Numismatics: The World of Rare and Precious Coins
The study and collection of coins (Numismatics) has been a center of fascination for collectors and history buffs for centuries. Usually coins are worth only their face value, but some rare coins can sell for millions and crores due to their unique features, historical significance and rarity.
Recently, a shocking revelation has been made in the world of coins—a rare Bicentennial Quarter has reached a price of almost $40 million (about Rs 330 crore)!
In this article, we will know the story of this unique coin and the special features behind it. Also, we will take a look at five other coins that are worth more than $7.5 lakh (about Rs 6 crore).
Bicentennial Quarter – A priceless treasure worth $40 million
The Bicentennial Quarter was issued in 1976 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence. Although millions of such coins were made, a rare Bicentennial Quarter has been valued at up to $40 million.
Why is this coin special?
✅ Rare Minting Error – This coin is made differently from the common quarter.
✅ Unique Metal (Composition) – It was minted on a special silver mixture.
✅ Pristine Condition – This coin is in excellent condition, which has increased its value even more.
This coin has become a part of history for collectors and is considered one of the most valuable coins in the world.
Now let’s know about those 5 other coins, whose value has also reached crores of rupees.
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent – $1.7 million
✅ What is special?
During World War II, the US decided to make coins from steel instead of copper, so that copper could be saved for war materials.
But by mistake some 1943 pennies were minted on the old copper alloy.
Very few such coins have been found and their value has reached $1.7 million (about Rs 14 crore).
This mistake of coins makes it one of the most unique and expensive coins in the world.
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1804 Silver Dollar – $3.8 million
✅ What is special?
It is called the “King of American Coins”.
It dates back to 1804, but was actually minted in the 1830s as a diplomatic gift.
Only 15 specimens of this rare coin exist.
In 1999, it was auctioned for $3.8 million (about Rs 31 crore).
1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.5 million
✅ What is special?
This coin is one of the most mysterious coins in history.
It was never officially released, but it is said to have been secretly minted by a mint employee.
Only 5 coins are in existence, so it is very rare.
In 2018, its price reached $4.5 million (about Rs 37 crore).
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – $10 million
✅ What is special?
It was the first silver dollar issued by the US.
It was designed by Robert Scott, the chief designer of the US Mint.
Only less than 150 specimens of this coin are left.
In 2013, the price of a coin reached $ 10 million (about Rs 82 crore), making it one of the most expensive coins in history.
1933 Double Eagle – $ 18.9 million
✅ What is special?
This coin was made of gold and was worth $ 20 in 1933.
But during the Great Depression, the US did not officially release it and ordered about 4,45,000 coins to be melted.
Some coins survived secretly, and now they are among the rarest coins in the world.
In 2002, the price of a coin reached $ 18.9 million (about Rs 155 crore).
Can you have a rare coin?
The world of coins is full of hidden treasures. Many people spend the common coins in their pockets without even looking at them, but if you are lucky, you can have a coin worth crores!
Characteristics of rare and expensive coins:
✔ Minting Errors – Such as double printing, coin being minted on the wrong metal.
✔ Unique Composition – Some coins are made from special metals.
✔ Limited Mintage – The fewer the coins available, the higher their price.
✔ Pristine Condition – Unworn and well-preserved coins are more valuable.
If you have old or unusual looking coins, get them checked by an expert. Your coin could be worth millions!
✔Their uniqueness lies in some rare minting defect; that it was cast with a unique silver alloy, and that it be in perfect condition.
FAQS:
How much do you think would possibly be for a 1943 bronze Lincoln cent?
There are only a few of these, which are very rare specimens.
Why is the value of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so high?
Because only 5 coins are left and also it has mysterious history.
Why was the 1933 Double Eagle never put into circulation?
It was melted down because of the change of currency policy in the United States as the country went through the Great Depression.