One of the most important things in your home might be so small that you can fit it in the palm of your hand.
People who have rare coins in their homes, whether they are their own or from a loved one, may feel like they have found a wealth chest in a single coin.
Some rare coins are expected to be the big stars of 2025 by people who know a lot about coins. Check your own collection or the attic of your family to see if any of them are already shining in your home.
United States Trophy Coins
Trophy coins are as beautiful and classy as any rare coin, and they often have interesting stories behind them. If you listen to Ian Russell, head of Great Collections, U.S. trophy coins are about to get stronger on the market.
As examples of coins to be careful with, he points out 1913 Liberty Head nickels, 1804 silver dollars, and Morgan design 1893 San Francisco mint dollars. This is partly because these coins are different from others.
People who are into collecting Lincoln cents want to know if any of the coins have marks that make them stand out.
Most of the time, the first question is, “Do you have a 1909-S VDB (with designer Victor D. Brenner’s initials at the bottom on the tail’s side) or a 1955 Doubled Die?” “All of these are trophies that people collect,” Russell said.
He said that these coins will go up in value because there aren’t many of them and more and more fans want coins with important dates and big rarities.
Double Eagle Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Not only can coins be used as money, they can also be works of art. In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt asked the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a $20 gold coin, also known as a “double eagle.” He did this to make American coins look better. People now think that coin is one of the most beautiful in the United States.
Russell said, “These might be the best trophy coins ever.” He said that for the past four years, their worth has been steadily going up.
American Hartfold Gold says that a nice 1907 Saint-Gaudens coin could fetch $1,139, which is about the same price as gold right now. On the other hand, a 1908-S that has never been used could fetch more than $8,600.
Numismatic Coins
When someone, a business, or a group that isn’t part of the government or the public issues coins, that’s called numismatic.
So says Jack McNamara, co-founder of Rare Collectibles TV. Their value is also going up. He said that private mints are using the newest technology along with well-known numismatic art to make dramatic and unique coins, like kilo-sized coins shaped like cubes.
In the past, this area of numismatics wasn’t given much attention, but now there is a real secondary market growing, and the big auction houses are starting to show these pieces.
FAQ: Rare Coins
1. Why are rare coins becoming more valuable?
Rare coins are increasing in value due to their historical significance, scarcity, and growing demand among collectors. Coins tied to key moments in history or with limited mintages tend to become more valuable over time, especially as more collectors enter the market.
2. What are U.S. trophy coins, and why are they important?
U.S. trophy coins are rare, historically significant coins that hold a special place in numismatic collections. They are often sought after for their rarity, unique design, or historical context. Some examples include the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, 1804 Silver Dollar, and the 1893-S Morgan Dollar. These coins stand out due to their scarcity and increasing market demand.
3. Which rare coins should I check for in my collection?
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five known examples of this coin exist, making it extremely valuable.
- 1804 Silver Dollar: One of the most famous and rarest coins in U.S. history, known as the “King of American Coins.”
- 1893-S Morgan Dollar: Considered one of the rarest Morgan Dollars, especially in higher grades, due to its low mintage. These coins are often highlighted by collectors and experts as pieces that could continue to rise in value.
4. Why are Lincoln cents, like the 1909-S VDB and 1955 Doubled Die, so collectible?
The 1909-S VDB and 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cents are highly prized due to their distinctive minting errors or design elements. The 1909-S VDB coin bears the initials of the designer, Victor D. Brenner, and was struck in limited quantities, while the 1955 Doubled Die exhibits a striking error where the date appears doubled. These rare varieties are highly coveted by collectors, driving up their value.
5. What makes the 1907 and 1908-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles so special?
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, are regarded as some of the most beautiful coins ever produced in the U.S. The 1907 version is especially popular, with some coins selling for around $1,139, close to the price of gold. A well-preserved 1908-S can command significantly higher prices, exceeding $8,600. These coins are valued for both their aesthetic appeal and historical significance.
