Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a fascinating hobby enjoyed by people all around the globe. For some, the thrill comes from tracking down coins from exotic lands and learning about the history behind them. For others, it‘s the potential of uncovering rare coins worth a fortune that drives their passion.
When we talk about "foreign coins", we simply mean coins that were not minted in the United States. These coins can come from ancient empires that no longer exist or modern day countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. And some of the most valuable coins in the world fall into the foreign coin category.
Whether you inherited a collection of old coins or just have an interest in numismatics, you‘ve come to the right place. We‘ve assembled a list of the top 10 most valuable foreign coins ever sold at auction. These coins have fascinating backgrounds and are so rare that affluent collectors are willing to pay millions to add them to their collections.
So let‘s take a trip around the numismatic world and explore foreign coins that are not only historically significant, but also extremely valuable. We‘ll also provide some tips for determining the value of your coins and how to go about buying or selling rare foreign coins.
The Top 10 Most Valuable Foreign Coins
Here are the foreign coins that have fetched the highest prices at auction in recent years. While the top two sold for over $4 million, every coin on this list has earned well over a million dollars, demonstrating the immense value placed on rare and historically important coins.
1. Umayyad Gold Dinar – $4.29 million (2019)
Minted in the year 723 CE in the Umayyad Caliphate (known today as Saudi Arabia), this incredibly rare gold dinar is the most expensive foreign coin ever sold at auction. One of the earliest Islamic coins, it is especially notable for being the first to name the location where it was minted – the holy city of Mecca.
The coin was sold at an auction in London for approximately $4.29 million in October 2019. This same coin also previously held the record when it sold for around $4.2 million back in 2011, further evidence of its desirability.
2. Q. Servilius Caepio (M. Junius) Brutus AV Aureus – $3.5 million (2020)
Dating back to 42 BCE, this ancient Roman gold coin features the portrait of Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the assassins of Julius Caesar. Only three specimens of this type are known to exist, making it exceptionally rare.
The coin is believed to have been minted by Brutus to celebrate the assassination of Caesar and features two daggers on the reverse side. Despite being over 2,000 years old, the coin sold at auction in 2020 was in superb condition, leading to a record-setting price of $3.5 million.
3. $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf – $3.2 million (2010)
While not an ancient coin, this modern gold behemoth issued by the Canadian government is still highly collectible due to its immense size and rarity. Tipping the scales at 100 kilograms (over 220 pounds) of .99999 pure gold, it was the world‘s largest gold coin when issued in 2007.
The coin, which features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, has a face value of $1 million Canadian dollars. However, when it hit the auction block in 2010, it sold for over three times that amount at $3.2 million USD.
4. Long Whisker Dragon Dollar – $3 million (2022)
This Chinese silver dollar from 1911 was minted in the final year of the Qing dynasty. It gets its name from the intricately engraved dragon on the obverse side which features long, curling whiskers. The design is highly detailed and artistic compared to other Chinese coins of the era.
Very few of these coins are known to still exist in pristine condition. The finest specimen, graded SP67+ by PCGS, sold at auction in 2022 for an astonishing $3 million, setting a record for a Chinese coin.
5. Silver Agrigentum Decadrachm – $2.9 million (2017)
Believed to be one of only 10 known examples, this silver decadrachm was minted over 2,400 years ago in the ancient Greek city of Akragas (modern day Agrigento) in Sicily. The coin features a quadriga (four horse chariot) on the front and two eagles on the reverse.
Considered a masterpiece of classical Greek coin design, this decadrachm is attributed to two of the most renowned coin engravers of antiquity – Myron and Polyainos. It realized a price of $2.9 million when auctioned in 2017.
6. Silver Ruble Pattern – $2.64 million (2021)
From Imperial Russia, this silver ruble "pattern" coin was struck in 1825 but never released into circulation. Only a handful of these proof coins featuring a portrait of Emperor Constantine on the obverse are known to exist.
Constantine was presumed to become emperor of Russia, but fearing assassination, he abdicated the throne in favor of his younger brother Nicholas I. A coin marking Constantine‘s ascension is thus incredibly rare, reflected in the price of $2.64 million paid by an anonymous bidder in 2021.
7. Silver "Mukden Tiger" Pattern Dollar – $2.28 million (2021)
Another highly valuable Chinese coin, this silver pattern dollar depicts warlord Chang Tso-lin, who was known as the "Mukden Tiger." It was issued in 1928 with sharp, detailed engraving to commemorate Chang‘s military victories.
Despite being a 20th century coin, it is exceedingly rare due to being a special striking and not released for circulation. The highest graded known example fetched a price of $2.28 million in 2021.
8. Edward VIII 5 Pounds – $2.28 million (2020)
When Edward VIII became King of England in 1936, designs were prepared for new coins bearing his portrait. However, Edward abdicated the throne after less than a year to marry Wallis Simpson. The planned coins were never minted, other than a small number of patterns and proofs.
Only a handful of these Edward VIII 5 pound gold coins are known to survive, as most were melted down after he relinquished the crown. This extreme rarity led to one example selling for $2.28 million in a 2020 auction.
9. 100 Ducat of Sigismund III Vasa – $2.16 million (2018)
Sigismund III Vasa was king of Poland and grand duke of Lithuania in the early 17th century. To celebrate Lithuania‘s conversion to Christianity, he ordered ornate 100 ducat gold coins to be minted featuring his armored bust on the obverse.
Less than 10 specimens of this type exist today. A pristine example graded NGC MS63 set a record for a Polish coin when it sold for $2.16 million in 2018. That was double the previous record price for a European coin.
10. Sestertius of Hadrian – $1.64 million (2008)
A large bronze coin from ancient Rome, this sestertius bears the laureate bust of Emperor Hadrian on the obverse. It was likely created around 135 CE to mark the 20th anniversary of Hadrian‘s reign.
The reverse shows the Roman goddess of peace Pax holding an olive branch and cornucopia. The engraving is attributed to a master artist known as the "Alphaeus Master." While most sestertii were minted in large numbers, this special issue is extremely rare, leading to a price of $1.64 million in 2008.
How to Value Your Foreign Coins
Do you own some old or unusual foreign coins? There are several factors that go into determining what they may be worth. Let‘s look at some key things to consider when trying to value a coin:
Rarity
In general, the rarer a coin is, the more valuable it will be. Coins with very low mintages (number produced) or those with few surviving examples will command the highest prices from collectors. Limited edition coins or special proofs and patterns that were never released into circulation are also highly sought-after.
Condition
Collectors put a premium on coins that are in pristine, uncirculated condition. Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70 based on their condition and eye appeal, with 70 being flawless. Having a coin professionally graded and encapsulated will help determine and preserve its value.
It‘s important to note that cleaning or polishing an old coin yourself can actually damage it and significantly decrease the value. Resist the urge to make a coin look shiny and new – numismatists want coins in their original state.
Historical Significance
Coins linked to an important historical event or figure will often be valued much higher than common coins. For example, ancient Roman coins bearing the visage of a well-known emperor like Julius Caesar or Nero are very desirable to collectors. The same holds true for coins from major events in more recent history.
Precious Metal Content
Many of the most valuable coins are composed of gold or silver. The market value of those precious metals factors into the coin‘s numismatic value. As gold and silver spot prices rise, the baseline value of the coin also increases. With rare gold coins, the collector value can be many times the spot price of the gold content.
Authentication
With rare and valuable coins, you need to beware of counterfeits. Having a coin authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC is recommended for high-value coins. They have experts that can spot fakes or coins that have been altered to try to increase their value.
Buying and Selling Valuable Foreign Coins
If you‘re interested in acquiring some valuable foreign coins for your own collection, or if you have some you‘d like to sell for the best price, here are some tips and marketplace options to consider:
- Get a professional appraisal. For high-end coins, it‘s worth paying for an appraisal from a reputable coin dealer or certification service so you can be confident in a coin‘s authenticity and market value.
- Check greysheet prices. Price guides known as greysheets track the wholesale market for collectible coins. Checking recent prices for your coin type can help you determine a fair retail value.
- Sell to a reputable dealer. Well-known coin dealers will often offer a fair price to buy legitimately rare coins for their inventory or for a client. You‘ll generally net a little less than if you sell directly to a collector, but the transaction will be easier and quicker.
- Consign to an auction house. For truly rare and valuable coins, placing them in a well-publicized auction can attract top dollar from collectors. Look for an auction company that specializes in coins and paper money and has a track record of big numismatic sales.
- List them on eBay. If you don‘t have the highest of the high end, you can still reach a wide base of collectors by listing coins on eBay. Look at completed sales for similar items to price competitively. Be sure to describe the coin accurately and include high resolution photos.
- Visit a coin show. Attending a big regional coin show is a great way to network with dealers and serious collectors face-to-face. You can also have coins evaluated by multiple experts in one place to feel confident in their opinions.
No matter how you decide to buy or sell, always take time to research and compare prices. The numismatic market can fluctuate based on overall economic conditions and investor interest. Rare coin values are not always stable or predictable.
While coming across a multi-million dollar foreign coin is a long shot, you never know what might be hiding in an old collection or at local estate sale. By learning about the qualities that make certain coins valuable and how to determine their condition, you‘ll be well positioned to appreciate the true treasures when you find them.
Coin collecting is a hobby that combines an interest in history, art, and economics. The most valuable foreign coins represent the pinnacle of all three, with a fantastic story, beautiful design, and staggering price tag to match. Even if you never own one of the top 10 coins on this list, you can see why they are so desirable to collectors around the world who want to hold a piece of history in their hands.
