Most desirable United States coin?

I know that the 1933 $20 St. Gaudens gold piece was at one time the most desirable coin to own (by some). Now that multiple specimens have been discovered, I assume this is no longer the case. Is there a new top-of-the-pyramid coin in terms of rarity, desirability, and value?

 

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1995 special Olympics dollar. And there are enough to please most collectors.

 

Historically the Brasher doubloons were the most desirable US coin. Then around 1860 the 1804 silver dollar gained notoriety and it became the most desired US coin. The 1933 double eagle is still only 1 example legal to own, so it would be debatable if all three came up for auction whether the best brasher doubloon, 1804 dollar, or 1933 double eagle would sell for the most.

The second group would include things like other rare gold pieces, 1913 liberty head nickels, the 1870s half dime, etc.

I would say there are at least 150 US coins that very well could break $1 million if auctioned off today.

If you expand your question to include groups of coins, my vote for the most desirable US coins would be the King of Siam proof set.

 

1804 silver dollar, hands down. :smile

 

The elusive 11c coin

 

Since I've wanted a 1909-s vdb cent for so long, I will go with it. I'm still waiting for the one that meets my fancy. I'm not really into million dollar coins. It doesn't seem like collecting to me. It seems more like a sport for the super wealthy.

 

Its all relative.

 

its worth $7- 10 million

 

The only truly Non Collectable.

 

According to the 1913 Liberty Nickel is number one.

Personally, I like numbers 17 & 18, the 1915-S Panama-Pacific Exposition $50 Octogonal Gold and the 1879-80 $4 Coiled Hair Gold Stella.

PS. This book ranks the 1933 St Gaudens third!

 

What about the 1894-s dime?

 

#4 in the book!

 

there are a lot of barber collectors...

 

One day I hope to own one of these...

 

Although they were likely minted long after the dates on the coins, I need the 1884 and 1885 Trade dollars. I have every other proof (non-gold) minted from 1880-1890. They may be out of reach for a while.

 

Hmmm...does non collectable, or nearly so, really make a coin desirable? Personally I don't desire to own any of the coins listed above, except maybe the Pan Pac octagonal $50 piece Paul mentioned. Most of the coins also aren't officially US coins, such as the 1913 nickel, Brasher dabloon and 1804 dollar. I think the people who own such pieces like to believe that everybody else wants them, as do apparently numismatic authors. The most desired are more likely coins that we know we one day may aspire to own through realistic means and goals. But, thats just my crazy opinion.
Guy

 

Mellow out man. And the 1804 is an official release, it was just minted after the date on the coin.

 

Bazinga!

 

Most desirable and most expensive do not always go hand in hand. The 1907 extremely high relief double eagle is probably one of the most desirable US coins, but it is nowhere near as expensive as some of the other pieces mentioned. The SVDB almost certainly has more collectors desiring it than a lot of these others. I know I find a coin that I MIGHT have a chance of acquiring someday to be more desirable than one I will NEVER have a chance of acquiring. The Extremely High elief double eagle is desirable not because I might have a chance to own it some day, but because it is beautiful. The Finest known 1794 is one of the most expensive coins in the world at close to 8 million dollars, but to me it is an unattractive coin and there are several lower grade specimens that are much cheaper that I find much more desirable.

 

I think the Gerald Ford dollar, when it comes out will be the most desirable.