Coin Experts Reveal Which Coins They Covet Most of All
Coin Experts Reveal Which Coins They Covet Most of All
Discover the most prized gold and silver coins according to 26 industry professionals, dealers, and collectors
Introduction
What coins do the experts truly covet? We posed this simple yet revealing question to 26 coin experts and dealers across various specialties in the precious metals industry. From American numismatics to world coins, from ancient pieces to modern bullion, these professionals shared their most coveted choices and the fascinating stories behind them.
The diverse responses reveal not just individual preferences, but deeper insights into what makes certain coins truly special. Whether you're starting your gold collection or expanding an existing portfolio, these expert perspectives offer invaluable guidance for understanding which pieces command respect and why they continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
Table of Contents
Why expert opinions matter in coin collecting
The coin industry encompasses multiple specialized fields—American numismatics, bullion investing, world coins, and ancient pieces. Each area requires deep knowledge of market dynamics, historical significance, and investment potential. When experts across these diverse fields consistently mention certain coins, it reveals universal qualities that transcend individual collecting preferences.
Market Knowledge
Experts understand liquidity, pricing trends, and which coins maintain strong market demand during economic uncertainty.
Historical Significance
Professional dealers recognize coins that capture pivotal moments in history, from the birth of nations to economic transformations.
Artistic Merit
Experienced collectors appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and design elements that elevate coins beyond mere monetary instruments.
Rarity Assessment
Industry professionals can distinguish between artificial scarcity and genuine rarity that drives long-term value appreciation.
Professional Insight
Our expert panel includes coin dealers, auction house specialists, numismatic researchers, and collectors with decades of combined experience. Their choices reflect both emotional appeal and sound investment principles that have guided successful collecting for generations.
Legendary gold coins that experts prize most
Gold coins dominated many expert responses, reflecting both their investment appeal and numismatic significance. Several patterns emerged from the expert choices, with certain pieces appearing repeatedly across different specialties.
1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens
Multiple experts chose this masterpiece, often calling it "one of the most beautiful coins ever made." The artistic collaboration between President Theodore Roosevelt and sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens created a coin that many consider the pinnacle of American coinage design.
- Ultra-high relief design showcasing artistic excellence
- Historical significance as Roosevelt's vision realized
- Strong collector demand across all market conditions
- Available in various grades for different budgets
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This legendary piece captures expert imagination due to its compelling backstory. Struck but never officially released due to the Gold Reserve Act, most examples were melted down, creating one of numismatics' greatest mysteries.
- Only one example legal to own (sold for $18.9 million)
- Ten additional pieces held at Fort Knox
- Represents the end of circulating gold coinage
- Ultimate "dream coin" for collectors
1848 CAL Quarter Eagle
Experts appreciate this coin's unique place in American history as the first U.S. commemorative coin made from California Gold Rush gold. The "CAL" counterstamp identifies the source of the gold used in production.
- Made from historic California Gold Rush metal
- Very low mintage increases desirability
- Connects to pivotal moment in American expansion
- First U.S. commemorative coin concept
"Even if my collection were going to consist of only three coins, I would want them to be related, and to form something of a complete 'set'. My set would be comprised of a 1907 $20 Ultra-High Relief, the small diameter, extra thick 1907 $20 Ultra-High Relief (J-1917), and the unique 1907 Indian Head $20 pattern (J-1905)."
Modern Bullion Preferences
Several experts emphasized modern bullion coins for their combination of metal content and recognition. When looking to purchase gold bullion, these professionals favor coins with global recognition and low premiums. The South African Krugerrand appeared in multiple responses for its worldwide acceptance, while American Gold Buffalos earned praise for their 24-karat purity. These choices reflect practical considerations for investors who want to track gold spot prices while maintaining liquidity.
Coveted silver treasures and their appeal
Silver selections revealed experts' appreciation for both numismatic treasures and practical bullion choices. The range of responses showcased silver's unique position as both an affordable entry point for new collectors and a sophisticated collecting area for seasoned numismatists.
| Expert Choice | Era | Appeal | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794 | First U.S. Silver Dollar | Birth of American silver coinage |
| 1836 Gobrecht Dollar | 1836 | Artistic excellence | Transition to Seated Liberty design |
| 1916 Walking Liberty Half | 1916-1947 | Beautiful design | America's most artistic circulating coin |
| 1895 Morgan Dollar | 1895 | Extreme rarity | Proof-only issue, 880 struck |
| 1889-CC Morgan Dollar | 1889 | Carson City mystique | Rarest Carson City Morgan |
"I love the 1817/4 Capped Bust half dollar – Love the series, love writing about them and the people who collect them. Have gotten to know many of the well-known collectors and researchers. For history, the 1652 New England shilling represents our colonial origins."
Early American Silver
Experts consistently chose early American silver dollars for their historical significance. The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar and 1795 Draped Bust Dollar represent the beginning of American silver coinage, with fewer than 2,000 examples of the 1794 known to exist.
Design Excellence
The Walking Liberty Half Dollar earned multiple expert mentions for its exceptional artistic merit. Designed by Adolph Weinman, it's considered one of America's most beautiful circulating coins and influences modern silver bullion design.
Carson City Appeal
Several experts mentioned Carson City Morgans, particularly the 1889-CC and 1878-CC. These coins capture the romance of the Old West while offering strong investment potential for those who invest in silver.
Modern Bullion Choices
For contemporary silver investing, experts favored Canadian Silver Maple Leafs for their purity and value, while Chinese Silver Pandas earned praise as "the prettiest official silver coin produced." These choices help investors monitor silver spot prices effectively.
Expert Strategy
Many professionals emphasized that silver collecting offers more accessibility than gold while maintaining strong appreciation potential. The combination of lower entry costs and rich historical variety makes silver an ideal starting point for new collectors while offering sophisticated collecting opportunities for experienced numismatists.
Bullion preferences vs numismatic choices
Expert responses revealed a fascinating divide between those who prioritize pure precious metal content and those who value numismatic premiums for historical or artistic significance. This split reflects different investment philosophies within the precious metals community.
Pure Bullion Advocates
"If I could only have 3 silver or gold coins in my collection, they would certainly not be silver, they would only be gold. And they would not have any numismatic premium included in their price. I would want only unslabbed and highly-recognizable bullion coins. I prefer .9999 24K gold so I would probably go for three brand new 2014 Buffalos."
- Focus on metal content over collectibility
- Preference for .9999 fine gold purity
- Emphasis on global recognition and liquidity
- Minimal premiums over spot price
Numismatic Enthusiasts
"I value history very much and the lessons that history will teach you. These two passions have lead me on a search for early commemorative coins. The 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial half dollar depicts the continents of North and South America as two female figures - it is a true delight to review and learn the history of our country."
- Historical significance drives selection
- Artistic merit equally important as metal content
- Educational value for collectors
- Connection to American heritage and values
Investment Philosophy
The bullion vs. numismatic debate reflects fundamental differences in precious metals investing. Bullion advocates prioritize liquidity and minimal premiums, viewing coins primarily as metal holdings. Numismatic collectors accept higher premiums for historical significance, artistic merit, or rarity factors that may appreciate beyond metal value alone.
International and historical selections
Several experts expanded beyond American coinage to highlight remarkable pieces from world mints and ancient civilizations. These selections demonstrate the global appreciation for exceptional coinage across cultures and millennia.
"I nominate the Electrum stater of Cyzicus because all coinage likely originated with bonus payments to mercenaries about the year 550 BCE. Coins were not invented by merchants. Also, the English Long Cross Penny (1247-1377) influenced medieval commerce, and the U.S. Capped Bust/Heraldic Eagle (1797-1804) announced the new republic."
Ancient Origins
Several experts chose ancient pieces that represent the very beginning of coinage. The Electrum stater of Cyzicus and various Greek tetradrachms showcase the artistic and monetary innovations that established coinage as a global phenomenon.
European Excellence
British and European selections included the 1839 Una and the Lion Gold Five Pound Piece and various German marks. These pieces demonstrate the sophisticated minting technology and artistic vision of European mints.
Modern World Coins
Contemporary international choices featured South African Krugerrands, Chinese Pandas, and Canadian Maple Leafs. These selections reflect current global precious metals markets and investor preferences.
Historical Patterns
Pattern coins and unique pieces like the 1776 Continental Currency Pattern and various Judd numbers represent experimental designs that never reached circulation but showcase mint innovation and historical significance.
Collecting Considerations
International and ancient coins require specialized knowledge regarding authentication, grading standards, and market dynamics that differ significantly from modern U.S. coinage. New collectors should work with reputable dealers and seek professional grading for significant purchases in these specialized areas.
Building your own collection with expert insights
The expert responses reveal several key principles that successful collectors and investors follow when building meaningful precious metals portfolios. These insights can guide both newcomers and experienced collectors in making informed decisions.
Thematic Collecting Strategies
Many experts emphasized the importance of collecting with a theme or focus rather than acquiring random pieces. Whether concentrating on a specific era, design series, or mint, focused collecting creates more meaningful portfolios that tell coherent stories. This approach also helps collectors develop expertise in particular areas, leading to better buying decisions and stronger long-term appreciation.
| Collection Theme | Expert Examples | Investment Appeal | Entry Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early American Silver | Flowing Hair, Draped Bust, Capped Bust | Historical significance, rarity | Moderate to High |
| Classic Gold Era | Liberty Head, Saint-Gaudens designs | Artistic merit, precious metal content | High |
| Carson City Pieces | CC Morgans, Trade Dollars, Gold | Western romance, limited mintages | Moderate |
| Modern Bullion | Eagles, Maple Leafs, Pandas | Metal content, global recognition | Low to Moderate |
| Commemoratives | Classic and Modern commemoratives | Historical events, artistic designs | Low to Moderate |
"The choices were unanimous: 1804 Dollar, 1913 Liberty Nickel, 1933 $20 Saint. Since the above are rarely available, the other 3 most often given were XF, AU, or Unc 1793 Chain Cent, 1794 Dollar, 1796/97 Small Eagle Type Half Dollar."
Starting Your Collection
For new collectors, experts recommend starting with more accessible pieces that still offer genuine historical significance or investment potential. Consider beginning with silver coins due to lower entry costs, or focus on modern bullion pieces that track current gold prices while offering collecting appeal. As knowledge and budget grow, collectors can pursue the legendary pieces that captured expert imagination.
Research and Education
- Study market guides and auction results
- Join collecting organizations and forums
- Attend coin shows and educational seminars
- Build relationships with reputable dealers
Quality over Quantity
- Buy the best examples your budget allows
- Focus on coins in collector-grade condition
- Consider professional grading for valuable pieces
- Prioritize eye appeal and problem-free examples
Diversification Strategies
- Balance numismatic and bullion holdings
- Mix different metals and time periods
- Include both rare and more common pieces
- Consider international pieces for variety
Long-term Perspective
- Collect for passion as well as investment
- Plan for proper storage and insurance
- Document purchases and maintain records
- Consider exit strategies for major pieces
Conclusion
The insights from these 26 coin experts reveal the diverse motivations that drive serious collecting and investing in precious metals. From the pure metal content focus of bullion advocates to the historical passion of numismatic specialists, each perspective offers valuable lessons for building meaningful collections.
Whether you're drawn to the artistic excellence of the 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens, the historical significance of early American silver dollars, or the practical benefits of modern bullion coins, the expert choices provide proven guidance for making informed decisions. The unanimous appreciation for certain legendary pieces—like the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and 1804 Silver Dollar—demonstrates how exceptional coins transcend individual collecting preferences to achieve universal recognition.
Success in coin collecting ultimately depends on combining passion with knowledge, patience with opportunity, and appreciation for both historical significance and investment potential. By following the principles demonstrated by these experts—focused collecting themes, quality over quantity, and long-term perspective—collectors can build portfolios that provide both personal satisfaction and financial growth.
Your Next Steps
Ready to begin or expand your collection? Start by exploring the categories that most appealed to these experts. Whether that means acquiring your first gold coin, building a silver collection, or tracking current precious metals prices for optimal timing, the foundation these experts provide will guide you toward pieces that offer both collecting satisfaction and investment potential for years to come.