1800s Coins Worth Money

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Whether you’ve recently sorted coins from jars or drawers, or you simply decided to start collecting currency, you may be wondering about 1800s coins worth money. Old coins from the United States in the 19th century are some of the most highly sought-after collector items.

Numismatists seek these coins because of their rarity and historical significance. Collectors also desire gold and silver coins from the 1800s because of their craftsmanship.

Whether you are interested in coins for their numismatic or investment value, here’s a list of six 1800s coins worth money.

Quick Look: 1800s Coins Worth Money

• 1822 Half Eagle
• 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
• 1880 Coiled Hair $4 Stella
• 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle
• 1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle
• 1878-S Trade Dollar

6 Coins From the 1800s Worth Money

Coins from the 1800s, minted during some of the most momentous eras in U.S. history, are valued for telling the story of political, societal and economic change in a young nation. Here are six valuable U.S. coins from the 1800s.

1. 1822 Half Eagle

The Philadelphia Mint produced just 17,796 1822 Half Eagles. Made up of 91.7% gold and 8.3% copper, they’re extremely rare — just three are known to exist. Two of them are in the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution. The third was purchased by Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. in 1945. In 1982, D. Brent Pogue purchased the Eliasberg collection. In 2021, Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctioned the coin — which was graded AU-50 (about uncirculated) by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) — for $8.4 million. An article in May 2025 valued the 1822 Half Eagle at $10.1 million.

2. 1804 Draped Bust Dollar

The 1804 Draped Bust silver dollar is rare indeed, and its backstory only adds to the intrigue. The U.S. Mint says 19,570 of them were struck in 1804. However, many numismatists believe this coin was left over from 1803 or struck around 1834. It has three classes based on mintage and design, and only 10 are known to exist in each class. The finest and most valuable is a Class 1, graded PR-68 (proof 68) by PCGS. The 90% silver and 10% copper coin sold at auction in 2021 for $7.6 million.

3. 1880 Coiled Hair $4 Stella

Among the $4 Stella series, the 1880 coin depicting Lady Liberty with her hair coiled is the rarest. Just 10 of the gold coins from the 1800s are believed to have been struck, with just five surviving today. The 1879 and 1880 $4 Stellas (86% gold, 10% copper and 4% silver) were struck as an experiment to create a U.S. trade coin to compete with the gold counterparts from Europe. The U.S. Mint struck about 400 with Lady Liberty’s hair flowing and even fewer with it coiled. Stellas rarely appear on the open market and often command six figures at auction.    

4. 1861 Paquet Liberty Head Double Eagle

Named for its designer, Anthony C. Paquet, the 1861 Paquet Liberty Double Eagle had a mintage of 2,976,453, but few survived. A new reverse Paquet designed in 1860 was rejected because it might not wear well, but coins were struck and released into circulation in early 1861 before a telegram saying to stop the run reached the San Francisco mint. This Type One coin sold for $352,500 in 2013.

5. 1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle

Just three examples of the 1838 $10 Liberty Head Gold Eagle have survived, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins. One of them is housed at the Smithsonian Institution. The Philadelphia mint struck 7,200 of the 90% gold and 10% copper coins designed by Christian Gobrecht, the third engraver of the U.S. Mint. Collectors seek it because 1838 marked the return of the $10 coin after a 34-year hiatus. In 2007, a Liberty Head Gold Eagle sold for $115,000.

6. 1878-S Trade Dollar

Created for trading in Asia, the trade dollar was minted from 1873 through 1885. The coin was created to supplant the Spanish and Mexican dollars that were largely used in trade with China. The U.S. gave its coin a higher silver content, even printing the amount on the reverse side (420 grains). However, the Chinese recognized that the silver was finer in the lighter Mexican (416 grains) coin and chose it over the trade dollar. Despite a minting of more than 4 million, all grades of the 1878-S Trade Dollar are popular among collectors. One sold in 2019 for $252,000. 

Are Coins From the 1800s a Good Investment?

You might find it lucrative to invest in coins from the 1800s, especially if they’re rare or in excellent condition. From one of the most expansive eras of the country, American coinage played a starring role in the narrative of the development of the United States.

Rarity, condition and artistry add value to U.S. coins from the 1800s, and understanding the history behind these coins creates value for numismatists and beginning collectors.

Collectors covet coins from the 1800s because of their scarcity and beauty. These rare coins can appreciate over time, but make sure you do thorough research and have them evaluated by a local dealer or professional appraiser before investing.

Consider Investing in 1800s Coins Worth Money

Collectors highly value coins minted in the 1800s. These coins help tell the story of the development of the U.S. and are some of the most sought-after coins in the numismatic universe. Rarity and high demand can combine to make some worth four, five or six figures, with the most-prized coins fetching seven-figure sums at auction. Decide whether investing in coins from the 1800s fits your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

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