Most Expensive Rare U.S. Coins

Coins don’t always mean small change; in fact, some rare coins are worth a small fortune.Click ahead to see the 15 most expensive coins, including those considered priceless.Posted 31 Aug 2009»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue»Slideshow: Investing In Art

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $100,000 This Half Eagle was created during the first year the coins were produced. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $150,000 This five-dollar gold coin was made the first year gold coins were produced in the United States. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $300,000 This coin was produced the last year the US. Mint struck gold coins for currency.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $500,000This coin is unique because it was part of a group minted as a two-year experimental type.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $500,000This coin is a rarity because it is one of the first US coins struck at a branch mint, which is an extension of the national mint.  The 'O' signifies the coin was minted at the branch in New Orleans. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $500,000This Bust Dollar was created the first year silver dollars were produced by the US Mint. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $500,000The Chain Cent was one of the first US coins to be mass-produced.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $500,000This coin is one of the first colonial-issued coins.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $1,000,000There are less than five known samples of this ten-dollar proof. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $3,000,000This coin is considered to be the most beautiful ever struck.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $5,000,000This five-dollar piece is one of the only three of its kind known to still exist.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: $7,500,000The 1804 Bust Dollar is considered one of the most famous US coins because of its rarity.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: PricelessThis is a unique experimental coin made during the Colonial Era.»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: PricelessThis is a unique experimental coin. »Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue

Photo: Smithsonian Institution Collection Estimated Value: PricelessThis is one of the only gold colonial coins to be produced. »Replay Slideshow»Article: Precious Metals, Rare Mints, and Tales of Intrigue»Slideshow: Antique Assets