Header Image Source: National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History

Coins Plus’s hometown of Cincinnati, OH is known for its booming numismatic community. However, as experienced coin dealers, we understand the value of stepping outside these familiar boundaries in favor of a more global perspective.

That’s why our team collects and studies currency from all corners of the world, not just the United States. For example, here are the three most valuable pieces we’ve encountered over the years.  

The Most Valuable Coins Around the World

1. Flowing Hair Dollar – United States

As the first dollar coin ever issued by the United States federal government, the Flowing Hair dollar holds a special place in our country’s history. It was minted between 1794 and 1795 and features a woman with sinuous tresses, hence the name. The design was replaced by Gilbert Stuart’s Draped Bust dollar only a year later.

Because of its historical significance, the Flowing Hair dollar is currently considered the world’s most expensive coin. In 2013, a rare coin dealer from Lincroft, NJ bought one for over $10 million. Our senior numismatist and coin appraisal specialist Brad Karoleff had the honor of viewing that same Flowing Hair dollar for research purposes before the transaction took place.

2. Umayyad Gold Dinar – Umayyad Caliphate

Now we jump across the Atlantic to the Umayyad Caliphate. This Islamic territory existed between 661 and 750 A.D. and covered much of northern Africa, western Asia, and even parts of southern Europe. The Umayyad Caliphate used gold dinars to regulate several types of trade. However, they were not reminted after their initial production, making them quite rare as well as valuable. In fact, one specimen believed to have been struck from gold mined at a location owned by the Caliph himself sold for $6 million in 2011.

3. Single 9 Pond – South Africa

Although it’s one of the most valuable coins in the world, the Single 9 Pond is largely unknown outside South Africa. According to our expert coin dealers, this unique coin was born out of the Anglo-Boer War, one of the bloodiest, most expensive conflicts the British had ever engaged in up until World War I.

Amidst the struggle for independence, the Boer government was forced to create new 1899 coinage from 1898 dies. But when the first pond or coin was struck, they realized the nine in the year was too large and had obscured the bust of President Paul Kruger. The error was corrected, but the Single 9 Pond remained. Now, this single coin is worth more than 20 million ZAR or $4 million.

For more numismatic treasures from around the world, visit Coins Plus at any one of our Cincinnati locations. For more on our coin appraisal process or to speak with an experienced coin dealer, call us at (513) 621-1996. You can also visit us online and like us on Facebook.