Pawn Stars: TOP COINS OF ALL TIME (20 Rare & Expensive Coins) | History

A collector brings in an 1895 Morgan Dollar, a rare proof coin from Philadelphia with a cameo finish. Only 880 were minted, and it's highly sought after in the coin collecting world. The coin's rarity and condition make it valuable, with a hope to sell it for a high price. The coin's proof characteristics, such as the mirror finish, indicate its unique status. The collector is looking to sell it for $100,000, a price based on previous sales of similar coins. However, the pawn shop owner can only offer $40,000 due to the limited market for such coins, leading to a failed sale.

The owner of a 1906 half dollar coin with a link to the Titanic disaster approaches the pawn shop. The coin is associated with John W. Gill, a second-class passenger who died in the tragedy. The coin carries a significant historical value, being part of a collection with an unbroken pedigree dating back to 1912. The seller purchased the coin for $75,000 and hopes to sell it for $125,000. However, the pawn shop owner suggests a more realistic value based on previous sales of similar items, offering $10,000. The seller declines the offer, believing the coin's story justifies a higher price.

A collector attempts to sell an ancient Roman brothel token from around the time of Christ. The token is a unique piece of history, representing the advanced society of Rome, which included organized brothels. The token would have been used as a form of payment in these establishments to avoid the use of coins bearing the emperor's portrait. The seller seeks $10,000 for the token, but the pawn shop owner, after consulting an expert, determines a more realistic value of around $12,000, offering $7,000 for it. The seller agrees to the deal, satisfied with the profit over their initial purchase price.

A college student brings in a Benjamin Franklin terracotta plaque from the late 1700s, seeking $10,000 for it. The plaque was popular in France during Franklin's time and is considered a historical object. However, the pawn shop owner is unsure of its value and consults an expert. The expert reveals that the plaque was made by Jean-Baptiste Nini and is a significant piece from the American Revolution era. Despite the plaque's historical importance, the market value is estimated to be between $1,500 and $2,000. The seller, disappointed with the valuation, agrees to sell it for $1,400 to help with student loans and other expenses.

A seller brings in an ancient Roman coin featuring a portrait of Julius Caesar, minted just a month before his assassination. The coin is considered a key piece for historical coin collectors. The seller is seeking $4,400 for the coin but is open to expert evaluation. An expert confirms the coin's authenticity and historical significance, estimating its value at around $1,500 in retail. The pawn shop owner offers $1,000, which the seller rejects, believing the coin's historical value is worth more. The seller decides to hold onto the coin, hoping to find a buyer who appreciates its true worth.

An individual presents a Viking coin, an English penny from around 900 AD, during the time when Vikings controlled parts of England. The coin demonstrates the Vikings' adoption of Anglo-Saxon culture, as evidenced by the Christian cross on one side. The seller is interested in selling the coin but is unsure of its value. An expert confirms the coin's authenticity and its connection to the 10th Duke of Argyll, who was known for his coin collections. The coin is valued at around $1,200, and the seller agrees to sell it for $800, considering it a fair price.

A person brings in a 1922 proof high relief matte finish coin, considered one of the rarest American coins. The coin was minted after the silver dollar was reintroduced in 1921, with a high relief design that was later reduced due to striking difficulties. The coin is extremely rare, with only a few known to exist. The seller acquired it in a poker game and seeks $20,000 for it. An expert confirms the coin's authenticity and estimates its value to be north of $50,000 but less than $100,000. After negotiations, the seller agrees to sell the coin for $80,000.

A seller presents a 1791 'cent' coin, which is actually a British shilling minted in Birmingham, England. The coin was created as part of an effort to win a government contract for minting coins in the early United States. The coin is genuine and has a historical significance to the United States' early coinage history. The seller seeks at least $2,200 for the coin, based on a previous offer. An expert evaluates the coin and determines it to be authentic, estimating its value to be around $750 to $800. The seller decides to seek the previous offer of $2,000, hoping it is still available.

A seller brings in a 1944 steel penny, a rare coin that was produced during World War II due to copper rationing. The coin is considered a mistake by the US Mint, as steel blanks were accidentally used after production of steel cents was stopped. The seller was given the coin as a gift and believes it to be worth $102,000. An expert confirms the coin's authenticity and rarity, estimating its value to be around $30,000. The seller is disappointed with the offered value and decides to keep the coin, hoping for a better offer in the future.

A person discovers an ancient coin featuring Mithridates VI of Pontus, a king known for his military prowess and controversial personal life. The coin is believed to be around 2200 years old and is in good condition. The seller hopes to get $15,000 for the coin but is concerned about its authenticity. An expert examines the coin and confirms it to be genuine, estimating its value to be over $10,000. The seller is advised to shop the coin around for a better price, with the pawn shop owner offering $5,500. The seller considers the offer but is hesitant to sell at that price.

A collector brings in an 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar with the Scarface variety, a rare error coin that has a die break on Lady Liberty's face. The coin is considered one of the most significant errors in Morgan Dollars and is highly collectible. The seller found the coin in their collection and is seeking $15,000 for it. An expert confirms the coin's authenticity and rarity, estimating its value to be around $7,000. The seller is offered $4,500 but decides not to sell, believing the coin is worth more and has received higher offers in the past.

A seller presents two rare coins: an 1838 Gobrecht Dollar, an experimental issue from the US Mint, and an 1857 SS Central America Double Eagle, recovered from a shipwreck. The Gobrecht Dollar is sought for $27,000, while the Double Eagle from the tragic shipwreck, which resulted in the loss of 425 lives, is sought for $14,000. The pawn shop owner, a collector of such coins, evaluates the coins and negotiates a price of $24,000 for the Double Eagle, recognizing its rarity and historical significance. The Gobrecht Dollar is not purchased due to its high asking price.

A coin collector looks to sell a 1792 Half Disme and a Libertas Americana coin, both with significant historical backgrounds. The Half Disme, rumored to be made from George Washington's wife's silverware, marks the early days of American currency post-Revolutionary War. The Libertas Americana was designed by Benjamin Franklin to symbolize the friendship between France and the United States.