Various monetary systems have been used during different periods of history across the world. All of these have undergone considerable changes over the years. Despite these changes, some of the older systems’ remains exist in the form of old coins. They hold a lot of significance in today’s time, given their history. They are also considered some of the world’s most valuable coins, particularly by those interested in numismatics or coin collection.

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
For many enthusiastic collectors, this coin frequently appears on the lists of the 10 best coins to buy. It is one of the most coveted valuable coins and was auctioned off for nearly $9 million in New York City in 2013.

In fact, this was one of the biggest world records for a single coin sale. The coin’s numismatic value is quite high because many experts consider it one of the first dollars the U.S. federal government minted. For the first two years after its establishment in 1792, the Bank of America minted only copper coins and trials, but it wasn’t until 1794 that they minted the first silver dollar—Flowing Hair. The coin features Lady Liberty’s profile with flowing hair on the front. Meanwhile, the reverse side depicts the American eagle.

2. 1928 Silver Auto Dollar
The Kweichow Auto Dollar or Motorcar Dollar, a silver one-yuan coin, holds significant value as it commemorates a significant historical event.

It is believed that Zhou Xincheng, a warlord who was also the provincial governor, produced this coin to mark the construction of the first roadways in Guizhou province. This is why the coin’s front has an impression of an automobile on a road. It is surrounded by grass blades, which have been arranged to spell out the governor’s name. This historically rare coin has an estimated value of up to $150,000. Since this coin has several versions, its overall value depends on its condition. For instance, if a coin has undergone circulation, its value is about $20,000. Meanwhile, a well-preserved version of this coin can be worth around $70,000. However, if a coin is completely uncirculated and in mint condition, its value can be over $150,000.

3. 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar
If one decides to look at the pictures of coins worth money, the 723 Umayyad gold dinar stands out for its intricate engravings. The caliph originally mined the gold for this coin, making it one of the most sought-after Islamic coins. The inscription on the coin reads, “Mine of the commander of the faithful.” According to experts, at least a dozen of these coins exist. In 2011, an auction sold one for approximately $6 million. A few years later, in 2019, another 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar fetched about $4.8 million during an auction.

4. 1968 One Cent Coin
The 1968 one-cent coin from Australia is among the top coins with high returns. This rare coin is valuable because it symbolizes an important phase of Australia’s numismatic evolution. The 1968 one-cent coin marked the transition to that country’s present decimal currency system, which began in February 1966. Before this, Australia’s monetary system included only pounds, shillings, and pence. Australia borrowed this earlier system from its time as a colony of the imperial British Empire. That said, this system involved a lot of complicated calculations, leading to cumbersome transactions. So, the nation transitioned to a more straightforward decimal system that conformed to international standards. The one-cent coin from 1968, part of the newer system, featured a feathertail glider on the reverse. The front side featured an image of Queen Elizabeth II. What makes this coin quite rare is that it was never available on a mint set. This is because the Royal Australian Mint did not release any mint sets in 1968. So, acquiring this coin in its uncirculated condition is quite challenging, further adding to its high value.

5. 1898 Single 9 Pond
The 1898 Single 9 Pond, valued at over $4 million, is one of the rarest coins, with only one remaining from the original lot of minted coins. The Anglo-Boer War led to the initial minting of the coin. The prevailing Dutch government wanted to produce the coins within the country, but no dies were available. So, they contracted a German mint to produce the dies. That said, while these German-made dies were on their way to South Africa, they were confiscated and intercepted by British soldiers. So, the Dutch were forced to use old dies made in 1898. They stamped “9” on the front to show that the coin was issued in 1899. However, they mistakenly printed the “9 “ so large that it surpassed the profile of President Kruger’s image on the coin. As soon as the mistake was discovered, the die was removed from usage, and the coin was never released, making it rare and valuable over the years for coin collectors.

6. 1343 Edward III Florin
Only about three copies of this rare gold coin are known to exist in the world. The front side of the coin, also known as the Double Leopard, features an image of King Edward III sitting on the throne, surrounded by two leopards’ heads on both sides. On the reverse side, the Royal Cross is enclosed within a quatrefoil. Two of these were stored in the British Museum in London after they were found in the River Tyne back in 1857. A prospector discovered the third coin in 2006. This copy of the coin went on sale during an auction for around $850,000. It is now valued at approximately $6.8 million.