From centuries-old currency to modern masterpieces, gold coins are highly sought after by both collectors and investors. But what makes the world’s most expensive coins so incredibly valuable? And are there more affordable options worth adding to your collection?

Why Are Gold Coins So Valuable?

Before we dive into the priciest gold coins, it’s important to understand what makes them so valuable. Gold coins are valuable for several reasons. Firstly, gold is a finite resource and a sought-after precious metal which has held its value over time. Often, coins have intricate details which are attractive to investors and collectors. Additionally, numismatic coins are rare and have historical significance.

🏆 The 10 Most Expensive Gold Coins in the World

While all gold coins have value, some worth a lot more than others - so let’s dive into the top 10 most expensive gold coins ever sold.

10. 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle – Up to $475,000

Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin is considered one of the most beautiful ever minted in the United States. It was part of a bold initiative to elevate American coin design in the early 20th century.

The value of these coins varies depending on their condition and year of mintage. A 1922 Saint-Gaudens has a value of around $1,500, while an uncirculated 1927 Saint-Gaudens could fetch as much as $475,000.

💡 Alternative: Buy a modern American Gold Eagle coin – inspired by the same design, it's a top pick for both collectors and investors.

9. 1804 Eagle Gold Coin – Up to $565,000

With two varieties featuring either 13 or 14 stars, this coin was created during a national coin shortage. Its scarcity and connection to early U.S. monetary history make it highly prized.

The value of these coins depends on the number of stars on the reverse. A 14-star reverse coin can range in price from $6,000 to $28,000, while the 13-star variety is more valuable, fetching $45,000 to $200,000.

💡 Alternative: Discover our collection of American Eagle gold coins for a blend of tradition and accessibility.

8. 1343 Edward III Florin – $600,000+

Minted under the reign of King Edward III, this medieval English coin was withdrawn shortly after release due to issues with valuation. Only three are known to have survived to this day. One Edward III Florin sold at auction for approximately $600,000 in 2006, and the remaining two are held by the British Museum.

💡 Alternative: Explore British Gold Sovereigns, known for their regal imagery and long-standing investment value.

7. 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle – $1.5 Million

Minted in Philadelphia, this coin features Lady Liberty and a rare proof finish, with fewer than 10 examples known. It's a standout in early U.S. coinage due to its rarity and fine detail.

The coin comes in two varieties: one with a small date on it and another with a slightly larger date. Coin collectors believe that there are around 10 of these gold coins left today.

An uncirculated MS-60 Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle can sell for around $260,000, while an uncirculated MS-63 sells for about $492,000. A proof of the 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle, the finest quality of coin produced by the US Mint, can fetch around $1.5 million.

💡 Alternative: Consider a modern Gold Half Eagle commemorative coin, perfect for beginner collectors.

6. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – $4 Million

Weighing 100kg and made of 99.999% pure gold, this coin is among the purest and largest gold coins ever created. With only six ever minted — and one famously stolen from the Bode Museum in Germany in 2017 — it’s a legend among collectors.

💡 Alternative: Purchase a 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – the same design and purity in a far more affordable format.

5. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar – $4.6 Million

Struck during the reign of Caliph Yazid II, this Islamic coin references a gold mine owned by the Caliph himself. Its religious and historical significance makes it one of the most valuable Islamic coins ever sold.

Minted during the reign of Yazid II (720–724), this coin was created after the discovery of a gold mine in his territory. The coin bears an inscription that translates to "Mine of the Commander of the Faithful."

One Umayyad Gold Dinar sold at auction for approximately $4.6 million, while another coin of the same type fetched a similar price in 2019.

💡 Alternative: Look for modern Islamic-themed gold coins, which feature calligraphic art and cultural heritage in a budget-friendly form.

4. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel – $5+ Million

Though technically a nickel, these coins are so rare and mysterious that they command gold-level prices. Only five exist, and their unauthorised production adds to their mystique. Today, a quality Liberty Head V Nickel can sell for more than $5 million.

💡 Alternative: Collect a modern American eagle gold coin, inspired by the original design but much more accessible.

3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon – $9.36 Million

Handcrafted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, this pre-U.S. Mint coin is one of the earliest examples of American numismatics. Brasher created this coin after the State of New York denied his petition to mint copper coins. The coin had a face value of $16 and contained 26.6 grams of 22-karat gold.

One Brasher Doubloon sold at auction for $625,000 in 1981. In 2005, three styles of the Brasher Doubloon were sold to private collectors by Heritage Auction Galleries, with one coin fetching nearly $3 million.

In 2011, a Wall Street investment firm purchased one for a record-breaking $7.4 million, but in 2021, Heritage Auctions sold a Brasher Doubloon for an astounding $9.36 million.

💡 Alternative: Invest in a replica Brasher Doubloon or explore the U.S. Mint historical gold series for collectible options.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle – $18.8 Million

Despite having a mintage of nearly half a million, almost all were melted down due to the Gold Reserve Act. Currently, ten are held in the US Fort Knox Bullion Depository, and the US National Numismatic Collection holds two others.

The final coin, known as the Weitzman Specimen, was purchased by Stuart Weitzman for $7.59 million in 2002 and sold at auction for a staggering $18.8 million in 2021.

💡 Alternative: Consider the modern Saint-Gaudens Gold Eagle, capturing the same artistic spirit in a more affordable form.

1. The Crown (2023) – $23 Million

Created by the East India Company to honour Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown is made from nearly 4kg of gold and encrusted with 6,426 diamonds. It is the most expensive gold coin ever made — and there's only one in the world.

💡 Alternative: Buy a 2023 Britannia or Queen Elizabeth II commemorative gold coin for a regal addition to your collection – minus the multi-million dollar price tag.

Which Gold Coins Should You Buy Instead?

Not everyone can afford to spend millions on gold coins, but luckily, you don’t need that much to invest in investment-grade gold coins. If you’re looking for more affordable and accessible alternatives, try these:

Mint Coins

• Produced by official mints
• Legal tender with guaranteed weight and purity
• Ideal for investing in gold’s market value

Collector Coins

• Commemorative or historical
• Often have added numismatic value

How to Start Your Gold Coin Collection

It’s a good idea to start small and build over time. Popular choices for beginners include:

• Britannia Gold Coins – Featuring King Charles III
• Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins – Renowned purity and design
• Napoleon Gold Coins – Historic and collectible

Explore our full range of investment-grade gold coins to get started.

How to Store Your Gold Coins Safely

Protecting your collection is just as important as acquiring it. Here are your options:

✅ At Home

• Use a high-security safe
• Ideal for easy access

✅ Bank Safe Deposit Box

• Secure, but limited access hours

✅ Professional Storage Facilities

• High-security, insured
• Best for high-value collections

GOLD AVENUE offers free, secure, and fully insured gold storage in Switzerland. Learn more.

Is Investing in Gold Coins Worth It?

Yes — gold coins are a tangible, liquid, and historically strong asset. Their mix of intrinsic gold value and collectibility makes them a favorite among:

• Investors
• History enthusiasts
• Collectors building legacy wealth

Whether you’re chasing the world’s rarest gold coin or just beginning your collection, the world of gold coins offers both rich history and solid investment potential.

Start your journey at GOLD AVENUE with our curated collection of gold coins for investors and collectors.