Types of Dollar Coins Worth The Most Money

The most valuable dollar coins are the:

• Flowing Hair Dollar
• 1804 Dollar
• Trade Dollar
• Morgan Silver Dollar
• Seated Liberty Dollar

In this complete guide to valuable dollar coins, we’ll discuss the dollar coins worth the most money. 

Since the United States minted their first dollar coin 230 years ago, there have been more than a dozen different types of dollar coins.

U.S. dollar coins worth money are hard to identify at a glance Their value lies in where they were minted, their historical significance, mintage, precious metal content, whether they are error coins, and their condition.

Valuable dollar coins can have any  mark from the following mints:t Charlotte (C), Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), Philadelphia (no mint mark), West Point (W), Dahlonega (D), San Francisco (S), or the Denver mint (D).

There are some key dates in dollar coins that will add to their value. Key dates can mean anything from the first or last coin minted for a certain type, rare coins from low mintage years, or any other kind of historical significance. Dollar coins featuring any errors can be highly sought after by coin collectors or coin dealers, making them worth serious money.

Dollar coins worth money are made from all types of metals: gold, silver, copper, and nickel. Sometimes, gold and silver dollar coins are worth more money thanks to the value of their gold and silver content. Other times, silver and gold dollar coins are worth money due to their precious metal value.

However, the most important thing when finding out the value of your dollar coin is condition. A better condition will get you a higher price for your coins.

Understanding the true value of your coins can be challenging without expert assistance. For a quick, free, and zero-pressure assessment of your collection, consider a free coin appraisal online with Coinfully. In the meantime, here are the record-breaking prices of five particularly rare dollar coins.

Flowing Hair Dollar

The Flowing Hair Dollar coin was the first dollar coin issued by the United States government.

Flowing Hair Silver Dollar coins were only minted in 1794 and 1795 at the New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Philadelphia mint. These early silver coins are a key part of any coin collection.

The most valuable Flowing Hair Dollars are the:

• 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar: $12,000,000
• 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar: $6,600,000

These coins are especially prized when they retain fine details of Lady Liberty’s flowing hair and the chain design on the reverse.

If you think you might own one of these coins or any other historically significant dollar coin, you can learn more in our valuable gold dollar coins guide.

1804 Dollar

One of the rarest coins in the world, the 1804 Dollars were originally minted as diplomatic gifts in 1834 not in the date on the coin.

These coins were so rare right after their minting that over the next three decades after the coin’s original minting in 1834, employees minted unauthorized versions of the1804 dollars. There are few small things that can let an expert know when an 1804 Dollar was minted, though all 1804 Dollars are worth a lot of money.

The most valuable 1804 Dollars are the:

• 1804 Dollar: $7,680,000
• 1804 Dollar: $3,877,500

Determining the authenticity of an 1804 dollar requires an expert’s eye. If you’re uncertain about the origins of your coin, you can sell your coins online through Coinfully’s secure platform or request an at-home appraisal for peace of mind.

Trade Dollar

Minted from 1973 to 1885, Trade Dollars were never circulated in the United States even though they were legal tender.

Most Trade Dollars were circulated in China with many containing chopmarks or stamps by merchants to authenticate the coins. Though most Trade Dollars with marks are worth less than full coins, some with interesting chopmarks or stamps can be worth more. In 1887 any Trade Dollars without marks could be exchanged by the U.S. treasury for $1. 

The most valuable Trade Dollars are the:

• 1885 Trade Dollar: $3,960,000
• 1885 Trade Dollar (Proof): $2,100,000

Trade Dollars are less well-known than other silver coins but remain highly collectible. For more information about other silver coins with significant market value, check out our silver dollars worth money guide.

Morgan Silver Dollar

Morgan Silver Dollar coins are valuable and one of the most collected coins of all time, being minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921.

Because of the Pittman Act in 1918, over 270 million Morgan Silver Dollars were melted down, making any 1921 issues of the Morgan Dollar coin the most common ones. Though, there is a big collectors market for all Morgan Dollars of any year in good condition.

The most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars are the:

• 1893-S Morgan Dollar: $2,086,875
• 1889-CC Morgan Dollar: $881,250

If you’re unsure whether your Morgans are among the rare editions, Coinfully’s free coin appraisal online can provide clarity. If you’re exploring other early U.S. dollar coins, check out the most valuable Bust dollars to see how these historical pieces compare in value.

Seated Liberty Dollar

The Seated Liberty Dollar was minted from 1840 to 1873 and is relatively accessible to collectors in lower grades. However, finding uncirculated examples is exceptionally rare, with such coins commanding prices well into the thousands.

The most valuable Seated Liberty Dollars are the:

• 1870-S Seated Liberty: $1,092,500
• 1866 Seated Liberty (No Motto): $1,050,000

Even worn Seated Liberty Dollars can sell for several hundred dollars. If you want to learn more about these and other record-breaking U.S. coins, you can read about the most valuable US coins ever sold.

Finding The Value of Your Dollar Coins

The best way to find the value of your dollar coins is with an appraisal online or in-person.

Whether in-person or online, an appraisal can have an expert look at your dollar coins and tell you exactly how much they are worth and where their value is. The choice of appraisal is totally up to you and your convenience.

If you want a better understanding of silver coins specifically, check out our guide on what to know about silver coins.

For in-person appraisals you will need to find a certified coin shop or dealer who can appraise your collection, take your dollar coins to them, and then take them home afterwards. If you choose an online coin appraisal you will have to take photos or make a list of the dollar coins you want appraised and send the photos and list in.

If you’re preparing to sell a larger or more historical collection, understanding the process can help. Our detailed guide on selling a coin collection offers valuable insights to maximize your returns.

At Coinfully, we offer online appraisals as well as at-home appraisals. At-home appraisals with Coinfully combines the ease of an online appraisal with the familiarity of in-person appraisals by sending an expert to your home for an appraisal.

With Coinfully, both online and at-home appraisals are free zero-pressure appraisals. If after you decide to sell your coins online or at-home after an appraisal from Coinfully, we will write you a check.

Dollar coins are not the only coins worth millions of dollars, any coin you own can be valuable. If you are wondering what half dollar coins are worth money or want to know the value of any other coin, reach out to Coinfully and get your coins appraised online or at-home today!

Want the highest return possible? Check out our guide to get the best price for gold coins when you sell.

What to Do After Getting an Appraisal

Once you know the value of your dollar coins, the next step is to decide whether to keep or sell them.

If you decide to hold onto your collection, you might consider having the coins graded by a certified agency such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Coin grading can preserve the coin’s market value by providing official documentation of its condition.

If you’re ready to sell, the method you choose can significantly impact the final sale price. Local coin shops offer immediacy but often pay less than online platforms. Coin shows provide access to knowledgeable collectors but require considerable effort and time. Online marketplaces, like Coinfully, combine convenience with competitive pricing, allowing you to sell your coins online with minimal hassle. If you’re unsure about the value of your coins, you can always request a free appraisal for your coins to get started.

Additionally, if you have a historical or inherited collection, you can consult our selling a coin collection guide to learn the best practices for maximizing the value of your collection.

Conclusion

Dollar coins have long been a staple of U.S. numismatics, with some issues fetching millions at auction. Whether you possess a Flowing Hair Dollar, a Morgan Silver Dollar, or a lesser-known variety, determining its value requires a careful assessment of its condition, rarity, and historical context.

Coinfully makes this process simple with our free coin appraisal online service. Our expert numismatists will provide a transparent valuation and, if you decide to sell, help you navigate the process with ease.

If you own gold coins and want to get the highest possible return, make sure you get the best price for gold coins with our trusted experts. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to sell your gold coins.

And if you have particularly unique or historic pieces, explore how to sell your rare coins for the best market value.

Discover the true worth of your coins today.