Oldest Coin In The World

The Dokos Shipwreck, the oldest in the world, was discovered by the father of underwater archaeology, Peter Throckmorton, after almost four thousand years on August 23, 1975. A simple pile of. Lydian electrum trite (4.71g, 13x10x4 mm). This coin type, made of a gold and silver alloy, was in all likelihood the world's first, minted by King Alyattes in Sardis, Lydia, Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), c. It can be attributed, among other ways, as Weidauer 59-75 (Type 15).

Dr Nupam Mahajan PH.D, FRNS (www.nupam.com) is of the opinion that India developed the first coins in the World which can also be the world's oldest coins. Many experts like Mitchiner believe that Indian coins were influenced by western and Islamic coinage. Among the earliest coins to be made purely from silver and gold were the silver Dirham and gold Dinar in the Umayyad Caliphate from the 7th century. Silver and gold coins are the most common and universally recognized throughout history, even today. The Oldest Coin in the World Created over 2,700 years ago, but now located in the British Museum, is the Lydian Lion, the oldest coin in the world. It is a one-sided design featuring a roaring lion, the emblem of the Lydian Kings who created it around 610-600 BC.

The universe is made of unimaginable elements, all of which probably were made or came into existence at a particular time, on a particular day. In the modern world, archaeologists try to find the ‘time' entrapped in such elements which is a cumbersome process. How easy it would be if you find an archaeological object accompanied with an object which is dated? Numismatics has been a vital tool to date such objects with sound evidence and coins with dates fulfil their requirement with undeniable proof of time.

The importance of archaeological dating

Archaeologists from around the world try their best to accurately calculate the date of all excavated findings or artefacts. This process of estimating the age of ancient materials or determining a chronology of events in the history of earth is called as dating. Dating is crucial for constructing models of the past and is more accurate as it relies on the integrity of datable objects and samples. In a way this helps in creating evidence for certain historical events. Archaeologist use various methods of dating objects, they may be C14, TL (Thermo-luminescence) dating, K-Ar (Potassium-Argon) dating or other relative dating methods. Any archaeological find with a coin provides earliest potential date.

Dates on coins

There is nothing more precise than marking events in history by studying coins that were issued in that era. Especially when they have dates on them, the evidence becomes much more solid in nature. Dates and mintmarks are put on coins for quality control purpose or it could be for political reasons. These inscriptions help governing authorities to monitor if quality coins are minted with the correct amount of precious metal in them. Dates are inscribed according to the year of a ruler's term in the lineage. Different emperors have issued coins with dates that follow varying calendar systems, like the Saka calendar, Seleucid Era calendar, Parthian Era calendar etc. Let's look at some of the earliest coins that were minted with dates on them.

Before Iranians, Lydians were the first tribe who invented the coin named Stater. Post that, in the 6^th Century BC, the Iranian Darik was minted and used as the official currency of the Persian Empire at the regime of Archaemedians for over 200 years. The history of Iran from the mid-4th to mid-3rd century BC not recorded clearly and nothing is known about what happened after the fall of the Achaemenid Empire.

Image of an Ancient Parthian Coin

Research has proved that Parthian coins were one of the earliest coins with dates on them. Dates on Parthian coins are mostly found on tetradrachms that were issued by Seleucia mint. The Parthian Era began in 247 B.C. Between 250-247 BC a man of unknown antecedence called Arsakes (Arshak) and his troops invaded the Seleukid satrapy of Parthia. Later he extended his power to Hyrcania and then in about 228 BC defeated the Seleukid king. According to Justin (41.4.10), the Parthians observed that date as the beginning of their independence. Coins with dates were widely used during the reign of Phraates IV (c. 38 – 2 B.C.) onwards. Dated coins are rare, before this time. The year and month on the coins are based on the Seleucid Era calendar, which is generally believed to have used the Macedonian system starting October.

Wroth reports that Parthian drachms never featured dates, with the possible exception of several Artabanus I drachms. Sellwood on the other hand accepts these drachms as bearing dates in the Parthian Era.

However, Sellwood states that there are some bronze coins from Seleucia that would support a New Year beginning in April — which is the start of the Babylonian New Year. But an April date also marks traditional Iranian celebration of the Novroz (New Year's) festival in Spring.

Below are tables to identify dates and months written in Greek on Parthian coins.

Months:

Source: Wroth BMC, Sellwood (1980), Shore (1993)

Click here to understand ancient Greek numerals

Seleucid Era Dates Calculation

• If the Seleucid year is 312 or less, subtract it from 313 to get the date B.C. This will give the year beginning in October.
• If the Seleucid year is 313 or more, subtract 312 from it to get the date A.D. This will give the year beginning in October.

Parthian Era (P.E.)Date calculation

• If the Parthian year is 248 or less, subtract it from 249 to get the date B.C. This will give the year beginning in April.
• If the Parthian year is 249 or more, subtract 248 from it to get the date A.D. This will give the year beginning in April.

Dated coins of India

The Coinage of Western Khsatrapas

Image of Rudrasimha Coin dated 102 SE (Courtesy Mr: Bimal Trivedi)

From the 1^st to the early 5^th century BC, the Western Kshatrapas ruled a large area of western India. Their dynasties were knowns as Kshaharata and Kardamaka. The coins of Kardamaka ruler Rudrasimha are considered to be the first dated coins of India and this practice of dating coins behind the bust of ruler on obverse was followed till Gupta emperor Chandragupta Vikramadity took over the reign from them. These coins with the names and title of ruler and date gave historians a vivid idea about the chronology of whole dynasty and could build a history only because of their coins as there are very few other evidence available to know their history.

The Saka era began with the ascension of the Saka Western Satrap ruler Chashtana in 78 CE. Inscriptions of Chastana dated as early as years 6 and 11 and as late as year 52 exist. Thus he must have ruled upto at least the year 130 AD. Some experts believe that Kshatrapas might have been governors of the Kushan Kings like Kanishka, others state that they could have been governors of the Scythian king such as Azes II. Kshatrapas asserted their independence and struck coins after the main Scythian power declined. These remains subject of debate.

The year in which the coin is made is represented on the coin using the Saka calendar. The dates on western Kshatrapa coins are found from Saka 100 to Saka 337 (i.e. 178AD to 415AD) in Brahmi Numerals

Below is the table to understand Brahmi numerals:

Rudrasimha I introduced the method of inscribing dates on coins in 178 and it ended with the last ruler of Kshatrapas Rudrasimha III around 415. The coins have the name of ruler, his title as well as the ruler's father's name and his title also. Study of coinage has helped historians accurately identify the chronology of events and Khsatrapas rulers. However, an exception was made by one ruler known as Ishwardutta, regarded as usurper, who introduced writing a regnal year on the reverse of the coin. His coins with Varshe Prathame (the first year of rule) and Varshe Dwitiye (second year of rule) are found. There are unconfirmed reports of other year too but is debatable. Gupta rulers minted some silver and base metal coins with dates but of their own calendar Gupta Era.

Saka calendar

The first month of Saka calendar is Caitra with 30 days in normal and 31 days in leap years. Caitra is followed by five consecutive 31 day months, then six 30 day months. Years in the Indian calendar are counted from the start of the Saka Era, the equinox of March 22nd of year 79 in the Gregorian calendar, designated day 1 of month Caitra of year 1 in the Saka Era.

And the tradition followed

Image of Islamic Sultanates. Bengal. Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji. 1204-1206 Coin

There was a period of almost 700- 800 years before the dates were reintroduced again on Indian coins, this time by Islamic invaders. The coins of Muslim rulers had dates either written out or in numerals. Inscribing coins with regnal year in addition to Hijri calendar date and mint name was in practice during Mughal rule and we profusely find these coins. Vikram Samvat dates were used in some Islamic coins too vis-a-vis Hijri dates. Many princely states like the Sikhs used Vikram Samvat dates regularly on their coins, sometime with Hijri date on the other side of coin.

The ancient tradition of minting dates on coins has been followed and has been a distinct protocol through the medieval era to the modern day coinage.

Inputs, suggestions and guidance by Mr. Bimal Trivedi

References:

Statistical Study of Silver Coins of Western Kshatrapa Dynasty by Aditya S. Ashtekar

Finding a treasure hidden in an old dresser drawer or the attic is the stuff of dreams. So is rooting through your jars of coins and coming up with a rare one that's worth serious money. Striking it rich is a remote possibility for folks who have built up a sizable collection of coins, but you may still be able to find some loose change that's worth a significant amount more than you would otherwise expect.

Many of the coins in the list below are not likely to be hiding in your attic, since they are tremendously rare, but not all of them are super expensive either. Some more recent examples (coins from the 20th century) may be relatively affordable and those are more likely to be tucked away someplace quiet or in a safe deposit box at your parents' bank.

Before you rush out to buy these coins - if you have a spare million sitting around for some of them - you'll want to hear from an expert coin collector, a numismatist, as they're called.

Educate yourself - watch out for fakes

'Coins are both a hobby and [an] investment,' says Warren Zivi, head numismatist and president at American Rarities, a coin dealer based in Boulder, Colorado. 'You have to make good choices in what you pick.'

For those getting into the field, it's important to understand what your goal is - to have a good time with your collection as a hobbyist or try to make some money as an investor.

Either way, says Zivi, you want to know what you're doing. His motto for new entrants to the field is 'Buy the book before you buy the coin.' The book he's referring to is 'A Guide Book of United States Coins,' known among experts as the 'Red Book.' He also recommends a subscription to Coin World, which includes current information on the state of the industry.

Zivi says that there's a lot of misinformation on the internet now about coins, with scammers taking a common coin and trying to sell it as a valuable coin on an auction site.

'There are tons and tons of fakes,' he says, so it's important to get access to expert knowledge, especially as you're starting out, so that you know what you're buying is indeed authentic. Still it can be difficult to spot a fake, even for the pros.

'Recently I had two individuals send us coins that were graded by a nationally recognized grader, and they turned out to be fake,' says Zivi.

More valuable coins offer the potential for higher profits for scammers, of course, but such coins are also very rare. Even if you're not paying millions of dollars for a coin, you want to know that you're getting what you pay for.

'It's easier than ever before to get an opinion on authenticity and valuation,' says Zivi. 'Buyers or sellers can send in pictures or even whole collections.'

7 of the most valuable coins in the world

Below are some of the most valuable coins in the world, but they're not all limited to museums and wealthy private collectors. A couple of these might just turn up in your couch cushions.

1. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar may sit atop the rankings of the most expensive coin ever sold, at least for now. Some experts believe that it was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. The front features a profile of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse shows an American eagle. Fewer than 1,800 of these coins were ever produced, and one expert puts the number of remaining coins at between 120 and 130, so it's quite rare.

The coin sold at auction for just over $10 million in 2013.

2. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon

The Brasher Doubloon was made by Ephraim Basher, a New York City goldsmith and silversmith, in the late 18th Century. The front of the coin shows a state seal with a rising sun, while the reverse shows the American eagle with a shield. The coin is already rare, but certain versions of it have fetched various prices, depending on their specific characteristics.

A 2011 sale saw a version of the doubloon with Basher's signature EB on the breast go for nearly $7.4 million. A 2018 private sale of another doubloon with the signature EB on the bird's wing went for more than $5 million, according to Coin World.

3. The 1787 Fugio cent

The Fugio cent hasn't set the kind of astronomical records as the first two coins on this list, but it can still be a pricey collectible, and it has an interesting history to it. The Fugio cent, also known as the Franklin cent, after founding father Benjamin Franklin, may have been the first coin circulated in the newly formed United States.

In line with Franklin's humor, the coin shows a sun and sundial with the Latin motto 'fugio,' suggesting the sun and time are flying. At the bottom, the coin says 'mind your business,' an invocation for the bearer to literally pay attention to their business affairs. The reverse of the coin has the motto 'We are one' with 13 links in a chain to symbolize America's first 13 states.

Zivi suggests you could buy a Fugio cent for a few hundred dollars, making it relatively accessible for a coin with such an interesting history. Coins in better condition may go for a few thousand dollars and perhaps as high as $10,000, while extremely rare variants may sell for tens of thousands.

4. The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar

The 723 Umayyad gold dinar is one of the most prized Islamic coins, and it was struck from gold mined at a location owned by the caliph. The coin bears the marking 'mine of the commander of the faithful' and it's the first Islamic coin to mention a location in Saudi Arabia. About a dozen examples of the coin are in existence, according to experts.

In 2011, the coin fetched 3.7 million pounds (about $6 million) at auction, the second-most expensive ever sold at auction. In 2019, another version of the coin was sold for the same amount in pounds, but the dollar value came to about $4.8 million.

5. The 1343 Edward III Florin

Another one of the world's most expensive coins is an oldie and goldie. The 1343 Edward III Florin is just one of three such gold coins known to exist. Two examples are housed in the British Museum in London, both of which were found in the River Tyne in 1857. The third coin was found by a prospector with a metal detector in 2006.

The front of the coin shows King Edward III on his throne with two leopards' heads on either side, while the reverse shows the Royal Cross inside a quatrefoil. Because of its design, the coin is also known as the Double Leopard.

The coin found in 2006 was sold at auction for 480,000 pounds, or about $850,000 - a record at the time for a British coin. It's now estimated that the coin is valued around $6.8 million.

Oldest Coin In The World Value

6. The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny

Here's another coin that you just might find tucked inside a dresser sometime, and it's the conditions surrounding its production that make the 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny interesting and valuable.

While pennies were normally made of copper and nickel, the U.S. needed the metals for war efforts, so the mint started using steel to produce the coin. But it mistakenly still struck a batch of pennies with copper, potentially because blanks remained in the press when the mint began making new steel pennies. Experts estimate that about 40 pennies of these exist, though some say fewer than 20 examples remain.

The U.S. Mint says these coins are frequently counterfeited because of the relative ease of coating steel pennies with copper and altering the date on coins struck in 1945, 1948 and 1949. But to see if the coin is actually steel, you can see if it sticks to a magnet.

While a regular steel 1943 Lincoln penny might fetch you 30 or 40 cents - again about 30 or 40 times more than its face value - the special copper versions fetched $204,000 at a 2019 auction. This specimen of the coin had been held by a man for some 70 years since boyhood after he found it at his school cafeteria.

7. The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

The $1 million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin is a novelty coin, if there ever were one, and it tips the scales at a whopping 100 kilograms or about 220 pounds. Only six of the nearly pure gold coins have ever been made, as of early May 2020, and each has a face value of $1 million. They were used as a promotional showpiece for the mint's one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf coins.

In October 2007, the Guinness Book of World Records certified the coin as the world's largest gold coin. The coin's front shows Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse shows a Candian maple leaf. The coin is 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) wide and just over an inch thick.

Parthian Era (P.E.)Date calculation

• If the Parthian year is 248 or less, subtract it from 249 to get the date B.C. This will give the year beginning in April.
• If the Parthian year is 249 or more, subtract 248 from it to get the date A.D. This will give the year beginning in April.

Dated coins of India

The Coinage of Western Khsatrapas

Image of Rudrasimha Coin dated 102 SE (Courtesy Mr: Bimal Trivedi)

From the 1^st to the early 5^th century BC, the Western Kshatrapas ruled a large area of western India. Their dynasties were knowns as Kshaharata and Kardamaka. The coins of Kardamaka ruler Rudrasimha are considered to be the first dated coins of India and this practice of dating coins behind the bust of ruler on obverse was followed till Gupta emperor Chandragupta Vikramadity took over the reign from them. These coins with the names and title of ruler and date gave historians a vivid idea about the chronology of whole dynasty and could build a history only because of their coins as there are very few other evidence available to know their history.

The Saka era began with the ascension of the Saka Western Satrap ruler Chashtana in 78 CE. Inscriptions of Chastana dated as early as years 6 and 11 and as late as year 52 exist. Thus he must have ruled upto at least the year 130 AD. Some experts believe that Kshatrapas might have been governors of the Kushan Kings like Kanishka, others state that they could have been governors of the Scythian king such as Azes II. Kshatrapas asserted their independence and struck coins after the main Scythian power declined. These remains subject of debate.

The year in which the coin is made is represented on the coin using the Saka calendar. The dates on western Kshatrapa coins are found from Saka 100 to Saka 337 (i.e. 178AD to 415AD) in Brahmi Numerals

Below is the table to understand Brahmi numerals:

Rudrasimha I introduced the method of inscribing dates on coins in 178 and it ended with the last ruler of Kshatrapas Rudrasimha III around 415. The coins have the name of ruler, his title as well as the ruler's father's name and his title also. Study of coinage has helped historians accurately identify the chronology of events and Khsatrapas rulers. However, an exception was made by one ruler known as Ishwardutta, regarded as usurper, who introduced writing a regnal year on the reverse of the coin. His coins with Varshe Prathame (the first year of rule) and Varshe Dwitiye (second year of rule) are found. There are unconfirmed reports of other year too but is debatable. Gupta rulers minted some silver and base metal coins with dates but of their own calendar Gupta Era.

Saka calendar

The first month of Saka calendar is Caitra with 30 days in normal and 31 days in leap years. Caitra is followed by five consecutive 31 day months, then six 30 day months. Years in the Indian calendar are counted from the start of the Saka Era, the equinox of March 22nd of year 79 in the Gregorian calendar, designated day 1 of month Caitra of year 1 in the Saka Era.

And the tradition followed

Image of Islamic Sultanates. Bengal. Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji. 1204-1206 Coin

There was a period of almost 700- 800 years before the dates were reintroduced again on Indian coins, this time by Islamic invaders. The coins of Muslim rulers had dates either written out or in numerals. Inscribing coins with regnal year in addition to Hijri calendar date and mint name was in practice during Mughal rule and we profusely find these coins. Vikram Samvat dates were used in some Islamic coins too vis-a-vis Hijri dates. Many princely states like the Sikhs used Vikram Samvat dates regularly on their coins, sometime with Hijri date on the other side of coin.

The ancient tradition of minting dates on coins has been followed and has been a distinct protocol through the medieval era to the modern day coinage.

Inputs, suggestions and guidance by Mr. Bimal Trivedi

References:

Statistical Study of Silver Coins of Western Kshatrapa Dynasty by Aditya S. Ashtekar

Finding a treasure hidden in an old dresser drawer or the attic is the stuff of dreams. So is rooting through your jars of coins and coming up with a rare one that's worth serious money. Striking it rich is a remote possibility for folks who have built up a sizable collection of coins, but you may still be able to find some loose change that's worth a significant amount more than you would otherwise expect.

Many of the coins in the list below are not likely to be hiding in your attic, since they are tremendously rare, but not all of them are super expensive either. Some more recent examples (coins from the 20th century) may be relatively affordable and those are more likely to be tucked away someplace quiet or in a safe deposit box at your parents' bank.

Before you rush out to buy these coins - if you have a spare million sitting around for some of them - you'll want to hear from an expert coin collector, a numismatist, as they're called.

Educate yourself - watch out for fakes

'Coins are both a hobby and [an] investment,' says Warren Zivi, head numismatist and president at American Rarities, a coin dealer based in Boulder, Colorado. 'You have to make good choices in what you pick.'

For those getting into the field, it's important to understand what your goal is - to have a good time with your collection as a hobbyist or try to make some money as an investor.

Either way, says Zivi, you want to know what you're doing. His motto for new entrants to the field is 'Buy the book before you buy the coin.' The book he's referring to is 'A Guide Book of United States Coins,' known among experts as the 'Red Book.' He also recommends a subscription to Coin World, which includes current information on the state of the industry.

Zivi says that there's a lot of misinformation on the internet now about coins, with scammers taking a common coin and trying to sell it as a valuable coin on an auction site.

'There are tons and tons of fakes,' he says, so it's important to get access to expert knowledge, especially as you're starting out, so that you know what you're buying is indeed authentic. Still it can be difficult to spot a fake, even for the pros.

'Recently I had two individuals send us coins that were graded by a nationally recognized grader, and they turned out to be fake,' says Zivi.

More valuable coins offer the potential for higher profits for scammers, of course, but such coins are also very rare. Even if you're not paying millions of dollars for a coin, you want to know that you're getting what you pay for.

'It's easier than ever before to get an opinion on authenticity and valuation,' says Zivi. 'Buyers or sellers can send in pictures or even whole collections.'

7 of the most valuable coins in the world

Below are some of the most valuable coins in the world, but they're not all limited to museums and wealthy private collectors. A couple of these might just turn up in your couch cushions.

1. The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar may sit atop the rankings of the most expensive coin ever sold, at least for now. Some experts believe that it was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. The front features a profile of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, while the reverse shows an American eagle. Fewer than 1,800 of these coins were ever produced, and one expert puts the number of remaining coins at between 120 and 130, so it's quite rare.

The coin sold at auction for just over $10 million in 2013.

2. The 1787 Brasher Doubloon

The Brasher Doubloon was made by Ephraim Basher, a New York City goldsmith and silversmith, in the late 18th Century. The front of the coin shows a state seal with a rising sun, while the reverse shows the American eagle with a shield. The coin is already rare, but certain versions of it have fetched various prices, depending on their specific characteristics.

A 2011 sale saw a version of the doubloon with Basher's signature EB on the breast go for nearly $7.4 million. A 2018 private sale of another doubloon with the signature EB on the bird's wing went for more than $5 million, according to Coin World.

3. The 1787 Fugio cent

The Fugio cent hasn't set the kind of astronomical records as the first two coins on this list, but it can still be a pricey collectible, and it has an interesting history to it. The Fugio cent, also known as the Franklin cent, after founding father Benjamin Franklin, may have been the first coin circulated in the newly formed United States.

In line with Franklin's humor, the coin shows a sun and sundial with the Latin motto 'fugio,' suggesting the sun and time are flying. At the bottom, the coin says 'mind your business,' an invocation for the bearer to literally pay attention to their business affairs. The reverse of the coin has the motto 'We are one' with 13 links in a chain to symbolize America's first 13 states.

Zivi suggests you could buy a Fugio cent for a few hundred dollars, making it relatively accessible for a coin with such an interesting history. Coins in better condition may go for a few thousand dollars and perhaps as high as $10,000, while extremely rare variants may sell for tens of thousands.

4. The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar

The 723 Umayyad gold dinar is one of the most prized Islamic coins, and it was struck from gold mined at a location owned by the caliph. The coin bears the marking 'mine of the commander of the faithful' and it's the first Islamic coin to mention a location in Saudi Arabia. About a dozen examples of the coin are in existence, according to experts.

In 2011, the coin fetched 3.7 million pounds (about $6 million) at auction, the second-most expensive ever sold at auction. In 2019, another version of the coin was sold for the same amount in pounds, but the dollar value came to about $4.8 million.

5. The 1343 Edward III Florin

Another one of the world's most expensive coins is an oldie and goldie. The 1343 Edward III Florin is just one of three such gold coins known to exist. Two examples are housed in the British Museum in London, both of which were found in the River Tyne in 1857. The third coin was found by a prospector with a metal detector in 2006.

The front of the coin shows King Edward III on his throne with two leopards' heads on either side, while the reverse shows the Royal Cross inside a quatrefoil. Because of its design, the coin is also known as the Double Leopard.

The coin found in 2006 was sold at auction for 480,000 pounds, or about $850,000 - a record at the time for a British coin. It's now estimated that the coin is valued around $6.8 million.

Oldest Coin In The World Value

6. The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny

Here's another coin that you just might find tucked inside a dresser sometime, and it's the conditions surrounding its production that make the 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny interesting and valuable.

While pennies were normally made of copper and nickel, the U.S. needed the metals for war efforts, so the mint started using steel to produce the coin. But it mistakenly still struck a batch of pennies with copper, potentially because blanks remained in the press when the mint began making new steel pennies. Experts estimate that about 40 pennies of these exist, though some say fewer than 20 examples remain.

The U.S. Mint says these coins are frequently counterfeited because of the relative ease of coating steel pennies with copper and altering the date on coins struck in 1945, 1948 and 1949. But to see if the coin is actually steel, you can see if it sticks to a magnet.

While a regular steel 1943 Lincoln penny might fetch you 30 or 40 cents - again about 30 or 40 times more than its face value - the special copper versions fetched $204,000 at a 2019 auction. This specimen of the coin had been held by a man for some 70 years since boyhood after he found it at his school cafeteria.

7. The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

The $1 million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin is a novelty coin, if there ever were one, and it tips the scales at a whopping 100 kilograms or about 220 pounds. Only six of the nearly pure gold coins have ever been made, as of early May 2020, and each has a face value of $1 million. They were used as a promotional showpiece for the mint's one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf coins.

In October 2007, the Guinness Book of World Records certified the coin as the world's largest gold coin. The coin's front shows Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse shows a Candian maple leaf. The coin is 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) wide and just over an inch thick.

The coin was sold at auction in 2010 for 3.27 million euros, or just over $4 million at the time.

BONUS: Check your change jars for these pre-1964 American silver coins

The 'silver' coins of today are not really made of silver, but these low denominations at one time were! Silver coins minted before 1964 contained 90 percent actual silver, and of the coins on this list, these are the most likely to be found floating around your house or in an old garage, tied up in a shoebox or a coffee can.

Such coins include the Morgan silver dollar, the Mercury dime, and even Washington quarters, says Zivi.

While some of these coins may have collectible value independent of their silver content, such as some of the Morgan silver dollars, the value of common coins is boosted by their bullion value. Some speculators focused on owning real silver may buy these coins for their precious metal content, rather than for their collector value.

Bottom line

Coin collecting can be a fun hobby, as you collate and sift through coins. Blackjack tournament. But don't forget that making money on collectibles creates a tax liability, too. So before you decide to turn your hobby into a business - even a side gig - examine what taxes you'll owe on your profits. Unfortunately, a collectibles tax rate of 28 percent can be higher than rates on stocks and other financial assets.

The Oldest Coin On Earth

(Featured image by MEIR JACOB / Getty Images.)

Oldest Coin Ever Found

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