6 Rare Coins From the 1800s Worth Thousands That Are Highly Coveted by Coin Collectors

The prospect of purchasing 1800s rare coins is based on historical interest and, of course, high value for money. And precious stories can be brought to life while fulfilling the dream of collectors whose collections are worth thousands, if not millions, of dollars. To many collectors, novice and expert, the coins of the nineteenth century are some of the most coveted and valuable in the whole wide world.

Six valuable coins of 1800s that get sold at a staggering amount will be discussed in this article . From how they are made to how they are distributed, these coins are treasures amongst collectors of coins on the market.

A Quick Overview: 6 Rare Coins From the 1800s

Coin Name	Quantity Minted	Key Composition	Auction Value
1822 American Half Eagle AU-50	17,796	91.7% gold, 8.3% copper	$14,000 (1945)
1878 S Trade Dollar PCGS MS68	4,162,000	90% silver, 10% copper	$252,000 (2019)
1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle	2,976,453	90% gold, 10% copper	$352,500 (2013)
1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle	7,200	90% gold, 10% copper	$115,000 (2007)
1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella	10	86% gold, 10% copper, 4% silver	$1.8 million (2015)
1804 Draped Bust Dollar	8	90% silver, 10% copper	$7.6 million (2021)

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1. 1822 American Half Eagle AU-50: A Crown Jewel of U.S. Coinage

The 1822 American Half Eagle AU-50 is among the scarcest and popular coins in US Coinage history. There are just three documented examples in existence making its scarcity unrivalled. This $5 coin had a high percentage of gold, 91.7% when it was minted, and was also in circulation before its mintage decreased. Of the number of existing specimens, only one is made available to collectors, while two are preserved at the Smithsonian Institution.

This wonderful find was sold for $14,000 at auction, which must have looked like an incredibly large amount to pay for a book at the time, 1945. Because of its scarcity and age it is still considered to be among the most popular coins for the circle of elite coin freaks.

2. 1878 S Trade Dollar PCGS MS68: A Rare Survivor

Even though, according to the estimates, more than 4 million 1878 S Trade Dollars were struck, most pieces were refined in the middle of the twentieth century. This left but a small number of these coins in existence today. Trade Dollar coin is 90% silver and it was first minted for trade purposes especially in the orient.

Another stunning PCGS MS68 is available and it was sold for $252,000 in the auction held in 2019. Being detailed in workmanship aswell as featuring a very significant historical importance, the 1878 S Trade Dollar is among the most sought after of any collectible coin.

3. 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle: The Gold Standard

Designed by Anthony C. Paquet, the 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle faced production challenges that limited its output. Although over 2.9 million coins were minted, only a small fraction survived in exceptional condition.

The fact that some specimens of this coin were found aboard the S.S. Central America ship added to such coins’ legend. Another coin that really interested the gold coin collectors found its place among them and was bought for $ 352,500 in the auction made in 2013.

4. 1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle: A Pioneer of U.S. Coin Design

Influenced by Anthony C. Paquet, the 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle succumbed to a design problem that restricted its circulation. This fiscal and physical reserve expressed itself through the minting of over 2.9 million aurei, but there are very few of these coins that are now in circulation and are in almost perfect condition.

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Discoveries made recently of some specimens on S.S. Central America have further enhanced this coinage’s history. It has labelled a well-preserved card as being worth an auction figure of $352,500 in 2013 putting it in the list of highly valuable gold coins.

5. 1880 $4 Coiled Hair Stella: A Marvel of Experimentation

The $4 coiled hair Stella minted in 1880 is one of the most elusive of any coins to have ever been produced in the United States of America, with records pointing to only ten such. This coin was introduced when the federal government was attempt to bring its coinage in tandem with other leading monetary systems of that era. It is made of gold, copper and silver and delicately carved to represent some style and workmanship.

One of such coins was sold in 2015 for a huge amount of 1.8 million dollars which makes this coin one of the most valuable experimental assets in history.

6. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar: The King of American Coins

Overwhelmingly acclaimed as the ‘King of American Coins,’ the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the pristine treasured coinage in the entire world. It is in fact known that approximately 19 750 silver dollars were stamped ‘1794 but in reality, 1804 is now considered to have been mostly real 1804 fabrications for simplicity’s sake. At present only eight samples of Class I severity are known to exist.

An MS-66 specimen of the Draped Bust Dollar is a type that can get auctioned at a record $7.6 million as per the auction carried out in 2021. In that respect, it is unbeatable because it is one of the rarest, historically most important and legendary coins in the annals of the US fifty cent pieces.

How to Identify Rare Coins From the 1800s

If you think you may own a rare coin, here are key steps to identify its value:

Examine Mintmarks and Dates: Those checking coins should consider mintmarks or variations on dates as some important attributes to consider.
Check Coin Condition: Original or near original condition pieces demand the most money.
Identify Flaws or Errors: Double strikes, off-center designs, and mint errors all increase the value of any particular coin.
Consult an Expert: If it looks dodgy and you cannot check its authenticity, then seek help of professional numismatists or companies such as PCGS for valuation.

Where to Sell Rare Coins

If you discover a rare coin, consider these options to maximize its value:

Professional Auctions: Auction houses like Stack’s Bowers specialize in high-value numismatic items.
Online Marketplaces: Platforms such as USA Coin Book connect buyers and sellers.
Certified Dealers: Visiting reputable coin dealers ensures professional appraisals and fair offers.
Each option provides unique benefits, so choose based on your needs and goals.

FAQs About Rare Coins From the 1800s

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How can I tell if the coin I have is worth a lot of money?

There are three primary indicators that suggest that your coin is rare Coins with low mintage are usually rare, and the minting authorities do imperfections or errors, there are characteristics on the physical appearance of the coin that have been approved to be genuine by professional numismatists.

Is a damaged rare coin still worth something?

Indeed, it is; even if the coin is particularly damaged, its value is not completely wiped out if the coin is particularly rare.

Why is the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar so valuable?

First off, the U.S. Mint halted production of this dollar in 1804, and as it turned out, it did not restrike this piece until many years later; second, the 1804 Draped Bust Dollar is steeped in historical tradition; and third, this coin has not just been classified as a collectible piece but an elite collectible piece.

Where can I sell rare coins?

The best places to offer collecting coins include, professional auctions, certificated dealers, and trusted online selling services.

Final Thoughts

Rare coins from the 1800s are a unique mix of history, beauty, and often staggering value. It is always exciting for a second generation collector or an individual who has just come across old pieces of family treasures to unveil the stories and meaning behind possessing these scarce pieces of work.

Which of the 19th century rare coins do you prefer? Please leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below and Check our other articles on historical collectibles.