Coins from the 1920s are more than just old money—they are valuable pieces of history. Many of these coins were lost, melted, or heavily circulated, making surviving examples rare and highly sought after.
Some are worth thousands, while others have sold for over a million dollars. This guide explores four of the most valuable 1920s coins, why they are so special, and how much they are worth today.
Overview of the Most Valuable 1920s Coins
| Coin | Maximum Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 Peace Silver Dollar | $67,500 | First-year issue with a high-relief design |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | $135,000 | Poorly struck, making mint-condition coins rare |
| 1921 St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle | $1.25 Million | Most were melted, making survivors extremely rare |
| 1920-S Indian Head $10 Gold Eagle | $2 Million | Majority were melted in the 1930s gold confiscation |
1921 Peace Silver Dollar
The 1921 Peace Silver Dollar was the first coin in the Peace Dollar series, created to celebrate the end of World War I. It features a striking high-relief design, making it stand out from later versions.
Because of its unique design and historical significance, collectors prize this coin. While circulated versions are worth between $100 and $525, an uncirculated, high-grade example can sell for up to $67,500.
If you own a 1921 Peace Dollar, it may be worth much more than you think!
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest nickels from the 1920s, mainly because of how poorly it was made. Many coins from this batch had weak details due to issues during production, making well-preserved examples hard to find.
Buffalo Nickels are popular because of their classic American design, featuring a Native American portrait on one side and a buffalo on the other.
Circulated versions of the 1926-S can be worth anywhere from $15 to $4,400, but a near-perfect specimen has sold for $135,000 at auction.
1921 St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle
The 1921 St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle is one of the most legendary coins in American numismatics. Most of these coins were melted down during the Great Depression when the U.S. government recalled gold coins to help stabilize the economy. As a result, very few remain today.
Even worn versions of this coin can be worth between $15,000 and $100,000, but an uncirculated, flawless example has sold for $1.25 million. This coin is a true treasure for collectors, not only for its beauty but also for its rarity.
1920-S Indian Head $10 Gold Eagle
The 1920-S Indian Head $10 Gold Eagle is the rarest and most valuable coin on this list. Like the St. Gaudens Double Eagle, most of these coins were melted in the 1930s as part of the government’s gold recall.
This coin features an elegant design of Lady Liberty wearing a Native American headdress, with an eagle on the reverse. Its low survival rate and stunning design make it a prized collector’s item.
Circulated versions can sell for $20,000 to $75,000, but a near-perfect one has reached an astounding $2 million at auction.
Why Are 1920s Coins So Valuable?
Several factors make these coins worth so much:
- Historical Significance – Each coin tells a story about the time it was made, from post-WWI optimism to the Great Depression.
- Rarity – Many coins were lost, melted, or heavily used, leaving very few in good condition today.
- Condition – The better a coin’s condition, the higher its value. Even a slight scratch can reduce its worth.
- Design – The intricate and beautiful designs of these coins make them highly desirable for collectors.
How to Determine Your Coin’s Value
If you think you own a valuable 1920s coin, follow these steps:
- Check the Date and Mint Mark – Look for the year and mint location on the coin.
- Inspect the Condition – Coins with minimal wear are worth more.
- Get a Professional Appraisal – Certified grading services like NGC or PCGS can accurately determine a coin’s value.
- Research Recent Sales – Look at auction records to see what similar coins have sold for.
The 1920s produced some of the most valuable and fascinating coins in U.S. history. Whether it’s the artistic Peace Silver Dollar, the rare Buffalo Nickel, or the incredibly scarce St. Gaudens and Indian Head Gold Coins, these treasures continue to captivate collectors worldwide.
If you own any coins from the 1920s, it’s worth checking their value—you might be holding a small fortune in your hands!
