The Top 10 US Rare Coins
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 is current as of March 2011. Please note that the images
may not be of the exact specimen in mention (the 1804 dollar and 1913 nickles are both from the Eliasberg collection).
This table has been compiled in order of the highest price realized at public auction. While this makes for
an interesting way of looking at some of the most popular and expensive rare coins, keep in mind that some
mega-rarities haven't changed hands in decades. I have been maintaining a "highest price realized" list for quite
some time now. During the past few years, due mainly to the sale of the Eliasberg collection, this list has been
anything but static. Up until the recent sale of the 1804 Dollars now in the number one and two spots, my personal favorite
was still in the Top 10. That coin is the unique Brasher Doubloon with "Hallmark on Breast" (I have some really nice
reproductions from Gallery Mint). Maybe I should expand to the top dozen? Nah.
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 four 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 Nickles, I enjoy keeping the chart up to date.
In the number one spot at an unbelievable record-breaking price for any single rare coin ever to sell at
public auction...
1933 Saint-Gaudens Twenty Dollar Gold Piece $7.5 Million 2002
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#2: 1804 Dollar Childs Specimen |
1999 $4,140,000 |
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#7: 1885 Trade Dollar Eliasberg |
1997 $907,500 |
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#3: 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Eliasberg |
1996 $1,485,000 |
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#8: 1907 Double Eagle Rodman - (Ultra-high Relief) |
1996 $825,000 |
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#4: 1907 Double Eagle (Ultra-high Relief) |
1999 $1,210,000 |
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#9: 1787 Brasher Doubloon Garrett - (EB on wing) |
1979 $725,000 |
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#5: 1804 Dollar Dexter |
1989 $990,000 |
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#10: (tie) 1822 Half Eagle Eliasberg |
1982 $687,000 |
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#6: 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Hawn |
1993 $962,500 |
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#10: (tie) 1870-S $3 Gold Piece Eliasberg |
1982 $687,000 |