Famous U.S. Coins with Fascinating Stories Behind Them
Some of the most famous and rare U.S. coins come with fascinating stories that captivate numismatists and history enthusiasts alike. Take, for example, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, one of the most legendary coins in American numismatic history.
It is believed that only five of these nickels were ever minted, and their creation was unauthorized. The coin was struck secretly by the U.S. Mint’s chief engraver, who had been working on the design changes for the new Buffalo Nickel.
This coin remained a mystery for many years, with no one knowing how it surfaced until one of the coins was discovered in 1920. Today, it is considered a highly sought-after piece, fetching millions of dollars at auctions.
Another intriguing coin is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, which holds a compelling tale of legal battles and rarity. This coin was part of a large batch of gold coins that were struck but never circulated due to the U.S. abandoning the gold standard during the Great Depression.
Most of the 1933 Double Eagles were ordered to be melted down, but a small number escaped destruction, leading to their legendary status. The U.S. government fought for decades to reclaim them, and it wasn’t until the 1990s that a coin was finally sold legally for a record-breaking $7.6 million.
Meanwhile, the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, struck in limited quantities in Denver, is another rare and highly collectible coin due to its scarcity. The coin was part of the last mintage of the series before the gold standard was abolished.
While not as famous as the 1933 version, the 1927-D is still highly valued by collectors. The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar also comes with an intriguing history. As the first dollar coin ever struck by the U.S.
Mint, it’s a symbol of the nation’s early steps toward economic independence. Only a handful of these coins remain, making it one of the most coveted pieces of American coinage, with one selling for over $10 million at auction in 2013.