A dollar coin is a coin whose face value is equal to one dollar. It has only been the circulating coinage of the United States for about two decades, and in that time, there have only been a handful of different kinds of dollar coins minted for general use (there were some other dollar coins minted by the Government in the past, but they were never in regular circulation).
Every once in a while along comes a coin that just blows your mind. Coin collecting is full of amazing stories, and the rarest coins in the world have some of the best stories of all.
These 15 one-dollar coins are worth thousands and have come from some really interesting events. Together, these 15 one-dollar coins span almost 10 years and will definitely impress any coin collector or enthusiast who takes 20 minutes to read about them.
No |
Dollar Coin |
Grade |
Price Sold |
1 |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar |
MS64 |
$2,820,000 |
2 |
1795 Flowing Hair Dollar |
MS63 |
$218,500 |
3 |
1795 Draped Bust Dollar: Centered Bust Small Eagle |
MS65+ |
$456,000 |
4 |
1880 O Morgan Dollar |
MS65+ |
$27,600 |
5 |
1882 O Morgan Dollar |
MS68+ |
$108,688 |
6 |
1883 S Morgan Dollar |
MS66 |
$43,200 |
7 |
1884 S Morgan Dollar |
MS68 |
$750,000 |
8 |
1886 O Morgan Dollar |
MS65+ |
$235,000 |
9 |
1889 CC Morgan Dollar |
MS68 |
$881,250 |
10 |
1890 CC Morgan Dollars: Tail Bar |
MS65+ |
$27,025 |
11 |
1892 S Morgan Dollar |
MS68 |
$630,000 |
12 |
1921 Peace Dollars: High Relief |
MS67 |
$111,000 |
13 |
1925 S Peace Dollar |
MS65+ |
$132,000 |
14 |
1878 CC Trade Dollar |
MS65 |
$192,000 |
15 |
1876 CC Trade Dollars : Doubled Die Reverse (Type I/I) |
MS64+ |
$55,200 |
Table of Contents
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Price: $2,820,000
Grade: MS64
The Flowing Hair Dollar, the first US silver coin ever struck, was created in 1794. This coin lacked a denomination mark like “1 D.” or “One Dollar.” The coin’s diameter and the text “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” on the edge served as the only indicators of its denomination. An image of a Small Eagle is depicted on the coin’s reverse.
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is worth $108,344 in average condition and can be worth $741,010 to $1,449,191 or more in uncirculated mint condition.
2. 1795 Flowing Hair Dollar
Price: $218,500
Grade: MS63
1795 Flowing Hair Two-leaf and three-leaf silver dollars are the two most common types. Simply look behind the eagle’s wings to identify the variety; the leaf clusters will either have two or three leaves.
The 2 Leaves variation is around three times as rare as the 3 Leaves type in terms of relative rarity. Both of the major kinds are extremely difficult to find and are worth a lot. The PCGS Condition Census is comprised entirely of Mint State 64 and better coins. The best examples are a pair of Mint State 65 coins.
3. 1795 Draped Bust Dollar: Centered Bust Small Eagle
Price: $456,000
Grade: MS65+
The 1795 Draped Bust, Small Eagle Dollar’s “Centered Bust” variant refers to where the bust of Liberty is located within the die’s field. The “Off-Center Bust” is a variant in which the bust of Liberty is moved to the left. The placement of the bow behind Liberty’s head is where the difference between the two can be most clearly recognized.
It is especially easy to see how beautifully struck this gem is in Liberty’s hair and on the breast of the eagle. There are only a few little reverse adjustment marks on the exceptionally shiny silver surfaces, which are otherwise practically immaculate.
When the coin is attentively studied, a few minor field imperfections are evident, but they have little bearing on the coin’s overall aesthetic attractiveness.
4. 1880 O Morgan Dollar
Price: $27,600
Grade: MS65+
The standard date variety is present on this 1880 O Morgan Silver Dollar type, and there are no significant special features on the date. Compared to Morgan dollars produced in 1880 at other mints, this New Orleans issue is much rarer at the Gem level. These coins are the only Gem 1880-O dollars that are normally collectible, and the vast majority of Gem specimens are non-Prooflike.
With a Plus designation and a CAC endorsement, this exemplar stands out even among its contemporaries. Outstanding central strike sharpness for the issue is accompanied by satiny sheen with a faint trace of light golden toning.
Only a few minor scrapes on Liberty’s cheek prevent an even higher rating. Better illustrations of this problem are prohibitively uncommon.
5. 1882 O Morgan Dollar
Price: $108,688
Grade: MS68+
The New Orleans Mint produced slightly more than six million Morgan dollars in 1882. All dies were created at the Philadelphia Mint at the time, and the mint marks were also applied there. Because of this, there was a chance for variations to appear, which they did this year.
This magnificent object is one of The Coronet Collection’s highlights, and Jack Lee liked it so much that he put it in one of his best collections. This coin will undoubtedly rank among your collection’s major highlights. We anticipate fierce bidding and a record-breaking price.
6. 1883 S Morgan Dollar
Price: $43,200
Grade: MS66
Here is a rare example of this early Morgan dollar issue from the San Francisco Mint in superb condition. Beautiful Gem Mint State coin with only the slightest silver and champagne-gold iridescence on both sides. The fields have a little semi-reflectivity otherwise smooth to gently frosted in the finish.
Typical for the issue, it is fully struck, yet it is smoother and better kept than the great majority of 1883-S silver dollars. An 1883-S Morgan Silver Dollar is estimated to be worth $31 in average condition and can be for up to $57,095 or more in uncirculated (MS+) pristine condition.
7. 1884 S Morgan Dollar
Price: $750,000
Grade: MS68
This renowned condition rarity, the finest certified and unquestionably the greatest known 1884-S Morgan silver dollar, is on the brink of numismatic perfection. The surfaces have a lovely softly frosted mint appearance and are quite glossy.
Both sides of the coin are enhanced by wisps of iridescent gold toning that appear to be drifting in that direction. Given that the 1884-S is one of the hardest Morgan dollars to locate in excellent Gem MS-65 preservation, the eye appeal is exceptional and the striking detail is razor crisp to full throughout the design.
8. 1886 O Morgan Dollar
Price: $235,000
Grade: MS65+
This coin, which is considered to be the finest 1886-O in existence besides the 1886-O PCGS MS67DMPL, is also one of the most misunderstood and undervalued rarities in the collection. This once-in-a-lifetime coin has inarguably been carefully stored since the day it was picked at the bank. Compared to an 1886-O, it appears more like an 1886. Its original, creamy white/pale gold surfaces are enhanced by its exceptionally smooth, high-luster surfaces.
The strikes on Miss Liberty and the details are incredibly full and stand out admirably. Even cleaner than what is generally found on high-grade 1880-S Morgans is the cheek. The visual appeal is amazing!
9. 1889 CC Morgan Dollar
Price: $881,250
Grade: MS68
Rich royal blue, scarlet, and deep gold are combined with mint brightness, a casual blend of champagne gold, and amid the devices and at the rims of this silky smooth Morgan dollar. No matter how hard you look, even at low magnification, you won’t uncover a mark or flaw that warrants debate.
The 1889-CC, widely recognized as the rarest of all dates in the Carson City Morgan dollar series, blossoms into its true rarity status at about MS-64. Only the 1879-CC and the 1893-CC issues can compete with it, but only in the lower range of Mint State.
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is estimated to be worth $1,137 in average condition and can be worth $27,386 to $367,739 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
10. 1890 CC Morgan Dollars: Tail Bar
Price: $27,025
Grade: MS65+
Introducing to you one of the BEST KNOWN 1890-CC Tail Bar Morgan dollars. The technical aspects of this GEM are flawless, and it also has outstanding aesthetic appeal. The die gouge that joins the eagle’s tail feathers to the wreath on the reverse is where the variety gets its name.
This GEM is exquisitely toned! Under a colorful, speckled old envelope tone, a blazing, swirling cartwheel shine flashes boldly and beautifully. Accents of the underlying original silver surfaces combine with splashes of blue, amber, olive, and russet. Very pleasing and forcefully struck.
11. 1892 S Morgan Dollar
Price: $630,000
Grade: MS68
One of those American coins that is quite uncommon at the MS-65 level but fairly common in worn grades is the 1892-S dollar. An MS-65 coin would have sold for $50,000 or more at auction in 1992, whilst a coin in VG-8 condition was only worth about $10.
In other words, the value of an MS-65 coin is 5,000 times greater than that of a VG-8! The reason for this is because few 1892-S dollars were kept in Mint State and the majority, if not all, were circulated at or shortly after their release. The 1892-S Morgan silver dollar coin is estimated to be worth $138 in average condition and can be worth $45,576 to $211,229 or more if it’s in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
12. 1921 Peace Dollars: High Relief
Price: $111,000
Grade: MS67
The Peace dollar was created during the Great War as a souvenir to commemorate the Allies’ 1918 triumph over the Axis forces. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which authorized the Morgan dollar, served as a subsidy to Western silver producers. In contrast, the Peace dollar’s creators prioritized the welfare of the whole populace.
Through MS65 condition, the 1921 High Relief Peace dollar is easy to collect; however, MS66 becomes extremely difficult to find. Only seven instances of superb gems are listed at PCGS, while six more are listed at NGC.
This softly frosted Superb Gem has a slight softness at the hours of 12 and 6 on either side but is otherwise as powerful as it can be over the centers. Overwhelmingly brilliant and appealing are accented by delicate champagne-gold tones. In order to properly compete for this top-quality condition rarity, skilled type numismatists and series specialists will need to step up.
13. 1925 S Peace Dollar
Price: $132,000
Grade: MS65+
One of the important dates in the Peace Dollar series is 1925-S. Only a small percentage of coins are rated MS-65, and many of those must be viewed as marginal due to the softness of the strike. Gem samples are very uncommon and very expensive. Only the 1928-S is rarer at the MS-65 level than this issue, which is the only one with no instances graded higher than MS-65.
The surfaces of this piece are brilliantly glossy and exceptionally well kept, with only a hint of iridescence present across the entire coin. The high grade and CAC certification are due to an astonishing lack of apparent abrasions.
There have only been eight additional Gem samples from this date to receive a CAC green label. The strike’s centers are a little bit soft, but overall, it has an excellent definition for the problem. Without a doubt, the most beautiful 1925-S dollar ever seen.
14. 1878 CC Trade Dollar
Price: $192,000
Grade: MS65
The 1878-CC is a significant rarity in all grades, and mint-condition examples are particularly difficult to find. The current MS65 sample is one of the best-certified survivors, both in terms of population data and overall eye appeal, and it features mild but lavish toning in hues of rose, aqua, and gold.
As of this writing, NGC has also certified one Gem coin, with one higher grade, whereas PCGS has only certified one Gem specimen and one with a finer grade. The 1878-CC trade silver dollar is a rare coin with an estimated value of $692 in average condition. In uncirculated (MS+) mint condition, it can be worth $15,904 to $28,204 or more.
15. 1876 CC Trade Dollar: Doubled Die Reverse (Type I/I)
Price: $55,200
Grade: MS64+
Both sides of this coin have a gorgeous natural rainbow tone that combines shades of rust, pink, and blue. The surfaces are of the most incredible quality, and the strike is razor-sharp. This coin is amazing even without the rarity of the Doubled Die reverse.
The estimated value for 1876-CC Trade Silver Dollar (Doubled Die Reverse (Type I/I) Variety) is $305 in Average Condition and can be $11,849 to $33,972 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition.
History Of US Dollar Coins
The dollar coin is a piece of American currency with a face value of one dollar. The United States has produced dollar coins in base metal, silver, and gold varieties. In 1794, the first dollar coin was struck in the United States.
Since their introduction, dollar coins have never been particularly common. The majority of Americans still use the dollar note in spite of government initiatives to encourage its use in an effort to reduce the cost of creating one-dollar bills, such as the Presidential $1 Coin Program.
For this reason, the Mint has only minted dollar coins for collectors since December 11, 2011, and no dollar coins for regular circulation have been produced after that date. While pre-2012 circulation dollars can be purchased via the majority of U.S. banks, these collector coins can be bought directly from the Mint.
The 1804 dollar
One of the most coveted and well-known coins in the world is the 1804 dollar. Despite the fact that it was created as a consequence of a straightforward bookkeeping blunder, its status as a highly sought-after rarity has been established for almost 150 years. The silver dollars that the mint claimed was produced in 1804 were in fact dated 1803.
Seated Liberty dollar (1836–1873)
The Gobrecht dollar, which was scarcely coined before it, was replaced in 1836 by the seated Liberty dollar, which was produced in fewer numbers. Up until 1873, the dollars were in use for general commerce.
A dollar with the seated liberty is made up of 0.77344 troy ounces of silver. In Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco, they were struck. If silver costs $1.29 per troy ounce, then a silver dollar is worth $1 in silver. As of January 29, 2021, the price of silver is $27.03 per troy ounce, making the melt value of a silver dollar equal to around $20.90 USD.
Gold dollar coins (1849–1889)
Production of the gold dollar lasted from 1849 to 1889. Type I gold dollar coins date from 1849 to 1853 and measure 13 mm in diameter. Produced between 1854 and 1855, Type II gold dollars had a 15 mm diameter and were slimmer.
The Type III gold dollar, produced between 1856 and 1889, is the most prevalent. Up until the Civil War, the production of US $1 gold dollars was high, and by 1863, only the larger-value gold coins were manufactured in great numbers. The gold dollar was the smallest coin in U.S. history, due to the high value of gold.
Trade dollar (1873–1885)
The trade dollar was developed in reaction to competition from other Western powers, particularly Mexico, for the usage of this trade coinage in trade in Asia.
During their first two years of manufacturing, the majority of trade dollars were spent in China, where they had great success. Many of them had chop marks or holes that Asian merchants used as counter stamps to confirm the coins’ authenticity.
Morgan dollar (1878–1921, 2021-present)
Morgan silver dollars were produced between 1878 and 1904, with a minting in 1921 and a commemorative minting in 2021. They are all made of 90% silver and 10% copper (slightly less silver than sterling silver, 92.5%) and contain 26.73g = 0.8595 oz t of pure silver.
The coin bears the name of its creator, George T. Morgan. Morgan dollars were produced at Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (o), San Francisco (s), Carson City (c), and Denver (only in 1921). (“D” mint mark).
Peace dollar (1921–1935, 2021-present)
The Peace dollar, created by medallist Anthony de Francisci, was issued in December 1921 to mark the signing of official peace treaties between the Allies and Germany and Austria. It has the same silver-to-copper ratio as the Morgan dollar.
Two known trial strike specimens were preserved (for assay purposes) until 1970, at which point they were also melted, and none were released for either circulation or collection purposes. In May 1965, 316,000+ Peace dollars, all at the Denver Mint and dated 1964-D, were produced. However, plans to complete this coinage were abandoned, and most of those already produced were melted.
Eisenhower dollar (1971–1978)
The U.S. Mint produced dollar coins from 1971 to 1978 that featured Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro’s designs of President Dwight David Eisenhower on the obverse and the Apollo 11 Moon landing emblem on the reverse.
The Eisenhower dollars that were produced for public circulation were made of the same copper-nickel alloy as the dime, quarter, and half dollar and did not include any silver or gold. This made the circulation coins quite durable, and like the lower denominations, they still have a lot of shine even after being used frequently.
Other United States dollars minted overtime include;
- Susan B. Anthony dollar (1979–1981; 1999)
- American Silver Eagle (1986–present)
- Sacagawea dollar (2000–present)
- Presidential Dollar Coins (2007–2016; 2020)
Final Words
These are some of the rarest and valuable 1 dollar coins ever sold. Some of the older $1 coins have seen their values increase dramatically, in some cases over a thousand fold. If you are in possession of some old $1 dollar coins, it would be worth your while to take a closer look at them to see if they’re valuable enough to bring profit.
Coin collecting can be frustrating and exhilarating at the same time. The thrill of the hunt is indescribable. If you get lucky, you can find some of the most valuable coins available today. On the other hand, unless you’re financially capable of purchasing these coins, it’s likely that you’ll never even see them up close.
