These Historic Gold Coins Represent Numismatic Royalty
While not quite reaching the stratospheric prices of the 20M+coins,thesethreegoldpieceshaveeachcommanded∗∗20M+coins,thesethreegoldpieceshaveeachcommanded∗∗8.9 to $10 million** at auction, making them some of the most valuable collectibles in American history. Here’s why they’re worth fortunes.
1. 1822 Capped Bust Gold $5 Half Eagle
Record Sale: $10,012,723
The Rarest Early U.S. Gold Coin
Why It Commands Eight Figures:
- Only 3 Known Specimens: All traced to the famous Bass Collection
- Early Federal Mint Rarity: Struck during America’s monetary infancy
- Historic Design: Features John Reich’s iconic capped bust design
Key Identifiers:
- Weight: 8.36g (0.2419 oz of 91.67% gold)
- Diameter: 25mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintmark: None (Philadelphia issue)
Last Auction: Heritage 2021 – $10,012,723
2. 1870-S Indian Princess Head Gold $3
Record Sale: $8,969,300
The San Francisco Mint Mystery
What Makes It Special:
- Single Known Example: Resides in the Smithsonian
- Mint Record Anomaly: No official records of its production exist
- Transitional Design: Last year of the Indian Princess motif
Authentication Points:
- Weight: 5.01g (0.1607 oz of 90% gold)
- Diameter: 20.5mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Mintmark: “S” below wreath
Note: Never publicly sold – valuation based on insurance appraisal
3. 1861 Paquet Reverse $20 Double Eagle
Record Sale: $8,968,870
The Civil War Gold Treasure
Why Collectors Prize It:
- Ultra-Rare Variety: Only 2-3 confirmed specimens
- Historic Timing: Struck as the Civil War began
- Design Flaw: High relief caused stacking issues, leading to quick redesign
Distinctive Features:
- Weight: 33.44g (1.075 oz of 90% gold)
- Diameter: 34mm
- Edge Lettering: “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
- Reverse: Taller, narrower lettering than standard
Recent Auction: Stack’s Bowers 2022 – $8,968,870
Market Insights & Discovery Potential
Where These Might Surface:
- European bank vaults (where U.S. gold was sent pre-1914)
- Old family collections (especially from California Gold Rush descendants)
- Museum inventories (misattributed coins occasionally discovered)
If You Encounter Potential Rarities:
- Document Everything: Take high-resolution photos before moving the coin
- Secure Storage: Use a bank vault until authenticated
- Contact: Professional numismatists at PCGS or NGC
Want to explore more gold coin rarities? Visit U.S. Gold Coin Encyclopedia
