According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 1.74 million metric tons of silver have been mined to date, compared to just 244,000 metric tons of gold. This stark contrast in supply, along with gold’s longstanding association with wealth and luxury, continues to make gold significantly more expensive than silver, with prices ranging from over $2,000 an ounce for gold to about $25 an ounce for silver as of March 7.
When transforming silver into currency, the melt value and spot price become irrelevant, and today, some of the most sought-after silver coins are valued more highly than all but a few select gold coins.
The Most Valuable Silver Coins
Here is a look at some of the most valuable silver coins in the world, along with the potential worth if you happen to come across one.
1794 ‘Flowing Hair’ Silver Dollar
Historically, the most valuable coin was a rare silver dollar that sold for $4.14 million at auction in 1999. However, in 2013, a record-breaking sale occurred when a 1794 “Flowing Hair” silver dollar fetched over $10 million. This coin is believed to be the first silver dollar ever minted by the U.S. Mint during the presidency of George Washington.
1804 ‘Original’ Draped Bust Silver Dollar
Another extremely rare and pristine coin, the 1804 Draped Bust silver dollar, held the record for most valuable coin before it was surpassed. It was part of the iconic Childs Collection from 1870 and was gifted by the U.S. government to the Sultan of Muscat in 1835.
1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, Dexter Specimen
Known as the “Dexter specimen,” this coin is one of only eight Class I Original Draped Bust silver dollars ever made. It was sold at an auction for nearly $3.3 million and has been deemed the “King of American rarities” since 1885.
1797 ‘Magnificent Pogue’ Draped Bust Half Dollar
The finest known example of the 1797 Draped Bust half dollar set a record as the most valuable U.S. half dollar in history when it sold at auction in 2021. This coin, part of the D. Brent Pogue collection, is considered one of the rarest designs in American silver coinage.
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Reports from 2008 indicate that a rare 1870-S Seated Liberty dollar, once owned by prominent collector Louis Eliasberg, was sold in a private transaction. This coin, one of just a few known to exist, has a legendary history and holds significant value in the numismatic world.