The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (2024)

There’s something special about owning a piece of history that is both rare and valuable for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, making them some of the most exclusive and coveted in the world. This list includes a wide range of rare and fascinating coins, from ancient Chinese sycees to the first official coin of the United States. This list is sure to pique your interest and provide a glimpse into the world of rare and valuable coins. So, without further ado, here are the top ten rarest coins in the world.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (1)

1. 1933 Double Eagle

Considered the world’s rarest and most valuable gold coin. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed it, and it depicts Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The coin was meant to be circulated, but due to the suspension of gold payments during the Great Depression, the entire mintage was ordered melted down. However, a few coins escaped this fate and have since become some of the world’s most valuable coins. One of these coins was auctioned off for more than $7 million in 2002, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold. In the United States, owning a 1933 Double Eagle is illegal because the government considers them stolen property. They can, however, be legally owned outside of the United States.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (2)

2. Silver Dollar of 1804

Minted in the early nineteenth century in the United States. It is also known as the “King of American Coins,” and it is one of the world’s rarest and most valuable coins. The coin was actually struck in the late 1820s or early 1830s, rather than in 1804. It was made to be included in special sets of coins given as diplomatic gifts to foreign governments. These coins are extremely rare and valuable, with only a few dozen known to exist. One of these coins was auctioned off for more than $4 million in 1999, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world. Collectors prize the 1804 Silver Dollar as an important piece of American history.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (3)

3. Florin, Edward III

It is one of the world’s oldest gold coins, having been minted in 1343 and is also known as the “Double Leopard.” The coin was minted during King Edward III of England’s reign and depicts the king on the obverse and two leopards on the reverse. There are only three known examples of these coins. One of the coins was auctioned off for more than $6 million in 2006, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world. The Edward III Florin is a valuable piece of history and is highly sought after by collectors.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (4)

4. Kannari Sycee 1343

An ancient Chinese coin made entirely of silver. It is extremely rare and is thought to have been struck during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The coin gets its name from the Kan word for “money,” and it has long been used as a form of currency in China. Because only a few of these coins are known to exist, they are extremely valuable and sought after by collectors. The 1343 Kannari Sycee is a significant piece of Chinese history and an excellent addition to any collection.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (5)

5. Brasher Doubloon, 1787

Ephraim Brasher, a goldsmith and George Washington’s neighbour, struck the coin. The obverse of the coin depicts the sun, while the reverse depicts an eagle. One of these coins was auctioned off for more than $7.4 million in 2011, making it one of the most expensive coins in the world. Collectors prize the 1787 Brasher Doubloon as an important piece of American history.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (6)

6. Fugio Centennial, 1787

The United States’ first official coin. The Continental Congress authorized it in 1787, and it depicts the sun on the obverse and the phrase “Mind Your Business” on the reverse. The coin was designed by Benjamin Franklin and is regarded as one of the United States’ first true coins. Collectors prize the 1787 Fugio Cent as an important piece of American history.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (7)

7. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, 1907.

It was made by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and the front shows Lady Liberty and the back shows an eagle flying. The coin is named after its designer and is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and rare gold coins. It was minted from 1907 to 1933, with only a few coins produced each year. Collectors prize the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which is an important piece of American history.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (8)

8. Half Dollar 1838-O

In 1838, the United States Mint issued a coin. The “No Drapery” Half Dollar is so named because it lacks the usual drapery on the left side of Liberty’s bust. Collectors prize the 1838-O Half Dollar as an important piece of American numismatic history.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (9)

9. Silver Center Cent, 1792

In 1792, it was struck in the United States. It’s made of copper and has a silver plug in the middle. The coin was made as a trial piece and is extremely rare, with only one known example. It is an important piece of American numismatic history, and collectors prize it.

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (10)

10. Double Eagle 1849

In 1849, the United States Mint issued a coin. It depicts Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The coin gets its name from its denomination, which is $20. Collectors prize the 1849 Double Eagle as an important piece of American numismatic history.

Collectors’ attraction to rare coins

The allure of rare coins for collectors cannot be denied. There’s something special about owning a rare and valuable piece of history. For many coin collectors, the thrill of the hunt is as exciting as the acquisition itself. A coin’s rarity increases its value and makes it more desirable to collectors. A rare coin’s historical significance also adds to its appeal, as collectors can own a piece of history while learning about different cultures and time periods. A coin’s rarity and value make it a one-of-a-kind and valuable addition to any collection. The allure of rare coins stems from their scarcity, value, and historical significance, making them highly sought after by collectors.Finally, the top ten rarest gold coins in the world represent some of the most exclusive and coveted numismatic pieces in history. Rare coins’ enduring appeal stems from their scarcity, value, and historical significance, making them highly sought after by collectors of all levels. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, these rare coins will pique your interest and provide an introduction to the world of rare and valuable coins.

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The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion (2024)

FAQs

The World's Most Elusive and Rare Coins: A Top 10 List - Gerrards Bullion? ›

All our bars come from LBMA approved refiners, and produced with very strict quality control standards. These gold bullion bars are made in 24 carat 99.99 % pure gold.

Is Gerrard's bullion legit? ›

All our bars come from LBMA approved refiners, and produced with very strict quality control standards. These gold bullion bars are made in 24 carat 99.99 % pure gold.

What is the most sought after bullion? ›

These, as well as their silver counterparts are the among the most popular bullion coins in the world, and will usually be recognised by investors and collectors in all countries. 1) Krugerrand – The world's first 1oz gold bullion coin, and undisputedly the most popular bullion coin in the world.

What is the rarest gold coin in the world? ›

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle is considered the most valuable gold coin in the world. Minted in the United States, this coin holds a face value of $20. However, none of the coins were ever officially in circulation. Indeed, the vast majority were melted down and only 13 known specimens still exist.

What gold coins are worth a lot of money? ›

The Gold Eagle, Double Eagle, Indian Head gold coins, Turban Head gold coins, and the gold dollar are notable types of U.S. gold coins. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most valuable coins in the world.

Who is the most reputable gold bullion dealer? ›

Best Online Gold Dealers for May 2024
  • Best Overall: APMEX (American Precious Metals Exchange)
  • Best Customer Experience: JM Bullion.
  • Best for Gold Coins: BGASC.
  • Best for Buybacks: Money Metals Exchange.
  • Best Low-Price Option: SD Bullion.
  • Best Reputation: Golden Eagle Coins.

Can you buy gold bullion from your bank? ›

Some banks in the U.S. sell gold bars and coins (as well as silver coins). This can be a good option for investors who prefer the public accountability of a federally regulated institution. However, your options may be limited compared to what you'll find at an online retailer.

What is the easiest bullion to sell? ›

Generally, gold and silver in smaller forms and from well-known mints will be easier to sell due to their recognizability and purity.

What is the most pure gold bullion in the world? ›

The top 5 purest gold coins in the world:
  • Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (Special Edition) – 99.999% Pure.
  • American Gold Buffalo – 99.99% Pure.
  • British Gold Britannia – 99.99% Pure.
  • Austrian Gold Philharmonic – 99.99% Pure.
  • Australian Gold Kangaroo – 99.99% Pure.
Apr 18, 2024

What is the best gold item to invest in? ›

Solid Gold (Biscuits/Bars/Coins)

Individuals can also invest in solid gold by purchasing biscuits, bars, or coins. The making charges here are very low, and you get good returns while selling. However, one common risk factor in the possession of physical gold is storage and theft.

What is the hardest coin to find? ›

With just one coin currently in existence, the gold 1849 Double Eagle is considered the rarest and most valuable coin in US history.

What is the rarest coin to ever exist? ›

Top 7 of the rarest coins in the world
  • One Flowing Hair dollar, silver, 1794. ...
  • A gold Umayyad dinar, 723. ...
  • Gold Brasher Doubloon, 1787. ...
  • Double Eagle Twenty Dollars, Gold, 1933. ...
  • A silver dollar with draped bust, 1804. ...
  • One Million Canadian Gold Dollars, 2007. ...
  • Turin Twenty Francs, 1932.

Which gold coins are easiest to sell? ›

These five well-known, easy-to-value coins are an excellent addition to any portfolio.
  • The American Gold Buffalo. ...
  • The Gold American Eagle. ...
  • The Austrian Philharmonic. ...
  • The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.

What coin is the most valuable? ›

9 of the most valuable coins in the world
  1. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. picture alliance/Getty Images. ...
  2. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon. ...
  3. The 1787 Fugio cent. ...
  4. The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. ...
  5. The 1343 Edward III Florin. ...
  6. The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny. ...
  7. The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. ...
  8. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel.
Mar 12, 2024

How can you tell if a bullion is real? ›

The magnet test: Gold is not magnetic. If your bar or coin is attracted to a reasonably strong magnet, it may be fake or impure. The float test: Real gold is heavy and should sink immediately to the bottom of a glass or bowl of water. If yours floats or sinks slowly, it's a sign of a fake.

Is it safe to buy gold from JM Bullion? ›

JM Bullion is one of the largest and most trusted precious metals dealers. We offer low prices on a full selection of physical gold and silver products, from bars to rounds to coins. We also offer 100% free shipping on all orders over $99, and ship products discreetly to your doorstep.

How can you tell if silver bullion is real? ›

One of the easiest ways to tell between real and fake silver is with the ice cube test. To perform this test, place a cube of ice over your silver bars and coins. If they're made from actual silver, the ice should start melting quickly.

Is bullion trading legit? ›

The company buys and sells precious metals via phone, in-person, and online, and it has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2023 with an A+ rating.

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