#American Coins

[finerthingsblogs]

Top 10 Best Historical Coins for Collectors

The world of historical coin collecting is a fascinating intersection of art, history, and investment. Each coin carries with it the story of the era it represents, whether it's from ancient civilizations, significant historical events, or minted during the reign of great rulers. Collectors in the luxury niche appreciate historical coins not only for their beauty and rarity but also for their intrinsic value as pieces of world history. In this blog, we explore the top 10 best historical coins for collectors, delving into their backgrounds, rarity, and why they continue to captivate collectors.

1. Athenian Owl Tetradrachm (Circa 440 BC)

The Athenian Owl Tetradrachm is one of the most iconic coins from ancient Greece, recognized by its detailed depiction of an owl, the symbol of Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Minted in silver, this coin was used as currency throughout the ancient Greek world and remains one of the most collectible ancient coins today. Collectors prize the Tetradrachm for its symbolism and craftsmanship. Its strong association with the golden age of Athens and its link to the birthplace of democracy make it a standout in any collection. Depending on its condition, an Athenian Owl Tetradrachm can fetch prices ranging from $1,000 to over $20,000.

2. Roman Denarius of Julius Caesar (Circa 44 BC)

Coins featuring Julius Caesar hold immense historical significance, particularly the Roman Denarius issued during his reign. This coin, minted just before his assassination in 44 BC, features a portrait of Caesar on one side and various Roman symbols on the reverse. It is one of the earliest examples of a living ruler being depicted on currency, marking a critical shift in Roman coinage. Collectors of ancient coins are drawn to the Roman Denarius for its rarity and its direct connection to one of history’s most famous figures. Prices for Julius Caesar Denarii vary but can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, especially for well-preserved pieces.

3. St. Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933)

The St. Gaudens Double Eagle is often regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin features a striking depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and an olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. These $20 gold coins were minted from 1907 to 1933, with certain rare editions, like the 1933 Double Eagle, becoming extremely valuable. One 1933 Double Eagle sold for over $7 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive coins in the world. Collectors appreciate the Double Eagle for its beauty, historical significance, and rarity.

4. Spanish 8 Escudo "Gold Doubloon" (Late 16th to 19th Century)

The Spanish 8 Escudo, also known as the "gold doubloon," is one of the most famous coins from the Age of Exploration. Minted in the Spanish colonies, these large gold coins were used extensively in trade and became synonymous with pirate treasure. Their historical connection to the Spanish Empire, the wealth of the New World, and the era of maritime exploration make them highly sought after by collectors. Gold doubloons are valued based on their condition, minting date, and rarity, with well-preserved examples selling for upwards of $10,000 or more.

5. British Gold Sovereign (1817-Present)

The British Gold Sovereign is one of the longest-running coinage series in history, with its roots stretching back to 1817. Featuring the profile of the reigning British monarch on one side and the iconic image of St. George slaying the dragon on the other, the gold sovereign has remained a symbol of British stability and power. Collectors are particularly interested in rare or early sovereigns, such as those minted during the reign of Queen Victoria or George III. While modern gold sovereigns are still produced today, the older and rarer ones can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, especially those from limited mintages or special issues.

6. Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1904, 1921)

The Morgan Silver Dollar is an American classic and a favorite among coin collectors for its historical value and beautiful design. Minted during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it features a portrait of Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle on the reverse. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this silver dollar is particularly prized for its large size, high silver content, and its place in American history during the post-Civil War era and the westward expansion. Collectors particularly seek rare mint marks, such as those from the Carson City Mint, with prices for these rarities reaching into the thousands.

7. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

Considered one of the most valuable American coins, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first silver dollar ever struck by the United States Mint. The coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and an eagle surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. With fewer than 200 known to exist, this coin is exceedingly rare, and its historical significance makes it one of the most desirable coins for collectors. In 2013, a 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar sold for a record-breaking $10 million, highlighting its value as a key piece of American numismatic history.

8. Ducat of the Dutch Republic (Late 16th to Early 18th Century)

The Dutch Ducat is one of the most famous gold coins from Europe, minted from the late 16th century through the early 18th century. It became widely accepted in international trade and is known for its high gold content and consistent quality. The ducat often featured a knight holding a sword and a bundle of arrows, symbolizing strength and unity. Collectors are drawn to these coins not only for their historical value but also for their connection to the Dutch Republic’s period of economic and military power. Prices for well-preserved Dutch ducats can range from $2,000 to $10,000.

9. Chinese Yuan Shih-kai Silver Dollar (1914-1928)

Also known as the "Fat Man" Dollar, the Chinese Yuan Shih-kai Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins from early 20th-century China. The coin features a portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, the first president of the Republic of China, making it a significant piece of Chinese history. These silver dollars were heavily circulated, but high-quality examples are becoming increasingly rare and valuable. Collectors of Asian coins appreciate the historical context of the Yuan Shih-kai dollar, and prices for these coins have steadily risen in recent years, with top-grade examples selling for thousands of dollars.

10. Constantine the Great Solidus (Circa 4th Century AD)

The Constantine the Great Solidus is one of the most valuable coins from the Roman Empire, minted during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. This gold coin symbolizes the transition of Rome into a Christian empire and Constantine’s significant role in shaping European history. The solidus remained the standard for gold coinage in the Byzantine Empire for centuries, and collectors are drawn to its historical importance and the fact that many of these coins have survived in excellent condition. Prices for Constantine solidus coins can range from $5,000 to over $20,000, depending on their rarity and condition.

A spokesperson from Coveted, a premier platform for collectible connoisseurs, shared their thoughts on the allure of historical coins for collectors. “Coins are tangible pieces of history, each telling its own story of the time and place it was minted. From ancient Greek coins to American classics, collectors today are not just purchasing metal, they’re investing in history. At Coveted, we help connect collectors with rare and historically significant coins, ensuring that these treasures are passed down through generations. Owning a rare coin is like holding a piece of the past in your hands, and it’s a truly rewarding experience.”

[austin-lloyd]

American Coin & Bullion Normalizing after 1873 | Austin Lloyd Inc

Aamerican coins american money anti-counterfeiting austin lloyd bimetallism bullion buy coins buy coins near me buy gold buy gold near me buy silver buy silver near me coin collecting coins counterfeiting currency gold gold coins gold standard monetary policy money numismatics numismatists resources silver silver coins silver standard silverstacking trust us coins us history value. American Coin & Bullion Normalizing after 1873: 19th Century Coinage & Currency #3 by Austin Lloyd Inc December 20, 2018

For More Information Visit Us: https://austinlloydinc.com/blogs/news/american-coin-bullion-normalizing-after-1873-19th-century-coinage-currency-3

[sandraikonn]

Unveiling the American Dime: A Remarkable Coin in US Circulation

The American Dime Coin, minted in 1796, holds the title for being the smallest and thinnest coin in the United States! Unlike other coins, it stands apart by not being denominated in dollars or cents. Explore into the rich history of US coins.

[atomic-chronoscaph]

Rocket ship ride - American Toy Fair (New york, 1953)

[political-us]

[illustratus]

[lucabyte]

my bitching abt taking homestuck seriously as a text was apparently a prelude to me finally getting some coherent thoughts in order re: things im noticing this time around to do with The Time Period Of 2009 (an era in which i was. 10) . so that reread tag ive barely done anything with may finally get some use when i can make this into a semi-coherent point. not that i think im qualified to be saying anything about things but eh. might as well. but ill be curious to get opinions from people who Are better informed abt certain areas of pop culture

[prettyboysdontlookatexplosions]

it's funny that not until i was flipping through reference material in the norton edition of the turn of the screw i got from the library did i make the connection that perhaps american literature's most famous ghost story was written by a guy whose brother was an active member of the society for psychical research

[allthegothihopgirls]

mcdonalds and australian small towns have the biggest beef ever and it's so amusing to me. it seems that every other year a new civil case comes up because mcdonalds has gone:

"yeah we're gonna build a restaurant in ur town, bc it gets a lot of 'road trip traffic', and we want to reap the profits of that and leave all your small businesses to die."

and in response the town is just like "yeah..... no? we don't want or need you here. go away"

and the only argument mcdonalds can make is "what do you mean you don't want us here????? :("

[andromacheofappalachia]

[158590]

[baebeylik]

1 Dinar, Umayyad Dynasty, 713-714.

The Smithsonian Museum of American History.

[blueiscoool]

American Tourist Finds Rare Second Temple Era Coin in Israel

An American tourist from California, discovered a rare coin from the Second Jewish Temple era at Shiloh, an ancient archaeological site in Samaria, which is internationally recognized as the northern part of the West Bank. Shiloh, administered by the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, is known in the Hebrew Bible as the first sanctuary of the Israelites in Canaan.

The ancient Jewish coin, which was minted during the reign of Hashmonean King Alexander Jannaeus, was handed over to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

[political-us]

[once-in-a-mogai-dream]

TW: A BIT OF EYESTRAIN AND BLOOD

(the blood on the flag is cartoony but the desc mentions blood!)

JOINORDIEAN

a xenogender related to the famous 'join, or die' snake drawing made by benjamin franklin. it can also relate to US history, snakes, blood, the american revolution or anything in that category!

coined by @once-in-a-mogai-dream (me!)

[image ID: a 6-striped flag with a grey stripe, dark grey stripe, a red stripe that has what appears to be blood dripping from it, a darker red stripe, another dark grey stripe and another grey stripe. in the middle is a cut up and dead snake surrounded by abbreviations of states, and underneath it are the words 'join, or die'. the image of the cut up snake is surrounded by a light red outline, along with a white outline. end image ID.]

[lajeunefilleenfeu]

I can't stand how people act like Gale hasn't suffered by the end of Mockingjay, like his story isn't a tragedy. Gale is indirectly responsible for *Prim's death* and it's *completely against his will* and *he loved Prim*.

Gale was manipulated and used by a "revolutionary" that was really just a fascist dictator in disguise. Coin took advantage of his desire to create a better world for his loved ones and perverted it to reach her own ends. He was a child too, which is why Coin's manipulation was so successful. Suzanne Collins is not kidding here. Gale is literally a stand-in for all the young men who want to fight for a better life for their families, and get taken in by military propaganda only to have their lives destroyed. This is sickeningly common. This is so so so real life.

Gale spends the entire trilogy doing everything he can to not just help this little girl survive, but help her thrive. He loves Prim! He loves Prim like she is his own family. He literally saves her life over and over again. During the bombing of D13, he literally risks death to make sure Prim survives, because he would rather die than live in a world without her. That's Gale! That's the character!

When she dies--even though he has no knowledge of or part in actually planning her death (and her death was planned), and he had no idea that the bomb he designed was ever even okayed for use, and Coin is directly responsible for manipulating him into designing that bomb to begin with (he did not volunteer for this task)--he immediately blames himself. And it's not because it's actually his fault. It's because it was his job to protect her! That's his family! That's his Prim! And then on top of that, he loses Katniss too, because he will always remind her of Prim's death because that was the bomb he designed. That's it. That's all it is. And that's enough. That's tragedy!

Gale suffered. Gale did not come out anything resembling unscathed. I can't stand how people pretend he did.