Most Valuable One Dollar Coin
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, PCGS MS66
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is one of the world’s most famous coins. It marks the inaugural year for U.S. silver dollars and is believed to possibly be the very first coin struck in this series. Graded MS66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), it is in near-perfect, mint condition. In 2013, businessman Bruce Morelan paid $10 million to acquire this coin at auction. It was later sold privately in 2022 for an impressive $12 million.
2. 1870 S Seated Liberty Dollar, PCGS MS62
The 1870 S Seated Liberty Dollar is highly prized among collectors. Although many exist, most are in lower grades. This particular coin is the finest known specimen, rated MS62 by PCGS. It sold for $1,092,500 in 2003, and today its value is estimated around $2.5 million, though it could fetch even higher prices in future auctions.
3. 1796 P Draped Bust Dollar, Small Date, Small Letters (Regular Strike), MS65
Among the three variations of the 1796 Draped Bust Dollar, the small date with small letters version is the most common. However, coins in excellent condition are extremely rare. One graded MS65 sold in 2020 for $705,000, a significant jump compared to a circulated version that sold for $46,000 in 2003.
4. 1803 Draped Bust Dollar, PCGS PR66
The 1803 Draped Bust Dollar is a rare proof coin, with only four known to exist. This PR66 graded example was auctioned for $852,000 in 2013. Proof coins are struck with special dies and higher quality standards, often resulting in superior detail compared to regular mint state coins.
5. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar, Class I, PCGS PR68
The 1804 Draped Bust Dollar Class I is one of the rarest coins ever made, with only eight known examples. These coins were originally part of a special set intended for the Sultan of Muscat. One such coin, graded PR68, sold for a staggering $7.68 million in 2021, ranking among the highest prices ever paid for a one-dollar coin.
6. 1795 Off-Center Bust Dollar, PCGS MS66 CAC
The 1795 Off-Center Bust Dollar is an error coin where the design is slightly misaligned. This MS66 graded specimen, verified by CAC, is one of the finest of its kind. It fetched $705,000 at auction in 2020, demonstrating collectors’ enthusiasm for error coins in excellent condition.
7. 1798 Wide Date Dollar, PCGS MS65 CAC
The 1798 Wide Date Dollar is a prized collectible, especially when in mint condition. This example, graded MS65 by PCGS and CAC-certified, sold for $270,250 in 2020. Its sale price exceeded estimates of $200,000 to $250,000, showcasing its desirability among collectors.
8. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar Restrike – Class III, PCGS PR58
Class III 1804 Draped Bust Dollars were restrikes made secretly years after the original production, designed to replicate older coins. Only six are known to exist. One PR58 graded example sold at auction in 2009 for $2.3 million, emphasizing the rarity and fascination surrounding these coins.
9. 1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar, PCGS MS67 CAC
The 1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar is a scarce Morgan series coin, particularly in high grades. Only 100,000 were minted, and many were melted down later, making surviving coins rare. The finest known specimen, graded MS67 and CAC-certified, sold for $2.1 million in 2021.
10. 1964-D Peace Dollar
The 1964-D Peace Dollar remains one of the most mysterious coins in U.S. history. Though it was produced in limited quantities during a 1965 production run, it was quickly halted, and no verified examples have surfaced. PCGS has offered a $10,000 reward for an authentic specimen. If one is ever found, its value would likely be priceless.
11. 1976 Eisenhower Dollar No S, Type II, Silver, PCGS PR66 CAM
The 1976 Eisenhower Dollar without an “S” mintmark is the rarest modern U.S. coin. Produced as a test strike at the Philadelphia Mint, only one is known to exist. Graded PR66 with a cameo finish, this unique coin is valued at around $850,000.
Conclusion
These coins represent some of the rarest and most valuable U.S. one-dollar coins ever known. From historic minting milestones to modern rarities, the numismatic world holds many treasures. If you own a silver dollar, especially from 1964, it might be worth having it professionally appraised—you could be sitting on a valuable piece of history.
FAQ
What makes the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar so valuable?
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is believed to be one of the first silver dollars minted, and its exceptional quality (graded MS66) makes it highly desirable to collectors. It fetched a record-breaking $10 million at auction in 2013.
Why is the 1870 S Seated Liberty Dollar so sought after?
This coin is one of the finest surviving examples of the 1870 S Seated Liberty Dollar, with a grade of MS62. Its rarity and historical significance contribute to its high value, with a current estimated worth of around $2.5 million.
What is a “Proof” coin?
A “Proof” coin is a specially made coin intended for collectors, often with higher quality than typical circulation coins. These coins are struck multiple times to create a detailed, mirror-like finish, making them much rarer and more valuable.
What is the significance of the 1964-D Peace Dollar?
The 1964-D Peace Dollar is famous for being controversial, as it is unclear whether it even exists due to the cancellation of its production. If one were to surface, its value would be astronomical, making it one of the most mysterious coins in American history.
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