25 Rare Dollar Coins (+ Expert Tips on Finding Their Value)

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Discover the rarest silver dollars and presidential dollar coins
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The United States produced dollar coins off and on between 1794 and 2012, and these eye-catching coins are a must-have in any coin collection. But which ones are actually valuable, and which are only worth $1? We have everything you need to know about the most valuable dollar coins , plus tips from numismatics expert Dean Kinzer to help take your coin collecting to the next level.

Top 5 Most Valuable Dollar Coins

  1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar—Up to $12 mil
  2. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar—Up to $7.6 mil
  3. 1885 Trade Dollar—Up to $4 mil
  4. 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar—Up to $1.5 mil
  5. 1899-CC Morgan Dollar—Up to $1.2 mil
Section 1 of 8:

25 Most Valuable Dollar Coins

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  1. 1
    1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (Up to $12 mil) The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was the first one-dollar coin ever produced by the US Mint. Their rarity, combined with their historical significance, makes them extremely valuable to collectors—especially coins that are in good condition. [1]
    • What can they sell for? One 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar holds the record for the most expensive American dollar coin ever sold at $12 million. Another example sold for $6.6 million.
  2. 2
    1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (Up to $1.5 mil) Although not quite as rare or valuable as the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the dollar coins minted in 1795 are still extremely collectible. These feature a similar design, with Lady Liberty on the obverse of the coin and an eagle with a laurel wreath on the reverse. [2]
    • What can they sell for? 1795 Flowing Hair Silver Dollars can sell for up to $1.5 million.
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  3. 3
    1795 Off-Center Bust Silver Dollar (Up to $900,000) At some point in 1795, the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar was replaced by the Draped Bust design. The obverse features Lady Liberty wearing a flowing dress and a ribbon in her hair, and the reverse shows an eagle with a wreath. Some of these coins were stamped with Lady Liberty too far to the left—these off-center coins are especially valuable. [3]
    • What can they sell for? Coins with the off-center stamp are worth thousands of dollars in any condition, and have sold for over $900,000 in good condition.
  4. 4
    1796 Draped Bust Dollar (Large Date, Small Letters) (Up to $260,000) There are 3 varieties of the 1796 Silver Dollar—Small Date, Small Letters; Small Date, Large Letters; and Large Date, Small Letters. The rarest of these is the Large Date, Small Letters. [4] It can be difficult to tell the difference if you’re just looking at a single coin, but it’s more obvious when you compare all 3 versions. [5]
    • What can they sell for? These coins are worth $1,200 or more in any condition, but in 2016, one example in mint uncirculated condition (MS64) sold for over $260,000. The Small Date, Small Letters and Small Date, Large Letters versions can also be worth thousands of dollars, especially in good condition.
  5. 5
    1798 Draped Bust, Small Eagle, 13 Stars Silver Dollar (Up to $250,000) The 1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle surrounded by an olive wreath on the reverse. The eagle is notable for its small, somewhat scrawny appearance. This interesting detail, combined with the coin’s rarity, improves its collectibility. [6]
    • What can they sell for? Even in circulated condition, these coins can be worth over $10,000. But mint condition coins can go for anywhere from $100,000–$250,000. [7]
  6. 6
    1803 Draped Bust Silver Dollar—Proof (Up to $850,000) 1803 Proof Silver Dollars are extremely rare. In fact, only 4 specimens are known to have survived to today. This means the average collector is pretty unlikely to stumble across one by accident—but if you did happen to discover one, it would be an amazing find! [8]
    • What can they sell for? The two lowest-graded 1803 Proof Silver Dollars are worth around $100,000, while the two highest-graded are worth $670,000 and $850,000, respectively.
  7. 7
    1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Up to $7.6 mil) Although these coins are stamped with “1804,” they were actually originally minted in 1834. Intended as diplomatic gifts, these coins featured Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle and shield on the back. They were printed in limited numbers, but because demand for them was so high, mint employees printed unauthorized copies through the 1860s. [9]
    • What can they sell for? Authentic 1804 dollars in excellent condition can sell for millions of dollars. One copy sold for over $7.6 million, and another sold for $3.8 million.
    • Fun fact: This coin is sometimes referred to as the “King of American Coins.” [10]
  8. 8
    1836 Seated Liberty Dollar (Up to $100,000) The 1836 Seated Liberty was the first dollar coin officially minted by the US after production was suspended in 1804. It’s officially called the Gobrecht dollar after designer Christian Gobrecht, and it features a seated Lady Liberty on the front and a flying eagle on the back. These coins were printed in limited numbers to gauge the public’s reaction, so they’re rare—and valuable. [11]
    • What can they sell for? In very good condition, an 1836 Seated Liberty dollar can be worth nearly $100,000. [12]
  9. 9
    1866 Seated Liberty Dollar Proof (Up to $1 mil) Only 725 Proof Silver Dollars were minted in 1866. There were either two or three different versions of these coins (there’s some dispute among historians), but even lower-grade examples of this coin are worth $2,000 or more. [13]
    • What can they sell for? An 1866 Seated Liberty (No Motto) Proof coin sold for over $1 million. [14]
  10. 10
    1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar (Up to $1.1 mil) The 1870-S Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is a true mystery. There’s no record that they were ever produced by the Mint, but they obviously were—there are at least 12 known 1870-S dollar coins held by collectors. These don’t come up for sale very often, and when they do, they fetch a high premium. [15]
    • What can they sell for? The only known mint-condition 1870-S Seated Liberty dollar coin sold for nearly $1.1 million dollars. However, because of the rarity, any surviving 1870-S coin is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
  11. 11
    1873–1885 Trade Dollar (Up to $4 mil) Trade Dollars were minted between 1873 and 1885. These coins weren’t circulated in the US—Trade Dollars minted between 1873 and 1878 were mostly used for trading and circulating in Asia, especially China. (Trade Dollars minted from 1879–1885 are proofs.) These coins are often stamped with Chinese characters (called chopmarks), which is a draw for some collectors. [16]
    • What can they sell for? Circulated Trade Dollars can sell for around $125–$150, or around $200–$250 for Carson City coins. But 1884 and 1885 coins are extremely rare—one 1885 coin sold for almost $4 million, and an 1884 coin can sell for more than $250,000. [17]
    • Need to know: Trade dollars are frequently counterfeited , so only buy from a reputable source. If you already have one, have it authenticated by a trusted expert.
  12. 12
    1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar (Up to $1.2 mil) After being closed for several years, the mint in Carson City (CC) reopened in 1889. 250,000 Morgan Dollars were produced that year, but many of these coins were eventually melted down for their silver content, so not many examples remain. [18]
    • What can they sell for? In pristine condition, an 1889-CC Morgan Dollar can sell for as much as $1.2 million.
  13. 13
    1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar (Up to $1 mil) Because of a struggling economy in 1893, only 100,000 Morgan Silver Dollars were produced by the San Francisco Mint that year. These are the rarest of the Morgan dollars, which makes them extremely valuable. [19]
    • What can they sell for? These coins can be worth thousands of dollars—and in very good condition, could sell for over $1 million dollars.
  14. 14
    1903 Louisiana Purchase Commemorative Dollar (Up to $25,000) In 1903, these gold dollar coins were minted to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. There were two versions—one with President Thomas Jefferson and one with President William McKinley. [20]
    • What can they sell for? These coins aren’t as rare as some other examples on this list, but they can be worth a few hundred dollars even in less-than-pristine condition. But in exceptional condition, they can be worth anywhere between $10,000 and $25,000.
  15. 15
    1921 Morgan Silver Dollar (Up to $17,500) The Pittman Act of 1918 led to the melting of 270 million dollar coins for their silver, then replaced with new coins. As a result, the Morgan Dollar was brought back in 1921—but because the dies had been destroyed, new ones had to be created, so the 1921 Morgan Dollar is distinctly different from previous versions. [21]
    • What can they sell for? The value of a 1921 Silver Dollar is highly dependent on its condition. In circulated condition, they’re usually worth less than $50. But in uncirculated condition, they can be worth up to $17,500.
  16. 16
    1922 Grant Commemorative Dollar (Up to $25,000) The Grant Gold Dollar is a commemorative coin designed to honor the birth of the nation’s 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant. Only 5,000 of these coins were minted, but fortunately, nearly all of them still survive, and many are considered to be in excellent condition. [22]
    • What can they sell for? These coins start at around $700, but pristine uncirculated examples have sold for over $25,000.
  17. 17
    1928 Peace Dollar (Up to $130,000) Peace Dollars were minted between 1921 and 1928 and again from 1934 and 1935. The rarest of these years is 1928, when only 360,640 Peace Dollars were minted. However, because they were minted in low numbers, many people saved their coins, so there are a number of excellent examples still surviving. [23]
    • What can they sell for? Even in circulated condition, one of these coins can sell for around $150. But in 2023, one example in pristine uncirculated condition sold for almost $130,000.
  18. 18
    1972 Type 2 Eisenhower Dollar (Up to $15,000) The Type 2 version of the Eisenhower Dollar was accidentally stamped with the wrong die on the reverse. This error makes the coin highly collectible, although they’re becoming increasingly rare as wear makes them hard to distinguish from Type 1 coins. [24]
    • What can they sell for? In circulated condition, these coins usually sell for between $25 and $100. But in uncirculated condition, they can be worth over $1,000—one especially well-preserved example sold for nearly $15,000.
  19. 19
    1976 Eisenhower Dollar Type I (Up to $5,000) In 1976, the Eisenhower Dollar was printed with the years 1776–1976 to commemorate the nation’s Bicentennial. There are two main variations on the coin—Type 1, which has blockier letters, and Type 2, with thinner lettering. [25]
    • What can they sell for? Type 1 is the rarer variety of this coin, and while circulated versions aren’t worth much more than face value, an uncirculated coin could sell for $5,000 or more.
  20. 20
    1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar (Wide Rim) (Up to $7,000) The design for the Susan B. Anthony dollar coin changed late in the year 1979. For most of the year, the coin was printed with a narrow rim, but a wide rim was later introduced. This version is much rarer than the narrow rim, so it’s more collectible. [26]
    • What can they sell for? In uncirculated condition, this coin can bring anywhere from $100–$1,000. But one especially fine coin brought in almost $7,000 at auction in 2021.
  21. 21
    2000-P Sacagawea Gold Dollar (Cheerios) (Up to $25,000) In 2000, Cheerios offered a special Sacagawea Dollar Coin in limited boxes of their cereal. About 5,500 of these special dollars were minted and distributed. A few years later, it was discovered that some of the coins have unique detailing on the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse of the coin—this variation is quite valuable. [27]
    • What can they sell for? Special-edition Sacagawea-Cheerios coins can be worth $2,000 to more than $25,000.
  22. 22
    2000-D Sacagawea South Carolina Dollar (Up to $66,000) In 2022, it was discovered that a 2000-D Sacagawea dollar had been accidentally struck with a South Carolina state quarter die on the reverse. This created a one-of-a-kind—and highly valuable—error coin. [28]
    • What can they sell for? Most recently, this unique coin sold for $66,000 at auction. [29]
  23. 23
    2007 Missing Edge John Adams Dollar (Up to $3,000) This rare error coin features a “missing edge” or “missing edge lettering” (MEL). This means the coin lacks the lettering around the outside edge that normally includes the date, mintmark, and motto. [30]
    • What can they sell for? These missing edge coins normally sell for around $30–$200 depending on condition, but have sold for as much as $3,000 or more.
  24. 24
    2007 Missing Edge Thomas Jefferson Dollar (Up to $10,000) While these coins are technically categorized as a missing edge error, it's more of an edge printing error—4 coins from this series were discovered to say “IN GOD WE TRUST — E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The edge lettering should say, “E PLURIBUS UNUM — IN GOD WE TRUST.” A minor error, but one that significantly changes the coin’s value.” [31]
    • What can they sell for? One of these error coins has been verified to have sold for almost $2,000. [32] But some reports say that sellers have asked for as much as $10,000.
  25. 25
    2009 James K. Polk Dollar—Special Mint Set (Up to $1,000) As part of the special run of Presidential dollar coins, the Mint produced special sets of satin finish coins aimed at collectors. At most grades, these coins aren’t worth much—maybe $15 at most, and that’s for near-perfect condition. But in the very best condition, the value jumps significantly. [33]
    • What can they sell for? In uncirculated, pristine condition, these coins are worth $750–$1,000.
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Section 2 of 8:

What makes coins valuable?

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  1. If a coin is hard to find, there will be higher competition among collectors who need that coin to finish a set. So a coin like the 1885 Trade Dollar is extremely valuable because only 5 were minted. [34]
  2. 2
    Condition/Grade Coins in good condition feature sharp details, a regular shape, and are free of scratches, dings, or chips on the edges or surface. Rare coins in excellent condition will always fetch a higher price than a coin that’s worn or damaged from being circulated. [35]
  3. 3
    Errors Stamping errors and misprints are fairly rare on coins—the Mint usually catches the mistake and destroys the coin before it’s ever circulated. If a coin with an error does make its way to the public, these coins can sometimes be worth a lot of money. [36]
  4. 4
    Metal Content Coins that are made with precious metals like gold or silver are usually worth more than face value. No silver dollar coins were released for circulation after 1935, so coins older than that are almost always worth more than $1. [37]
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Section 3 of 8:

How can I find the value of my coin?

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  1. Look up the year, mint mark, and design online or in a coin book. When you’re trying to find the value of an old coin , start by studying the coin carefully. Then, Kinzer recommends, “Search for the coins on a vendor website with pricing to get an idea of what the retail market looks like. There are also price guides, like The Red Book , published by Whitman. It covers prices for all U.S. Coins. Brick and mortar shops can help with appraisals, too.”
    • Carefully examine the condition of the coin. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the coin. Look for scratches, dings, or wear that could decrease the value, as well as errors that could increase the value. [38]
    • Handle the coin with care while you examine it. Consider wearing soft gloves, and hold the coin carefully by the edges. It’s also a good idea to hold the coin over a soft pad or mat in case you drop it. [39]
Section 4 of 8:

How do I get a coin graded?

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  1. Kinzer says to get a coin graded , “The big one is the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). They’ve been around a long time.” The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is another reputable source for coin grading. Both require you to purchase a membership to send your coins in to be graded, or you can have an authorized dealer submit your coin for grading if you prefer.
    • You can also compare the condition of your coin to the grading charts in grading books for an idea of what yours is worth. However, this unofficial grading may not be helpful if you try to sell the coin.
    • Grading isn’t everything when it comes to buying coins , cautions Kinzer. “Buying just on grade isn’t the best strategy—it’s better to buy for the coin itself.”
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Section 5 of 8:

Buying and Selling Rare Coins

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  1. 1
    To find rare coins, be active in the coin-collecting community. Kinzer says, “When it comes to finding rare coins, it’s all about networking. Some coins are sold at auction, others through retail, and some you only hear about through the grapevine. If you want to find the best stuff, get to know your dealer, or join online groups—there are thousands of collectors sharing knowledge.”
  2. 2
    Sell your coins through consignment or directly in an auction. According to Kinzer, “There are a few avenues for selling coins. You can cosign them to a seller, consign them to auction, or sell them directly on platforms like eBay. However, coins can be tricky, so beginners should be cautious of selling in their own auctions.”
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Section 6 of 8:

Storage and Handling of Rare Coins

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  1. 1
    Hold your coins by the edge when you pick them up. Kinzer says not to touch the surface of the coin because “the oil from your fingers can tarnish the metal and change its appearance. If you leave a thumbprint on an expensive American coin, that alone can reduce its value.”
  2. 2
    Don’t attempt to clean the coin. “If you’re a beginner,” cautions Kinzer, “don’t attempt to clean a coin. It’s easier to damage them when you think. There are professionals who clean coins the right way, and you can learn from them, but don’t try to clean them on your own at first.”
  3. 3
    Keep your coins in a cool, dry place. Avoid anywhere where the temperature may fluctuate, like near a window or vent. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause discoloration on the coin. [40]
    • For the best protection, keep your coins in a protective coin holder. If they’ve been graded and sealed, do not remove them from the packaging (called a “slab”)—it’s meant to protect the coin from damage and preserve its value.
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Section 7 of 8:

Least Valuable Dollar Coins

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  1. Coins that had a high mintage—meaning they were produced in large numbers—are usually pretty easy for collectors to find, which means they’re not considered valuable. Most Susan B. Anthony dollar coins, Native American dollar coins, Sacagawea dollars, and Presidential dollars are only worth face value.
    • The only time a dollar coin would be worth less than $1 would be if it were damaged to the point of being mutilated, like if it’s bent or a piece has been punched out of it. [41]
Section 8 of 8:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Which $1 coin is worth the most money? The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is the most expensive $1 coin. One example of the coin sold for $12 million, and another sold for $6.6 million. This was the first $1 coin minted by the U.S.
  2. 2
    Why is a 2000 Sacagawea coin so valuable? Certain 2000 Sacagawea coins—like those with errors or a few especially detailed examples from the Cheerios collection—are highly collectible and valuable. However, most 2000 Sacagawea coins are worth face value.
  3. 3
    Which president dollar coins are worth money? The 2007 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson presidential coins both have a few examples that are missing the edge lettering (or the edge lettering is incorrect). These error coins are highly valuable.
    • The 2009 James K. Polk Special Mint Dollar in uncirculated, pristine condition is also valuable.
  4. 4
    How much is a 1979 $1 coin worth today? 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins with a narrow rim are worth face value ($1). The coins with a wide rim can be worth $100 to several thousand dollars.
  5. 5
    Can I find rare coins in pocket change? Sometimes! Undiscovered misprints and rare coins are sometimes discovered in circulation. The rarest, most valuable coins are unlikely to be discovered that way—especially because circulation causes wear on the coin that can affect its value—but it’s definitely worth looking if coin collecting is an interest to you.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1794-1/6851
      2. ↑ https://coin-identifier.com/blog/coins-overview/most-valuable-one-dollar
      3. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1795-1-draped-bust-off-center/96858
      4. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1796-1-small-date-letters/6859
      5. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1796-1-bb-65-large-date-small-letters/40002
      6. ↑ https://www.greysheet.com/prices/item/1798-small-eagle-bust-silver-dollar-13-stars-obverse-bolender-1-bowers-borckardt-bb-82/gsid/70415
      7. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1798-1-bb-82-small-eagle/40006
      8. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1803-1/6906
      9. ↑ https://coinfully.com/dollar-coins-worth-money/
      1. ↑ https://coin-identifier.com/blog/coins-overview/most-valuable-one-dollar
      2. ↑ https://stacksbowers.com/coin-resource-center/coin/1836-gobrecht-dollar-name-on-base-judd-60/
      3. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1836-1-j-60-gobrecht-original/11225
      4. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1866-1-motto-cam/87014
      5. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1866-1-no-motto-cam/87009
      6. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1870-s-1/6965
      7. ↑ https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/trade_dollars/
      8. ↑ https://coinfully.com/dollar-coins-worth-money/
      9. ↑ https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/dollars/morgan-dollars-1878-1921/17190/1889-cc-1-ms/
      10. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1893-s-1/7226
      11. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1903-g-1-la-purchase-mckinley/7444
      12. ↑ https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/dollars/morgan-dollars-1878-1921/17296/1921-morgan-1-ms/
      13. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1922-g-1-grant-no-star/7458
      14. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1928-1/7373
      15. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1972-1-type-2/97409
      16. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1976-1-type/7418
      17. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1979-p-sba-1-wide-rim/99571
      18. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2000-p-sac-1-cheerios-prototype-reverse/411990
      19. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2000-d-sac-1-mule-south-carolina-25c/893257
      20. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/auctionprices/item/2000-d-sac-1-mule-south-carolina-25c/893257/-8038565767155059702
      21. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2007-1-missing-edge-lettering-john-adams/151053
      22. ↑ https://www.numismaticnews.net/archive/do-you-have-a-10000-edge-error
      23. ↑ https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/2007-1-missing-edge-lettering-thomas-jefferson/390499
      24. ↑ https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/james-k-polk-1-dollar-coin/
      25. ↑ https://coin-identifier.com/blog/coins-overview/most-valuable-one-dollar
      26. ↑ https://coin-identifier.com/blog/coins-overview/most-valuable-one-dollar
      27. ↑ https://coin-identifier.com/blog/coins-overview/most-valuable-one-dollar
      28. ↑ https://www.usmint.gov/news/inside-the-mint/one-hundred-years-of-silver-dollar-coinage-1878-1978
      29. ↑ https://coinfully.com/dollar-coins-worth-money/
      30. ↑ https://www.usmint.gov/learn/collecting-basics/caring-for-your-coin-collection
      31. ↑ https://www.usmint.gov/learn/collecting-basics/caring-for-your-coin-collection
      32. ↑ https://www.frbservices.org/resources/financial-services/cash/exception-processing/mutilated-currency-coin.html

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