The world of numismatics is filled with fascinating tales of discovery, intrigue, and sometimes, astonishing financial windfalls. Here are five rare coins that have made headlines for their incredible stories and the unbelievable values they've fetched at auction or through private sales.
One of these coins sold at a Sotheby’s auction in June 2021 for a record-breaking $18.9 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold.
Believed to be the first silver dollar struck by the United States Mint, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar has a story that combines rarity with historical significance.
Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist, making them some of the rarest and most coveted coins among collectors. The coins were mysteriously minted, as no record of their authorization by the U.S. Mint exists.
The Royal Canadian Mint produced the world's first million-dollar coin in 2007. This coin, made of 100 kilograms of pure 99.999% gold, was originally created to promote the mint’s new line of high-purity gold coins.
The hoard consisted of 1,427 gold coins minted from 1847 to 1894, buried in eight cans. With an estimated value of over $10 million, this discovery is the largest known hoard of gold coins ever found in the U.S.
These stories not only showcase the immense value that can be hidden in rare coins but also highlight the rich history and intrigue that accompany the field of numismatics.