime – United States

Only 24 were ever minted. Just a few still exist. That scarcity is why one of these 1894-S Barber dimes sold in 2005 for $1,035,000.

1863 $20 Liberty Head Gold Proof – United States

This Civil War-era gold proof graded PR-65+ was once part of the Eliasberg collection. It sold for $1,020,000 in 2022. Its perfect preservation and wartime origin make it exceptional.

1921 $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin – United States

Another example from 1921 sold in 2007 for $1,012,000. Like other $20 coins from this year, it’s valuable for its rarity and transitional minting history.

1796 $2.50 Gold Coin With Stars – United States

This coin shows the early quarter eagle design with stars on the obverse. Owned by Byron Reed, it brought in $1,006,250 at a 2008 auction.

1885 Trade Dollar – United States

One of the rarest U.S. coins, the 1885 Trade Dollar, remains a top draw. Though others have sold for more, this one reached $1,006,250 in 2004 as part of the Norweb collection.

 

Ancient Coins That Sold for Millions

Rare ancient coins have sold for sky-high prices, especially when they’re tied to major moments in history or struck with rare designs. Some are so unique, there’s only one known copy in private hands.
Below are some ancient coins we haven’t listed yet, with full details, along with a few high-priced ones already mentioned earlier:

AR Shekel of Arwad from 66 to 70 CE

This shekel came from Arwad, a small island city off Syria’s coast. Back then, Rome ruled the region. The coin was a prototype for Jewish currency during the Jewish-Roman War, likely minted in Jerusalem. It had a complex and detailed design that didn’t make it into full production. That made it rare from the start.

Only two of these exist today. One sits in a museum in Jerusalem. The other sold in March 2012 for $1,105,375. Its price came down to rarity, great condition, and the sharp details that never made it into mass production.

Brutus Aureus from 42 BCE (the Spoils Coin)

This gold coin shows a soldier enjoying the rewards of war. It wasn’t just art. It was a clear message. Brutus, famous for his role in Caesar’s assassination, wanted supporters. Coins like this helped him spread his message and reward loyalty.

Seventeen of this gold type are known to survive. In December 2024, one sold for about $2 million at auction in Geneva. The demand for Roman coins like this one stays strong, especially when the piece is tied to political events and ancient propaganda.

Sestertius of Hadrian from 135 to 136 CE

This Roman coin showed Emperor Hadrian in a portrait known for its fine detail. Though the sestertius started out as a silver coin during the Republic, later versions like this one were brass. They were large coins, giving artists space to create.

This one, likely crafted by Antoninianos of Aphrodisias, stood out as the most beautiful Roman coin ever sold. In December 2008, it brought in $1,648,805. Its high value came from its visual quality, size, and condition, all tied to a well-known emperor’s image.

Brutus Aureus from 42 BCE (Ides of March Coin)

This version of Brutus’ gold coin is the one most people talk about. It's tied directly to Julius Caesar’s murder. After Caesar was stabbed, Brutus minted coins to mark the event. These pieces are now known as the “Ides of March” coins.

This one sold in October 2020 for $4,174,950. It was later found to have been looted and returned to Greece, where it was originally discovered. Around 85 Ides of March coins exist today, but most are silver and held in museums. This gold version was rare, controversial, and full of historical weight.

Decadrachm of Agrigentum from 409 to 406 BCE

This large silver coin came from Agrigentum, a Greek city in Sicily. In the 4th century BCE, it was a major Greek outpost in Italy. The coin was called a decadrachm, worth 10 drachmae and weighing about 43 grams of silver. It was one of the highest denominations in Greek coinage.

Only a handful of these exist today. The one sold in October 2012 went for $2,918,000. Its market value had climbed steadily over the years. It brought in $572,000 in 1990 and about $1 million in a private sale in 1980. Some think the coin marks a chariot win in the 92nd Olympic Games in 412 BCE, while others tie it to the Carthaginian invasion in 406 BCE. Either way, it’s rare, artistic, and loaded with history.

Stater of Panticapaeum from 340 to 325 BCE

This gold stater was minted in Panticapaeum, a Greek colony in what is now Crimea. The city was known for its wealth and strong coinage. This coin shows a lively image of a satyr, a wild god in Greek myth. The detail is so rich, it looks like it could’ve been made yesterday.

It sold for $6 million in May 2023. It had once been in the Hermitage Museum in Russia but was sold off during Stalin’s industrial drive in 1934. It later passed through private hands in France and now sits in another private collection. This stater, possibly worth 20 drachmae in its time, was likely made by a master engraver. It remains one of the finest and most valuable Greek coins ever sold.