19 Rarest And Most Valuable Gold Coins Worth Money

Every rare coin collector wants one of these most valuable gold coins in their collection. For some good information and entertainment I have created a list of the 19 rarest and most valuable gold coins worth money and their best prices.

I’m just like you, fascinated by gold coins and silver coins. There’s something captivating about them. Perhaps it’s their value history, or the artistic space they take up on a shelf, or just the thought of being able to pass them on a generation down. Whatever it is, I like it. Gold is an excellent investment vehicle for several reasons. It never ceases to hold its value.

Would you like to see what rare gold coins are worth a lot of money? Of course, you would! That’s why we’ve tested and compiled a list of the 19 rarest and most valuable gold coins in the world. Check them out below.

19 Rarest and Most Valuable Gold Coins Worth Money: List

No
Gold Coins
Grade
Price Sold
1
$1 1849 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS63
$493,500
2
$1 1850 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS63
$24,675
3
$1 1852 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS63
$27,600
4
$1 1853 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS65+
$108,000
5
$1 1854 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS64
$64,625
6
$1 1850 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar
MS64
$34,500
7
$2.50 1840 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter
MS63
$32,775
8
$2.50 1840 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter
MS64
$36,800
9
$2.50 1844 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter
MS62
$20,700
10
$1 1856 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar: Slanted 5
MS64+
$38,400
11
$1 1857 C Large Indian Head Gold Dollar
MS62
$16,450
12
$1 1858 D Large Indian Head Gold Dollar
MS66
$74,750
13
 $1 1874 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar
MS68+
$26,400
14
$1 1875 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar
MS66+
$72,000
15
$2.50 1915 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle
MS66
$25,850
16
$2.50 1909 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle
MS66+
$15,275
17
$2.50 1912 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle
MS66+
$32,400
18
 $1 1855 C Small Indian Head Gold Dollar
MS62+
$32,400
19
$2.50 1842 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter Eagle
MS63
$19,200

1. $1 1849 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $493,500

Grade: MS63

$1 1849 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar

The 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar produced at the Charlotte Mint is one of the rarest coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. This coin is the rarest gold dollar from any mint, and it is among the rarest United States gold coins made as a business strike.

Despite the fact that a good example of this variety recently sold for a high six-figure price, it remains little known in the general collecting community.

2. $1 1850 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $24,675

Grade: MS63

$1 1850 C Liberty Head Gold Dollar

The 1850-C gold dollar has the second lowest mintage figure of any Charlotte Mint coin. In terms of overall rarity, it is tied with the 1859-C as the second rarest gold dollar from the mint. The 1850-C is among Charlotte gold dollars’ most elusive issues. It is most often seen well worn with typical survivor grading Very Fine to Extremely Fine.

The 1850-C is most often found with a weak strike. On the obverse, the hair near the ear and above the eye is often flat and lifeless. The hair on the rest of the head may be sharp, although the top may be weak as well.

3. $1 1852 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $27,600

Grade: MS63

$1 1852 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

The 1852-D gold dollar is a particularly rare coin. It is most often seen in Extremely Fine-40 to About Uncirculated-55. In higher circulated grades, it becomes quite hard to find and in Mint State grade, it is extremely rare.

The quality of strike varies greatly among 1852-D gold dollars. Some are reasonably well-struck, but most are weak in the centers due to heavily clashed dies. The luster is frosty and of above-average quality for the issue.

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4. $1 1853 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $108,000

Grade: MS65+

$1 1853 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

The 1853-D gold dollar is one of six in the Type One Dahlonega series and has a rarity ranking of fourth. The 1853-D gold dollar can be found in grades ranging from Extremely Fine-40 to About Uncirculated-50. with values generally increasing as the grade increases.

Although the 1853-D half eagle has a mintage of nearly 90,000 pieces, its gold dollar counterpart is much rarer. Only 6,583 pieces were struck of this coin, and most survivors are in grades ranging from XF to AU.

5. $1 1854 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $64,625

Grade: MS64

$1 1854 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Walter Breen, in his monograph on gold dollars published in 1965, estimated that only 25-30 1854-D gold dollars were struck. While the actual number of these coins is unknown, they are still rare and desirable. The 1854-D gold dollar is most often seen in grades of Very Fine or Extremely Fine. It is quite rare in About Uncirculated and most of the coins in this grade range aren’t choice.

The obverse is strikingly detailed, with sharp definition on the stars and hair from rim to rim. A golden-toned halo of mint frost encircles Liberty’s head. This MS64 piece seems to be the only finest certified example of this elusive issue.

6. $1 1850 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

Price: $34,500

Grade: MS64

$1 1850 D Liberty Head Gold Dollar

The 1850-D gold dollar is a coin that is often underrated. It is most often seen in Very Fine and Extremely Fine grades. It is extraordinarily rare in the lower About Uncirculated grades and very rare in About Uncirculated-55. The 1850-D, in Mint State, is extremely rare and rivals the 1854-D and the 1856-D.

The quality of strike on most 1850-D gold dollars is below average; the obverse, which usually shows flatness, is usually seen that way. While collectors may covet the 1855-D and 1861-D gold dollars out of the Duke’s Creek Collection, however, this 1850-D is among the most important.

7. $2.50 1840 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter

Price: $32,775

Grade: MS63

$2.50 1840 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter

The 1840-C quarter eagle is usually seen in Very Fine to Extremely Fine grades and is more available in higher grades than generally acknowledged. A number of the higher-grade pieces were not known to collectors until recently. This date is quite rare in higher AU grades, and it is very rare in Mint State.

This Charlotte quarter eagle is much better struck than most of the other issues from this mint. It is among the best-struck Charlotte quarter eagles. You can find examples of the centers and borders in complete detail.

8. $2.50 1840 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter

Price: $36,800

Grade: MS64

$2.50 1840 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter

The design of the quarter eagle was changed in 1840 and Christian Gobrecht’s new Coronet or Liberty Head design was introduced. In addition, the mintmark was moved from the obverse to the reverse. The 1840-O is scarce in all grades, and it is a rare issue in About Uncirculated and above.

Despite its rarity and historic significance, the issue is still not highly rated. The luster on higher-quality pieces is usually soft and frosty. There are a few very nice semi-prooflike examples, but most have some surface abrasions and poor eye appeal.

9. $2.50 1844 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter

Price: $20,700

Grade: MS62

$2.50 1844 C Coronet Head Gold Quarter

The 1844-C quarter eagle is seldom available in any condition and extremely rare in higher grades. It has the ninth-lowest average grade of any quarter eagle. The C mintmark on this coin is large, as it is on the 1843-C Large Date and all subsequent years. This date is typically found in lower grades than most other Charlotte quarter eagles.

The fact that the 1844-C quarter eagle is among the most poorly struck Charlotte coins of any denomination only exacerbates the extensive wear seen on this issue.

10. $1 1856 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar: Slanted 5

Price: $38,400

Grade: MS68+

$1 1856 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

This is one of the most common varieties of Type III gold dollars. However, most specimens offered to collectors are well-worn, and although uncirculated coins are available, they are offered with less frequency than collectors might expect. In choice condition, this date is much rarer than any of the dates in the 1880s.

This gold dollar has a frosty lemon-yellow luster with delicate blue and rose overtones. The coin’s surfaces are virtually blemish-free, with only a trivial mark in the left branch of the wreath.

11. $1 1857 C Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

Price: $16,450

Grade: MS62

$1 1857 C Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

The planchets used to strike 1857-C gold dollars were bad, and so was the quality of minting. Even the best available specimens are awful to look at, and very difficult to grade. In examining a coin, you must look at the quality of its surfaces and mint lustre rather than at the typical grading points that one would examine on an 1857.

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Even uncirculated specimens are often of so poor a grade that their true rarity is not reflected in prices. For example, the 1857-C Uncirculated Niewoehner specimen brought only $1,100 and yet it was the first uncirculated coin of this type on sale at auction in eight years.

12. $1 1858 D Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

Price: $74,750

Grade: MS66

$1 1858 D Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

The 1858-D is one of the more widely available Type Three gold dollars from this mint. A number of higher grade Dahlonega Type Three gold dollars exist, and thus it is an excellent date for the type collector who wishes to obtain a single specimen.

Finding the 1858-D gold dollar in Very Fine and Extremely Fine grades is not too difficult. It becomes rare in desirable About Uncirculated-55 and better and scarce in lower About Uncirculated grades.

13. $1 1874 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

Price: $26,400

Grade: MS68+

$1 1874 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

This is the most prevalent Type III gold dollar after 1862; it is easily accessible in all grades, particularly gem uncirculated. Similar to the 1873, there are different versions of the 1874 that include full, partial, or no LIBERTY.

The 1874 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar has an estimated value of $306 in Average Condition but could be worth up to $1,007 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Proof coins may be worth up to $13,608.

14. $1 1875 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

Price: $72,000

Grade: MS66+

$1 1875 Large Indian Head Gold Dollar

The 1875 gold coin features one of the lowest mintages of any regularly minted U.S. gold currency, with a total issue of just 420 pieces. Due to the extremely low mintage, almost every specimen is a “first strike,” and as a result, all have surfaces that resemble full proof.

This Premium Gem might be taken for a proof with ease. Deep depth of field is present on the deep orange-gold surfaces, and the fully struck motifs produce a subdued cameo effect.

Almost no contact traces are visible, although a few faint file marks made by the Mint run from the C in AMERICA up further into the field. The chance to get the best certified example of this premier rarity is enormous and unlikely to arise again very soon with this coin.

15. $2.50 1915 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Price: $25,850

Grade: MS66

$2.50 1915 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

With the exception of the fairly frequent 1908, the 1915 is the early issue that is most prevalent in all Mint State grades. In MS-63 or less, it is not too difficult to discover, but MS-64 examples are definitely less common. There are a few excellent pieces, including three that are almost perfect, but this issue is far rarer than MS-65.

The 1915 has moderate luster, which is common for the series, and is normally nicely struck. Some specimens have some surface grit, but it’s not as noticeable as it is on most early issues. The color is typically pleasing, ranging from light to medium golden gold with occasionally coppery highlights.

16. $2.50 1909 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Price: $15,275

Grade: MS66+

$2.50 1909 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

The 1909 is scarce but by no means rare in lower Mint State grades, and it is not very challenging to find specimens in the MS-60 to 63 range. However, after then, the population steadily declines, making actual gems incredibly difficult to locate. There aren’t many excellent pieces, but there are several.

The majority of Mint State examples are accurately struck, and the 1908 standard loss of feather definition on the eagle is not present on any of these coins. The luster is nearly always excellent, and exceptionally fine specimens frequently resemble the year’s satin finish Proofs in terms of overall beauty. However, many of them are completely frozen. Usually, gold is a light to medium yellow color.

17. $2.50 1912 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Price: $32,400

Grade: MS66+

$2.50 1912 Indian Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Unquestionably, this is one of the series’ undervalued episodes. True diamonds of 1912, however they do exist, can only be located with great difficulty. The 1911-D, 1914, and 1914-D are the only models that are more uncommon.

Examples of the coin are found quite frequently in lower Mint State grades, such as MS-60 to MS-63, although examples in MS-64 are more difficult to get. Although excellent (MS-67) parts are available, they are practically impossible to obtain for practice purposes. A date that should be a premium coin is this one, but it isn’t since people don’t generally value rarity.

18. $1 1855 C Small Indian Head Gold Dollar

Price: $36,000

Grade: MS62+

$1 1855 C Small Indian Head Gold Dollar

The early die condition just before the reverse is lapped, which is rarely encountered. Compared to Variety 1, this variety’s date is more accurate. One of the most demanded dates in the entire Charlotte coinage of this denomination is the 1855-C, which is the only Charlotte issue in the Type Two gold dollar series.

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Mint State examples are uncommon, and none are finer than MS61 at PCGS. The present sample is the only 1855-C gold dollar that has been certified as being the finest, according to NGC, which includes five coins in MS62.

Few visible abrasions can be seen on the lustrous orange-gold surfaces, and small patches of strike softness on the portrait and wreath bowknot are unobtrusive.

19. $2.50 1842 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Price: $19,200

Grade: MS63

$2.50 1842 O Coronet Head Gold Quarter Eagle

Rarer than EF in all grades and exceedingly rare. usually lightly struck, especially on the right leg of the eagle and the curls of hair around Liberty’s face. As with the 1840-O, the O mint mark is quite faint.

With only 19,800 coins produced, the 1842-O two-and-a-half has a small mintage. Although XF-AU examples are expensive and MS63 pieces are incredibly uncommon, it is collectible in VF.

How Much Is A Gold Coin Worth?

Using the current gold price and the metal content will be the first step in determining the value of your gold coin. This will reveal the coin’s most fundamental metal value, which, for the ordinary bullion coin, will serve as a reliable estimate of its value.

A gold bullion coin’s price is not set and is based on a variety of factors, just like the prices of gold bars and ingots. Calculating a gold coin’s value based on its weight, purity, and spot price of gold is the simplest method.

Even though many gold coins have nominal face values, their excellent gold content really makes them worth much more. Thus, the true worth of a gold bullion coin is determined by multiplying its pure gold content by the going spot rate for gold.

Depending on the price that the dealer provides, you can receive a little less money when selling the coin. The testing and processing of the coin will be covered by this. Also Depending on its collectability, a gold coin may occasionally be worth more than its intrinsic metal value. The value of a collectible coin may depend on a variety of things.

Gold Dollar Coin Value Chart

Due to its track record of maintaining a high value, gold is frequently utilized as a “safe-haven” and to diversify investment portfolios. Its attraction as an investment increases during periods of economic or political upheaval when confidence is low, driving up the price.

Calculating the value of a collectible gold coin is much more challenging. A patient buyer might take much longer to locate yet be willing to pay significantly more than the coin’s metal value. Value will probably be sacrificed in order to sell quickly or to a dealer.

Below is a table from coinstudy updated on 10/24/2022, showing different gold coins and their estimated value.

 

Date

Coin Grades & Estimated Value
Very Fine Extremely Fine About Uncirculated Uncirculated
$2.50 Liberty 1840-1907 $241 $261 $274 $301
$2.50 Indian 1908-1929 $288 $241 $278 $299
Liberty Five Dollar Gold 1839-1908 $375 $380 $383 $405
Indian Five Dollar Gold 1908-1929 $375 $383 $389 $429
Liberty Ten Dollar Gold 1838-1907 $760 $764 $768 $789
Indian Ten Dollar Gold 1908-1933 $775 $784 $794 $807
Liberty Twenty Dollar Gold 1850-1907 $1,536 $1,539 $1,544 $1,585
Saint-Gaudens Twenty Dollar Gold 1907-1933 $1,536 $1,541 $1,546 $1,592

Conclusion

To summarize, gold bullion is a hedge against economic turbulence and inflation. It’s a safe haven in light of geopolitical tensions and currency volatility. It can be used to diversify investment portfolios that are predominantly based in stocks and bonds, or it can be sold as physical coins, bars, and even jewelry. Simply put, gold is one of the most valuable commodities on earth.

The value of gold coins lies not in the intrinsic value of the base element, but rather in the collectible worth of the coin. These coins are no longer used as money or currency in our current economic system, and even those that were once legal tender are now out of circulation. However, for investors looking to diversify their portfolios with rare coins, these classic gold pieces make a great addition to any collection.

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