Coin collectors and gold investors have always had a soft spot for gold coins.
Sometimes it’s for their beauty. Other times it’s for their historical significance or rarity.
Welcome to the world of numismatics, where the most expensive gold coins are worth millions.
But why are these treasures so lauded? And how can they command such high prices in the coin-collecting market? 🤔
Let’s find out as we reveal the 10 most expensive gold coins in the world (and alternatives to buy instead).
The 10 most expensive coins
The world's most valuable gold coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors, especially if the coins are in mint condition.
Let's take a closer look at some of these remarkable specimens:
10. 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever minted.
Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, these coins were produced from 1907 to 1933.
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. But just wait until you hear about the 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle…
9. 1804 Eagle Gold Coin 🦅
Minted in response to a national coin shortage in 1804, this Eagle Gold Coin comes in two varieties: one with 14 stars and another with 13 stars.
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.
But these are just a fraction of what these valuable gold coins can fetch in terms of price.
Each coin possesses its own unique story and characteristics, making them highly sought after by coin collectors and investors.
In pristine, uncirculated condition, the 1804 Eagle Gold Coins can sell for as much as $565,000 on the open market.
Which gold coins should you buy?🪙
There are several types of gold coins to choose from, the most common of which are mint coins and collector coins:
- Mint coins. Typically produced by government mints, mint coins and are considered legal tender until they are taken out of circulation;
- Collector coins. These coins commemorate big events, historical figures and the such. They also tend to hold their value.
Different coins also have different purities and the highest level of gold purity is 999.9.
Check out our 999 gold coin collection to pick your favourite.
8. 1343 Edward III Florin 👑
The 1343 Edward III Florin is a rare and valuable gold coin introduced by King Edward III of England.
With a face value of six shillings, this coin contained nearly seven ounces of pure gold.
However, due to incorrect tariffing and merchant refusal, it was withdrawn from circulation after just a few months.
Only three of these extremely valuable coins have survived the subsequent centuries.
One Edward III Florin sold at auction for approximately $600,000 in 2006, and the remaining two are held by the British Museum.
7. 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle
Minted in Philadelphia, the rare 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle features a bust of Lady Liberty on one side and striking half-eagles on the other.
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 lfet 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.
🦅 Take a look at our collection of American Eagle gold coins.
6. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf 🇨🇦
The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is a massive gold coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Weighing 100 kilograms and made of nearly 100% pure gold, this coin has a diameter of 500 millimeters, over 20 times the size of a US quarter.
The Royal Canadian Mint only manufactured six maple leaf coins, and five were sold to private collectors.
One of the coins was stolen from the Bode Museum in Germany in 2017 making them even more valuable.
Today, the gold maple leaf coin could fetch a value of approximately $4 million.
How to start a gold coin collection 🥇
Most gold coin collectors will begin to build their collection by choosing coins that take their fancy. Whether that’s coins from their home country or a certain time in history.
At GOLD AVENUE, we have several sets of gold coins that are ideal for starting a coin collection, including Britannia Gold coins with Charles III on them, the Canadian Maple Leaf gold coins, or Napoleon Gold coins minted during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte.
5. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar is one of the most expensive and rare Islamic coins.
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.
Another coin of the same type fetched a similar price in 2019.
4. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The exceptionally rare 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is valuable because only five were ever produced by the United States Mint.
However, no one seems to known how tey became to be made. They aren’t listed on the Mint’s own production records and none seem to have the authorisation to be made.
So although these coins only have a face value of five cents, their value to coin collectors is far higher – several millions.
Today, a quality Liberty Head V Nickel can sell for more than $5 million.
How to store gold coins 👮
Gold coins can be worth a lot of money, so it’s best to store them properly. The are three places people tend to store coins:
- At home. Convenient but it comes with some risks. Make sure you have a secure storage solution, such as a high-quality safe or a safety deposit box.
- Bank safe deposit box. Renting a safe deposit box at the bank is a popular way to store gold coins. However, access is limited to the bank's opening hours.
- Professional storage facilities. Professional storage facilities specialise in keeping valuable assets secure, including gold coins. They offer the highest level of security but often come with additional fees for storage and insurance.
Better still, GOLD AVENUE offer free, secure and fully insured storage in Switzerland. Find out more.
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
The 1787 Brasher Doubloon is a unique gold coin minted by Ephraim Brasher, a New York goldsmith.
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.
In 2021, Heritage Auctions broke this record yet again by selling a Brasher Doubloon for an astounding $9.36 million.
2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle
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.
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, making it the most expensive coin ever sold.
1. 2023 The Crown 👑
Made from almost 4kg of gold and a whopping 6,426 diamonds, The Crown Coin 2023 was minted in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II – and is now amongst the most valuable coins of all time.
Called The Crown it was made by the East India Company and is valued it at around $23 million.
There is only one in the world.
So what makes a gold coin valuable?🤔
The value of a gold coin is influenced by several factors, including:
- Rarity. The rarity of a coin plays a significant role in determining its value. Coins with a low mintage or those that have been lost or destroyed over time are considered rare and are highly sought after by collectors. The scarcity of these coins drives up their value in the market.
- Historical significance. Coins that have historical significance often command higher prices. Coins minted during significant events or those that bear the image of famous figures can be highly desirable.
- Condition. Well-preserved coins with minimal wear and damage are more valuable than those that are damaged or worn. Grading services assess a coin's condition and assign it a grade, which helps determine its market value.
- Mintage. The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins produced during a particular year or time period. Coins with lower mintages are generally more valuable because they are rarer. Commemorative coins or special editions often carry a higher price tag.
- Design. The design of a coin can also influence its value. Coins with attractive or unique designs are often more desirable to collectors. Changes in a coin's design, such as the introduction of a new motif or the use of different materials, can significantly impact its value in the market.
Investing in gold coins
One of the advantages of investing in valuable gold coins is the tangible nature of the asset.
Unlike stocks or bonds, gold coins can be physically held and enjoyed.
This tangibility adds a sense of security and satisfaction for investors.
Gold coins are also a liquid asset, which means they can be quite easily turned into cash in case you need it. This ease of conversion into cash can be particularly valuable during times of financial need or market opportunity.
