Not all old coins are valuable, but some from the 1800s can be worth thousands of dollars. Coin collectors, also known as numismatists, are always looking for rare finds, and coins from this time period can be some of the most sought-after pieces.
The value of these coins often comes from how few were made. When there’s a limited supply, the demand goes up, making these coins worth a lot to the right buyer.
Whether you’ve inherited a collection or found an old coin while cleaning out a drawer, it’s possible you could be sitting on something valuable. Let’s take a look at six rare coins from the 1800s that are worth a lot of money today.
1. 1822 American Half Eagle (AU-50)
- Minted: 17,796 coins
- Material: 91.7% gold, 8.3% copper
Although nearly 18,000 of these coins were minted, the 1822 American Half Eagle is one of the rarest coins around today. Only three are known to exist, and two of them are kept in the Smithsonian Museum. This gold coin, last sold in 1945 for $14,000, could fetch much more now due to its rarity.
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2. 1878 S Trade Dollar (MS68)
- Minted: 4,162,000 coins
- Material: 90% silver, 10% copper
While over 4 million of these silver coins were originally made, most were melted down in the 1950s, making it hard to find one in good condition. If you happen to have one of these coins today, it could be worth a small fortune. In 2019, one sold for an incredible $252,000.
3. 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle (MS-67)
- Minted: 2,976,453 coins
- Material: 90% gold, 10% copper
This gold coin is another highly valued piece from the 1800s. While millions were minted, very few have survived. Some were found in a sunken ship, adding to their allure and mystery. One of these coins sold for $352,500 in 2013, making it a prized possession for any collector.
4. 1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle (MS-63)
- Minted: 7,200 coins
- Material: 90% gold, 10% copper
The 1838 Liberty Head Gold Eagle is another gold coin that has become highly valuable over time. With only 7,200 minted, this coin is a rare find. One sold for $115,000 in 2007, proving that this gold piece remains a favorite among collectors.
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5. 1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella (PR67 CAMEO)
- Minted: 10 coins
- Material: 86% gold, 10% copper, 4% silver
This coin is exceedingly rare, with only 10 known to exist. The 1880 Coiled Hair Stella is one of the most sought-after coins, with one selling for a staggering $1.8 million in 2015. If you ever come across one of these, you’ve hit the jackpot.
6. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar (PR68 Class 1)
- Minted: 8 coins
- Material: 90% silver, 10% copper
Even rarer than the Coiled Hair Stella is the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar. While there were records of nearly 20,000 coins being minted in 1804, only eight are considered Class 1, making them some of the rarest coins in existence.
One was sold at auction for $7.6 million in 2021, solidifying its place as one of the most valuable coins in the world.
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How To Identify Valuable Coins
Not every coin from the 1800s is worth a fortune, but some simple checks can help you figure out if you’ve got something valuable:
- Inspect for Mint Errors: Look for any unusual markings on the coin, like doubled letters or numbers.
- Check the Condition: A coin in mint or near-mint condition will often be more valuable than one that is heavily worn.
- Look for Unusual Details: Examine the coin closely for any rare features, such as a misprinted date or a strange die rotation.
- Get it Appraised: If you think you’ve found something special, take the coin to a professional appraiser for an expert opinion.
If you do have a rare and valuable coin, you can choose to keep it as part of your collection or sell it at an auction to make a profit. Platforms like Stack’s Bowers or USA Coin Book are great places to start if you’re considering selling.
Final Thoughts
Rare coins from the 1800s can be worth a significant amount of money, but it’s important to know what you have. With limited numbers in circulation, these coins are highly coveted by collectors around the world.
If you think you’ve found something valuable, take the time to research it or get it appraised. You could be holding a small fortune in your hands!