Five US Coins that Sold for Millions: A Journey Through American History

Coins are easy to ignore in daily life, but some become powerful pieces of American history. In rare cases, a simple coin turns into an object worth millions, drawing intense interest whenever it appears at auction.Only a small number of US coins have made this jump from pocket change to priceless treasure. Their value is shaped by factors like extreme rarity, minting errors, limited production, and the stories behind how they were created. Some were tied to major political or economic moments, while others survived by accident.For collectors, these coins sit at the very top of the hobby. For historians, they offer a glimpse into key moments from America’s past. Here are 5 US coins that were sold for millions due to their rarity1794 Flowing Hair Silver DollarThe 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely believed to be the first silver dollar ever struck by the United States.Minted at a time when the young nation was still defining its identity, the coin’s size and weight were modeled on the Spanish dollar, then the dominant global currency.Only an estimated 150 examples are known to survive today, most of them heavily worn. One exceptional specimen, graded SP66 by Professional Coin Grading Service, stands apart. Widely regarded as the finest known example, it includes an added silver plug.a common early Mint practice to correct weight.In January 2013, thiscoin sold for $10,016,875at a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction, cementing its reputation as the first US coin to officially cross the $10 million mark and securing its place as an icon of American numismatics.1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ($20 Gold Coin)Few coins carry a story as dramatic as the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Although more than 445,000 were minted, none were released into circulation after the US government abandoned the gold standard.Almost all were melted down, and ownership of surviving examples became legally forbidden.Today, only one specimen is legally allowed in private hands, the so-called “Farouk” coin, once owned by Egypt’s King Farouk. In June 2021, the coin, graded MS65 by PCGS,sold for $18,872,250at a Sotheby’s auction. The price, which includes the buyer’s premium, set a world record and is documented by PCGS and Coin World. Its unmatched legal status and dramatic history explain why it remains the most expensive coin ever sold.1787 Brasher Doubloon (“EB” on Wing)Struck privately in 1787, the Brasher Doubloon predates the U.S. Mint itself. It was created by New York goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, whose initials, “EB”, appear stamped on the eagle’s wing or breast, depending on the variety.Only nine Brasher Doubloons are known to exist. Seven are of the “New York style,” featuring an eagle with a sunrise, while two follow a “Lima style” inspired by Spanish gold coins. Their scarcity and historical importance make them among the most coveted American gold coins.In January 2021, the finest known New York-style example, graded NGC MS65★,sold for $9,360,000at a Heritage Auctions sale. Numismatists frequently refer to it as the most valuable privately minted American gold coin, a distinction recognized by both PCGS and NGC.1804 Silver Dollar — Class IIINicknamed the “King of US Coins,” the 1804 Silver Dollar is legendary, and famously misunderstood. Despite the date on the coin, none were actually struck in 1804. Instead, they were produced decades later, in the 1830s, as diplomatic presentation pieces for foreign leaders.There are three classes of 1804 dollars, with Class III examples being especially rare. Across all varieties, only 15 or 16 coins are known to exist.In December 2025, a newly discovered Class III example, graded PCGS Proof-65 and recognized as the finest of its class,sold for $6,000,000at a Stack’s Bowers auction. According to PCGS, the sale nearly tripled the previous Class III record.1913 Liberty Head (V) NickelThe 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a coin that technically should not exist.The design had already been discontinued, yet five examples were secretly struck under unexplained circumstances.Today, three are privately owned, while two reside in museums, making each appearance at auction a major event. The coins are named after prominent former owners, including the famous Eliasberg specimen.In August 2018, the finest known example, graded PCGS Proof-66 CAC,sold for $4,560,000at a Stack’s Bowers auction. The sale set a public-auction record for the series and confirmed the coin’s status as a “holy grail” of American numismatics.