Most Valuable Gold Coins by Date

Gold is nearing $2,000 per ounce. Historically, gold has always been treasured; it’s rare, finite and useful. So, it’s not a surprise that gold also produces some of the most valuable coins in the world. People love gold — and people love collectibles.

Gold coins are ranked like many other coins. There’s the rarity, the age and the condition. Often, the quality of the coin will surpass all other factors — if you find a rare coin in excellent condition, you could make millions.

We created a list of the 30 most valuable coins for gold investors, ranging from rare coins pressed in the year 696 to coins as recent as 2007. And don’t think that they’re completely out of grasp, either. Some of these coins have been found in rivers, in ruins and with metal detectors.

Year: 696-723

Denomination: 1 dinar

Last sold: 2019

Sold for: $4.7 million

From 696 to 723, the Umayyad Caliphate released a sequence of gold dinars. These dinars vary in make and age but are all exceptionally valuable due to their origins. It’s believed that the gold itself is mined from a region very close to the holy city of Mecca.

Prices for these coins range significantly based on age and condition. In 2011, one sold for $6 million, while in 2019, another sold for only $4.7 million — you know, if you’re looking for a better deal. 

Year: 1343

Denomination: Florin

Last sold: 2006

Sold for: $850,000

There are only three 1343 Edward III Florins in existence, two of which were discovered in the River Tyne in 1857 and are now kept in the collection of the British Museum in London. But get your hopes up: The third was found via metal detector in 2006. The Edward III Florin is printed with King Edward III on his throne. While the last coin was sold at auction for $850,000, it’s believed that the coin could be valued at more than $6 million today. Better get out that metal detector.

Year: 1621

Denomination: 100 ducats

Last sold: January 2018

Sold for: $2.16 million

It’s believed that the 1621 Polish Ducat coin is the most valuable coin in Polish history. Printed with an intricate bust of King Sigismund III, the coin was likely minted to celebrate the Battle of Khotyn. Not only is it a beautiful coin, but it’s a historically relevant one; it is an old and rare press. It was last auctioned in 2018 for a total of $2.16 million by the Classical Numismatic Group.

Year: 1787

Denomination: 1 doubloon

Last sold: 2021

Sold for: $9 million

Designed by Ephraim Brasher, the 1787 Brasher Doubloon is known to be one of the most valuable coins in the United States. It’s also one of the most valuable collectibles, period. Last sold for $9 million in 2021, the Brasher Doubloon has even been featured in mystery novels. It’s one of the few rare coins that’s notable for its designer. Ephraim Brasher was known for being able to produce remarkable coins, both in terms of design and purity.