Currency is a widely sought out and collected part of the world’s history that dates back throughout hundreds of years. More specifically, coins have held some type of worth all around the world dating back as early as the 1700’s. Just think back to any movie or television show that at some point reveals a form of currency; it’s more than likely coins. Although these coins started out being worth a single dollar at the very most, their age and rarity have skyrocketed in value and now are purchased for millions of dollars. Here are the five most expensive coins ever sold.
5. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Wing) – $4.58 Million
The 1787 Doubloon was created by Ephraim Brasher (EB) who pushed his idea for a copper set of coins on the state of New York who was disinterested in his idea because the coins were going to be made from copper. Despite the rejection, Ephraim Brasher still privately minted his doubloons and mainly used copper and bronze, but actually created some coins with 22-carat gold. These rare few are now worth millions, the latest being sold in January of 2014 for $4.58 million.
4. 1343 Edward III Florin – $6.8 Million
Yes, that is correct, the Edward III Florin was minted all the way back in 1343 by the Spink firm. The coin is 671 years old at this point and is very rare because there are only three (known) to be left in the entire world. The coin was created by King Edward III with the hopes of creating a sustainable gold coin to use in both England and the rest of Europe. The problem? These coins ended up being too light for how much they were worth and merchants refused to accept them.
3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon (EB on Breast) – $7.4 Million
At number three we return to yet another 1787 Brasher Doubloon. This is exactly the same 22-carat gold coin seen at number five but with one slight difference; its the only Brasher Doubloon to ever have his EB stamped onto the Eagle’s breast rather than its wing (seen above).
2. 1933 Double Eagle – $7.6 Million
The 1933 Double Eagle earns its value because when it was made, current president Franklin D. Roosevelt would not allow the $20 gold coins to be released due to the horrible financial crisis. Somehow, 20 of them did slip through the cracks and have popped up here and there, but the 90% gold 10% copper coins are worth way more than their assigned value.
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1. 1874/5 Flowing Hair Silver/Copper Dollar – $10 Million
These 90% silver 10% copper coins earn their worth because they happen to be the first $1 coin created and released by the United States government. The United States Federal Mint had just gotten started so this flowing haired goddess is a huge piece of U.S. history which is why the value is so insanely high.
