In many countries, a unit of their currency is often represented by a popular coin. Consider the 1 Yen in Japan, the 1 Franc in Switzerland, the 1 Euro in the European Union, or the 1 Pound in the UK. However, in the US, the $1 coin has never gained significant popularity. While dollar bills are the preferred option, the $1 coin still holds value, especially for collectors. Let’s explore some of the most valuable $1 coins that are still in circulation today.
1. 2014-D Sacagawea Dollar Muled with Presidential Dollar
Year: 2014
Series: Sacagawea and Presidential Dollar
Mint Mark: Denver
Error: Sacagawea Obverse with Presidential Dollar Reverse
Grade: AU 58
Price: $84,000
Sale Date: April 24, 2021
The 2014-D Sacagawea Dollar is notable for being a unique error coin. It features the Sacagawea obverse paired with the reverse design of a Presidential Dollar, making it a rare find that has fetched a high price at auctions.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar Special Strike
Year: 1794
Series: Flowing Hair
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: SP 66
Price: $10,016,875
Sale Date: January 1, 2013
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is famous as the first official silver dollar minted by the United States. This particular special strike coin holds immense historical value, making it one of the most expensive dollar coins ever sold.
3. 1976-S Clad Proof Eisenhower Dollar
Year: 1976
Series: Ike Dollar
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Grade: PR 66
Price: $41,400
Sale Date: September 22, 2002
The 1976-S Clad Proof Eisenhower Dollar was minted to commemorate the Bicentennial of the United States. Despite the initial popularity of the coin, it is now considered a rare find in high-grade condition.
4. 1870-S Seated Liberty With Motto
Year: 1870
Series: Seated Liberty
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Grade: Brilliant Uncirculated
Price: $1,092,500
Sale Date: May 14, 2003
This rare Seated Liberty Dollar from 1870 is highly sought after by collectors due to its minting at the San Francisco Mint. The addition of the motto “In God We Trust” on the reverse side makes this coin even more valuable.
5. 1796 Draped Bust Dollar Small Date Large Letters
Year: 1796
Series: Draped Bust
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: MS 63+
Price: $352,500
Sale Date: November 15, 2013
The 1796 Draped Bust Dollar is one of the earliest designs of U.S. coinage, featuring Lady Liberty. The Small Date and Large Letters variety of this coin is particularly rare and highly prized by numismatists.
6. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar Regular Strike
Year: 1893
Series: Morgan Dollar
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Grade: MS 65
Price: $735,000
Sale Date: May 21, 2018
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is one of the most coveted coins from the Morgan Dollar series. Due to a limited mintage, it is considered one of the rarest and most valuable coins from this era.
7. 1838 Proof Gobrecht Dollar Restrike
Year: 1838
Series: Gobrecht Dollar
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: PR 65
Price: $149,500
Sale Date: April 1, 2008
The Gobrecht Dollar is famous for its artistic design, and the 1838 Proof Restrike is especially valuable. It features an elegant depiction of Lady Liberty, making it a top collector’s item.
8. 1876-CC Trade Silver Dollar Business Strike
Year: 1876
Series: Trade Dollar
Mint Mark: Carson City
Grade: MS 66
Price: $63,800
Sale Date: April 1, 1997
The Carson City mint mark adds a level of rarity to this 1876 Trade Dollar, making it highly desirable to collectors. It was originally struck for use in international trade.
9. 1849 No L Liberty Head Gold Dollar
Year: 1849
Series: Liberty Head Gold Dollar
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: MS 68
Price: $69,000
Sale Date: June 20, 2007
The 1849 No L Liberty Head Gold Dollar is a particularly rare coin due to its unique design. The absence of the “L” on the obverse makes it one of the most valuable gold dollars in circulation.
10. 1855 Small Indian Head / Indian Princess Gold Dollar
Year: 1855
Series: Small Indian Head / Indian Princess Gold Dollar
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: MS 67+
Price: $180,000
Sale Date: August 28, 2022
This 1855 Indian Princess Gold Dollar is a rare example from the Indian Head series. Its high-grade condition and historical significance make it one of the most expensive gold dollar coins.
11. 1858 Large Indian Head / Indian Princess Gold Dollar
Year: 1858
Series: Large Indian Head / Indian Princess Gold Dollar
Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
Grade: MS 68
Price: $74,750
Sale Date: January 3, 2012
Another example of the Indian Princess Gold Dollar, the 1858 Large Indian Head variety is highly sought after. Its excellent condition and design make it one of the more valuable gold dollar coins.
12. 1979-S Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Dollar Regular Strike
Year: 1979
Series: Susan B. Anthony Dollar (SBA)
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Grade: NGC Genuine
Price: $15,000
Sale Date: September 17, 2021
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar was the first coin to feature a woman. Although it was initially disliked by the public, its rarity in high-grade conditions has made it a sought-after collectible.
13. 1925-S Peace Dollar Regular Strike
Year: 1925
Series: Peace Dollar
Mint Mark: San Francisco
Grade: MS 65+
Price: $132,000
Sale Date: August 28, 2022
The Peace Dollar was created to symbolize peace after World War I. The 1925-S variety, in excellent condition, is a rare find and commands a high price at auction.
14. 2000-D Sacagawea Dollar Muled with South Carolina Quarter
Year: 2000
Series: Sacagawea and State Quarter
Mint Mark: Denver
Error: Sacagawea Obverse with South Carolina Reverse
Grade: MS 64
Price: $66,000
Sale Date: December 18, 2022
This error coin is a unique example of the Sacagawea Dollar being “muled” with the reverse design of the South Carolina State Quarter. Its rarity makes it highly valuable among collectors.
These 14 dollar coins represent the pinnacle of numismatic value. Whether through unique errors, historical significance, or minting rarity, each one of these coins stands out as a prized possession for any collector.
