A Top Ten compilation can be an interesting way to look at things, such as the most popular
music, best movies of the year and richest people in the world. So why not the most desirable
coins of the United States? Say no more. The chart below is current as of December 2001.
Please note that not all images are of the exact specimen in mention (the 1804 dollar
and 1913 nickel images are from the Eliasberg collection). This table has been compiled in order
of the highest price realized at public auction.
The fact that pieces trading in private treaty are eliminated from the chart affects the
results, but to what degree is an unknown. You can see by glancing at the prices realized,
that only five coins have broken the million dollar barrier at public auction. But it is a
well known fact that coins have traded above this level in private deals. Despite the fact
that most recent battles include only 1804 Dollars and 1913 Liberty Head Nickels, I
enjoy keeping the chart up to date.
Unquestionably, the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle should be in the list. The Secret Service
confiscated one of these in a sting operation in 1997. Apparently, a buyer had
offered a cool million in order to entice a British coin dealer to sell. The illegal status
of the coin is controversial. Did your personal favorite make the list?
Mitch Hight is the owner of Rarity Exchange Company. He has been involved in numismatics
for over 30 years and is a life member of the American Numismatic Association. Mr. Hight may
be contacted at Rexco, P.O. Box 8123, Colorado Springs, CO 80933 or by email at
mitch@coin-gallery.com
