10 Most Expensive Gold Coins in the World

From centuries-old currency to modern masterpieces, gold coins are highly sought after by both collectors and investors. But what makes the world’s most expensive coins so incredibly valuable? And are there more affordable options worth adding to your collection?

Why Are Gold Coins So Valuable?

Before we dive into the priciest gold coins, it’s important to understand what makes them so valuable. Gold coins are valuable for several reasons. Firstly, gold is a finite resource and a sought-after precious metal which has held its value over time. Often, coins have intricate details which are attractive to investors and collectors. Additionally, numismatic coins are rare and have historical significance.

Here’s why gold coins are valuable:

Rarity: Fewer coins mean higher demand.
Historical significance: Coins tied to major events or figures are desirable.
Condition: Uncirculated or proof coins command premium prices.
Design: Unique and intricate designs boost desirability.
Gold purity: Coins with 999.9 fine gold are highly prized.

🏆 The 10 Most Expensive Gold Coins in the World

While all gold coins have value, some worth a lot more than others – so let’s dive into the top 10 most expensive gold coins ever sold.

10. 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle – Up to $475,000

1907 $20 High Relief, Wire Rim : History & Value | CoinWeek

Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin is considered one of the most beautiful ever minted in the United States. It was part of a bold initiative to elevate American coin design in the early 20th century.

The value of these coins varies depending on their condition and year of mintage. A 1922 Saint-Gaudens has a value of around $1,500, while an uncirculated 1927 Saint-Gaudens could fetch as much as $475,000.

9. 1804 Eagle Gold Coin – Up to $565,000

With two varieties featuring either 13 or 14 stars, this coin was created during a national coin shortage. Its scarcity and connection to early U.S. monetary history make it highly prized.

The value of these coins depends on the number of stars on the reverse. A 14-star reverse coin can range in price from $6,000 to $28,000, while the 13-star variety is more valuable, fetching $45,000 to $200,000.

8. 1343 Edward III Florin – $600,000+

1343 Edward III Florin - the coin is currently valued at $6.8 million : r/coins

Minted under the reign of King Edward III, this medieval English coin was withdrawn shortly after release due to issues with valuation. Only three are known to have survived to this day. One Edward III Florin sold at auction for approximately $600,000 in 2006, and the remaining two are held by the British Museum.

7. 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle – $1.5 Million

Proof 1829 $5 coin tops third Bass sale by Heritage

Minted in Philadelphia, this coin features Lady Liberty and a rare proof finish, with fewer than 10 examples known. It’s a standout in early U.S. coinage due to its rarity and fine detail.

The coin comes in two varieties: one with a small date on it and another with a slightly larger date. Coin collectors believe that there are around 10 of these gold coins left today.

An uncirculated MS-60 Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle can sell for around $260,000, while an uncirculated MS-63 sells for about $492,000. A proof of the 1829 Proof Capped Bust Gold Half Eagle, the finest quality of coin produced by the US Mint, can fetch around $1.5 million.

6. 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – $4 Million

2007 Canada $1 Million 100 Kilo Gold Maple Leaf | GovMint.com

Weighing 100kg and made of 99.999% pure gold, this coin is among the purest and largest gold coins ever created. With only six ever minted — and one famously stolen from the Bode Museum in Germany in 2017 — it’s a legend among collectors.

5. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar – $4.6 Million

File:Gold dinar of al-Walid 707-708 CE.jpg - Wikipedia

Struck during the reign of Caliph Yazid II, this Islamic coin references a gold mine owned by the Caliph himself. Its religious and historical significance makes it one of the most valuable Islamic coins ever sold.

Minted during the reign of Yazid II (720–724), this coin was created after the discovery of a gold mine in his territory. The coin bears an inscription that translates to “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful.”

One Umayyad Gold Dinar sold at auction for approximately $4.6 million, while another coin of the same type fetched a similar price in 2019.

4. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel – $5+ Million

Though technically a nickel, these coins are so rare and mysterious that they command gold-level prices. Only five exist, and their unauthorised production adds to their mystique. Today, a quality Liberty Head V Nickel can sell for more than $5 million.

3. 1787 Brasher Doubloon – $9.36 Million

Handcrafted by goldsmith Ephraim Brasher, this pre-U.S. Mint coin is one of the earliest examples of American numismatics. Brasher created this coin after the State of New York denied his petition to mint copper coins. The coin had a face value of $16 and contained 26.6 grams of 22-karat gold.

One Brasher Doubloon sold at auction for $625,000 in 1981. In 2005, three styles of the Brasher Doubloon were sold to private collectors by Heritage Auction Galleries, with one coin fetching nearly $3 million.

In 2011, a Wall Street investment firm purchased one for a record-breaking $7.4 million, but in 2021, Heritage Auctions sold a Brasher Doubloon for an astounding $9.36 million.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle – $18.8 Million

Only legal 1933 Saint-Gaudens gold $20 double eagle in June auction

Despite having a mintage of nearly half a million, almost all were melted down due to the Gold Reserve Act. Currently, ten are held in the US Fort Knox Bullion Depository, and the US National Numismatic Collection holds two others.

The final coin, known as the Weitzman Specimen, was purchased by Stuart Weitzman for $7.59 million in 2002 and sold at auction for a staggering $18.8 million in 2021.

1. The Crown (2023) – $23 Million

$23 million coin celebrating Queen Elizabeth unveiled | Fortune

Created by the East India Company to honour Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown is made from nearly 4kg of gold and encrusted with 6,426 diamonds. It is the most expensive gold coin ever made — and there’s only one in the world.

Which Gold Coins Should You Buy Instead?

Not everyone can afford to spend millions on gold coins, but luckily, you don’t need that much to invest in investment-grade gold coins. If you’re looking for more affordable and accessible alternatives, try these: