5 Serious Coin Contenders: From 1794 Flowing Hair Dimes to 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cents

This coin was minted in 1794 and 1795, with an original face value of just $1. Despite that, its relative rarity — only about 150 are estimated to remain in existence

The secondary market for coins has seen a surge in recent times, driven by factors such as inflation and the increasing exposure to live sales platforms, such as WhatNot, which have dispersed coins more widely. This expansion is also being fueled by the integration of coins into avenues like DeFi and Web3.

Coins have always held a fascination for collectors, and classic coins, in particular, are highly prized and can command incredible sums at auctions.

Here are some of the most valuable coins in the world.

* 1794 Chain $1 Coin: This American classic coin, first issued in 1794 and 1795, was originally valued at $1. However, its scarcity, with only 150 coins estimated to remain, and its high demand, have driven up its price considerably. One SP (silver plug) example sold for over $10 million in 2013.

* 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar: This coin sold for nearly $5 million during a 2019 auction at Morton & Eden. The coin, which was struck in 723 A.D. during the reign of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, is one of the most valuable Islamic coins ever sold at auction.

* Barber Dime, 1894-S PR: Only 24 of these Barber dimes were ever made, and only a surviving population of nine examples (all proof) are known to exist. In January of 2025, a PR66BM example sold for $2,160,000 via Heritage Auctions.

* 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Cent: This key date is a bit more affordable than others on this list. According to Gainesville Coins, the coin can be purchased for $175 in good condition. A high-grade example (MS66+RD) sold for nearly $160,000 during a 2018 Legend Rare Coin Auctions event.

* 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: This penny is famous for the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, which were controversially placed on the reverse. Only 484,000 were made by the San Francisco Mint, making it the lowest mintage of any Lincoln cent. The coin is categorized by color—brown, red-brown and red, with red being the most sought after. A low-grade brown 1909-S VDB might sell for around $800, while a high-grade MS65 in red can reach $8,000.

* 1849 $20 Liberty Gold Coin: With only one such coin currently definitively known to exist, housed within the Smithsonian, PCGS experts estimate its value at between $10 million and $25 million. A second example has been evidenced to exist, but its whereabouts remain unknown.