Overview of Top 13 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
Collectors seek rare coins for history, rarity, and investment potential. This guide lists the top 13 rare coins wanted by collectors and explains why each piece is prized.
Quick List: Top 13 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
- 1933 Double Eagle (United States $20 gold)
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 1894-S Barber Dime
- 1787 Brasher Doubloon
- 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type I)
- 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar
- 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar (Key dates vary by issue)
- 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar (rare strikes and restrikes)
- 1802/1803 Half Cent varieties
Why These Top 13 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors Matter
Each coin on this list has one or more qualities that make it highly collectible: low mintage, historical importance, mint errors, or unique provenance. Rarity alone does not guarantee value; condition, authentication, and documented history are essential.
1. 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is famous due to its near-total recall and legal restrictions on ownership. A 1933 Double Eagle sold at auction in 2021 for $18,872,250, demonstrating the market demand for verified examples.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Often considered among the first U.S. silver dollars, the 1794 is valued for its age and historic place in U.S. coinage. High-grade pieces are extremely rare and sought by major collectors and museums.
3. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
Nicknamed the “King of American Coins,” many 1804 dollars were struck as diplomatic presentation pieces. Their limited numbers and prestigious reputation make them top targets for serious collectors.
4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five specimens are publicly known. Provenance and documented ownership history matter greatly for this issue, and collectors often pay premiums for completed provenance chains.
5. 1894-S Barber Dime
Reportedly only 24 coins were struck at San Francisco in 1894. Few survive, and authentic specimens in any grade are highly desirable to both type and date collectors.
6. 1787 Brasher Doubloon
A privately issued gold piece by silversmith Ephraim Brasher, the Brasher Doubloon predates many official U.S. coins. Its rarity and early American origin make it an icon in numismatics.
7. 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
These coins are prized for their artistry and high relief strike. Original ultra high relief pieces are scarce and command attention from collectors of both U.S. gold coins and medallic art.
8. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
Most 1943 cents were steel; a small number were struck on bronze planchets by mistake. These error coins are extremely rare and attract intense collector interest when authenticated.
9. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type I)
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a key date in the series. Low mintages and demand among type collectors make original examples valuable, especially in higher grades.
10. 1796 Draped Bust Half Dollar
Early half dollars like the 1796 are scarce in intact condition. Collectors prize original surfaces and well-documented provenance for these foundational U.S. coins.
11. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
New Orleans mint issues and certain years of the Capped Bust series can be scarce. Condition and obverse/reverse varieties often determine collector interest for these coins.
12. 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Seated Liberty dollars have several rare issues and patterns. The 1870-S and other low-mintage years appear on specialized wants lists for advanced collectors.
13. Early Half Cent Varieties (1802–1803)
Half cents and small denominations from the early 1800s exist in many die varieties. Rarity can come from both mintage numbers and surviving population counts in collectable grades.
How to Buy Top 13 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
Buying rare coins requires care. Work with reputable dealers, verify third-party grading, and request provenance documentation whenever possible.
- Use certified grading services (PCGS, NGC).
- Ask for pedigrees and auction records when available.
- Compare offers from multiple dealers and auction houses.
- Understand conservation vs. cleaning—never buy a coin that has been improperly cleaned.
The 1933 Double Eagle was once nearly all melted, but a few examples escaped and are now among the most famous and valuable U.S. coins.
Real-World Example: 1933 Double Eagle Case Study
In 2021 a legally cleared 1933 Double Eagle sold at auction for $18,872,250. The sale highlighted the importance of legal title, official authentication, and clear provenance when trading historically restricted coins.
Buyers are advised to confirm chain of custody and to use third-party grading when bidding on marquee rarities to avoid legal or authenticity problems.
Practical Tips for New Collectors
Start by learning series basics and focusing on one area: type coins, proof sets, or a single denomination. Build relationships with local clubs and reputable dealers to gain real-world knowledge.
- Attend coin shows to inspect coins in person.
- Subscribe to auction catalogs to study realized prices.
- Join a numismatic organization for research resources.
Conclusion
The Top 13 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors blend history, scarcity, and documented provenance. Whether you collect for pleasure or investment, prioritize authentication, condition, and a careful buying process.