PCGS Top Modern Coins

Source PCGS:  The modern coin era began in America in 1965, the first year the U.S. Mint produced copper-nickel “clad” coins as replacement for silver coins, ending an unbroken, 173 year tradition. For many collectors, this was the death-knell for collecting, as the coins would no longer have any intrinsic value and mintages would be huge. Collectors perceived the modern coinage as a vast desert of ultra-common, mundane, unattractive and boring coins. So without further adieu, here is the TOP 100 MODERN COINS:

 

RANK IMAGE DESCRIPTION MINTAGE KNOWN DETAILS
1 1964-D Peace $1, MS 316,076 0
  • Most controversial and one of most famous of all modern issues.
  • Rumors of its existence abound.
2 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime, PR NA 2
  • Only two known.
  • Famous as part of “No S” proof set types.
  • Recent auction record of $350,000 in a highly publicized auction.
3 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent, MS 1,570,000 1
  • Only one known.
  • Potentially illegal to own.
4 1976 No S Eisenhower Dollar, Type 2, PR NA 1
  • One of a kind. Never meant to be distributed.
  • Found in a department store in 1977.
5 2000-W 22kt Gold Sacagawea Dollar, PR 39 12
  • Approximately a dozen known.
  • All flew into outer space on the space shuttle.
  • Now housed in Fort Knox.
6 2000 Sacagawea/Quarter Dollar Mule, MS NA 11
  • Approximately 11 known, most owned by one man.
  • Created a frenzy when discovered because of the improbability of mating different denominations.
7 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, MS NA 35
  • About three dozen known.
  • Nice doubling and great rarity makes this a very desirable coin.
8 1968 No S Roosevelt Dime, PR NA 12
  • About 12 known. Part of a select group of modern Proof coins that lack the mintmark.
9 1990 No S Lincoln Cent, PR NA 300
  • Only No S Proof in the Lincoln cent series.
  • Super-scarce production error. Check your Proof Sets.
10 2000-P “Cheerios” Sacagawea Dollar, SP *5,500 200
  • Very popular.
  • Distributed in boxes of Cheerios cereal.
  • Turned out to be the same rare prototypes as the 22kt gold Sacagaweas (see Coin #5).
11 1992 1C Close AM, MS NA 10
  • Has a modified reverse design intended for the next year, but utilized early.
12 1992-D 1C Close AM, MS NA *20 Known
  • Same as Coin #11, distributed prematurely.
13 1995-W $1 Silver Eagle, PR 30,125 30,125
  • Most popular of the Proof Silver Eagles because of its low mintage.
  • First Silver Eagle to bear the W (West Point) Mintmark.
14 2007-W $100 Statue of Liberty, Frosted FREEDOM, PR 12 1
  • Fantastically rare variation that was never intended for release.
  • Currently unique, and may remain so.
15 2007-W $50 Statue of Liberty, Frosted FREEDOM, PR 21 1
  • Fantastically rare variation that was never intended for release.
  • Currently unique, and may remain so.
16 2007-W $25 Statue of Liberty, Frosted FREEDOM, PR 21 1
  • Fantastically rare variation that was never intended for release.
  • Currently unique, and may remain so.
17 1972 1C Doubled Die Obverse, MS NA 10,000
  • Popular because of the obvious doubling and the relatively low cost.
18 2004-D 25C Wisconsin, Extra Leaf High, MS *15,000 15,000
  • First major variety in the 50 States Washington Quarter series.
19 2004-D 25C Wisconsin, Extra Leaf Low, MS *20,000 20,000
  • First major variety in the 50 States Washington Quarter series.
20 1972 $1 Type 2, MS NA 50,000
  • Scarcest of the three varieties of 1972.
  • Shows a modified reverse with a round earth and indistinct islands off Florida.
21 1971 5C No S, PR *1655 500
  • Popular S-less Proof coin, accidentally shipped and used without the mintmark.
  • Found only in Proof sets.
22 1970 10C No S, PR *2200 750
  • Popular S-less Proof coin, accidentally shipped and used without the mintmark.
  • Found only in Proof sets.
23 1983 10C No S, PR *2500? 1000
  • Popular S-less Proof coin, accidentally shipped and used without the mintmark.
  • Found only in Proof sets.
24 1997-W $5 Jackie Robinson, MS 5,174 5,174
  • Unpopular with collectors when issued, now a favorite because of its low mintage.
25 2008-W $1 Eagle, Reverse of 2007, MS 40,000* 40,000
  • Only major variety in the Silver Eagle series.
26 2000-W $10 Library of Congress, MS 7,261 7,261
  • The only gold and platinum bimetalic coin struck by the U.S. Mint
27 1964 50C Special Mint Set Finish, SP NA *20-40 Known
  • Rare prototype issue, supposedly to test the Special Mint Set finish intended for use in 1965.
  • Only two to three dozen known.
28 1964 25C Special Mint Set Finish, SP NA *20-40 Known
  • Rare prototype issue, supposedly to test the Special Mint Set finish intended for use in 1965.
  • Only two to three dozen known.
29 1964 5C Special Mint Set Finish, SP NA *20-40 Known
  • Rare prototype issue, supposedly to test the Special Mint Set finish intended for use in 1965.
  • Only two to three dozen known.
30 1964 1C Special Mint Set Finish, SP NA *20-40 Known
  • Rare prototype issue, supposedly to test the Special Mint Set finish intended for use in 1965.
  • Only two to three dozen known.
31 1964 10C Special Mint Set Finish, SP NA *20-40 Known
  • Rare prototype issue, supposedly to test the Special Mint Set finish intended for use in 1965.
  • Only two to three dozen known.
32 2009 $20 Ultra High Relief, MS 115,178 75,000
  • Resurrection of a rare pattern design used in 1907.
  • Struck on very thick, special planchets.
  • Each coin requires multiple strikes.
33 2000-P SAC$1 Goodacre Presentation, SP 5000 5,000
  • Given as payment to the designer.
  • Each coin was specially burnished, making them different from all the rest.
34 (2007) $1 George Washington, Missing Edge Lettering, MS 40000-500000 100,000
  • Oops, these coins skipped the step where the lettering and date were added to the edge of the coin.
35 1964 50C Accented Hair, PR *100,000 10,000
  • Original design for the Kennedy Half Dollar, but modified later at the request of Mrs. Kennedy.
36 1984 1C Doubled Die Obverse, MS NA 5,000
  • Popular major variety with doubled ear lobe and chin hair.
37 1983 1C Doubled Die Reverse, MS NA 5,000
  • Nice doubling on most of the lettering on the reverse.
38 1999-W $10 Eagle, Unfinished Proof Dies, MS *5000 5,000
  • Only major varieties in the Gold Eagle series.
39 1999-W $5 Eagle, Unfinished Proof Dies, MS *5000 5,000
  • Only major varieties in the Gold Eagle series.
40 1995 1C Doubled Die Obverse, MS NA 40,000
  • Popular, modern Doubled Die Obverse, most visible at LIBERTY.
41 2008-W $50 Statue of Liberty, MS 2,253 2,253
  • Lowest mintage, non-error modern coin.
42 2006-W $50 Eagle, 20th Anniversary Reverse Proof, PR 9,996 9,996
  • First Gold eagle struck with a Reverse Proof format.
43 2011-P $1 Silver Eagle, 25thAnniversary Reverse Proof, PR 100,000 100,000
  • Special issue only sold in 2011 Special Silver Eagle Sets.
44 2006-P $1 Eagle, 20th Anniversary Reverse Proof, PR 250,000 250,000
  • Special issue only sold in 2006 Silver Eagle Sets.
45 1982 10C No Mintmark – Strong, MS 15,000 15,000
  • Released by mistake without the mintmark.
  • Most were found in the Ohio area.
46 2001-W $5 Capitol Visitor Center, MS 6,761 6,761
  • Low-mintage, popular gold commemorative.
47 1996-W $5 Flag Bearer, MS 9,174 9,174
  • Low-mintage, popular gold commemorative.
48 1996-W $5 Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary, MS 9,068 9,068
  • Low-mintage, popular gold commemorative.
49 1996-W $5 Olympic Cauldron, MS 9,210 9,210
  • Low-mintage, popular gold commemorative.
50 1974-D 50C Doubled Die Obverse, MS NA 10,000
  • Subtle doubling, but enough to make it popular with collectors.
51 2008-W $10 Gold Eagle, MS 8,883 8,883
  • Low mintage for the series
52 2008-W $50 American Buffalo, .9999 Fine Gold , MS 9,074 9,074
  • Low mintage for the series
53 2008-W $10 American Buffalo, .9999 Fine Gold, MS 9,949 9,949
  • Low mintage for the series
54 2009-W $10 Letitia Tyler, MS 3,152 3,152
  • Low mintage for the series
55 2008-W $25 American Buffalo, .9999 Fine Gold, PR 11,169 11,169
  • Low mintage for the series
56 1970-S 1C Large Date, Doubled Die Obverse, MS NA *50
  • Lots of nice doubling on this scarce and popular variety.
57 2008-W $25 Statue of Liberty, MS 2,481 2,481
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
58 2006-W $50 Statue of Liberty, MS 2,577 2,577
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
59 2006-W $25 Statue of Liberty, MS 2,676 2,676
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
60 2006-W $100 Statue of Liberty, MS 3,068 3,068
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
61 2006-W $10 Statue of Liberty, MS 3,544 3,544
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
62 2007-W $50 Statue of Liberty, MS 3,635 3,635
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
63 2007-W $25 Statue of Liberty, MS 3,690 3,690
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
64 2008-W $10 Statue of Liberty, MS 3,706 3,706
  • Low-mintage platinum issue.
65 2011-S $1 Silver Eagle 25th Anniversary Set, MS 100,000 100,000
  • First S mintmark Mint State Silver Eagle
66 2011-W $10 Lucretia Garfield, MS 2,250 2,250
  • Among the lowest mintage First Spouse coins.
67 2011-W $10 Lucy Hayes, MS 2,250 2,250
  • Among the lowest mintage First Spouse coins.
68 2008-W $10 Martin Van Buren’s Liberty, MS 4,334 4,334
  • The low mintage makes this a very popular coin.
69 2008-W $10 Andrew Jackson’s Liberty, MS 4,754 4,754
  • The low mintage makes this a very popular coin.
70 2009-W $10 Julia Tyler, MS 2,861 2,861
  • A super value in an underappreciated series.
71 2010-W $10 James Buchanan’s Liberty, MS 7,304 7,304
  • Popular Liberty Head design from the 1838-1908 era.
72 1970-D 50C, MS 2,150,000 2,150,000
  • Key date for the 40% clad halves. Available only in Mint Sets.
73 1995-W $5 Olympic Stadium, MS 10,579 10,579
  • Low-mintage gold commemorative.
74 1997-W $5 Franklin Delano Roosevelt, MS 11,900 11,900
  • Low-mintage gold commemorative.
75 1995-W $5 Civil War Battlefields, MS 12,700 12,700
  • Low-mintage gold commemorative.
76 1996-D $1 Paralympic Games, MS 15,325 15,325
  • Low-mintage silver commemorative.
77 1996-D $1 Olympic Tennis, MS 15,983 15,983
  • Low-mintage silver commemorative.
78 1996-D $1 Olympic High Jump, MS 16,485 16,485
  • Low-mintage silver commemorative.
79 1996-D $1 Olympic Rowing, MS 16,693 16,693
  • Low-mintage silver commemorative.
80 1998-S 1C Close AM, PR NA *1,000
  • Struck using a reverse die intended for Mint State coins.
81 1999 1C Wide AM, MS NA *2,500
  • Struck using a reverse die intended for Proofs
82 1999-S 1C Close AM, PR NA *3,500
  • Struck using a reverse die intended for Mint State coins.
83 1981-S SBA$1 Type 2, PR NA 50,000
  • Scarcer variety with a clear mintmark.
84 2001-D $1 Buffalo, MS 227,131 227,131
  • Popular design that resurrected designs from the Buffalo Nickel.
85 1997-P 5C Special Mint Set Finish, SP 25,000 25,000
  • A special Nickel with unusual surfaces. Sold as part of the 1997 U.S. Botanic Garden commemorative sets.
86 1998-S 50C Special Mint Set Finish, SP 63,500 63,500
  • Special, matte finish Half Dollar.
  • Sold as part of the 1998 Robert F. Kennedy Half Dollar commemorative sets.
87 1970-S 1C Small Date, MS NA 40,000,000
  • Scarcer of the Small Date and Large Date varieties.
88 1996-W 10C, MS 1,457,000 1,457,000
  • Semi-key date. Available only in Mint Sets.
89 2009-W $10 Margaret Taylor, MS 3,430 3,430
  • Impressive, low-mintage First Spouse coin.
90 2005-D 5C Speared Bison, MS NA 5,000
  • Unusual error that shows a spike running almost vertically through the bison.
91 1979-P SBA$1 Wide Rim, MS NA 100,000
  • Modified design that shows a wider rim crowding the date.
92 2007-W $25 Gold Eagle, MS 11,455 11,455
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
93 2008-W $50 Gold Eagle, MS 11,908 11,908
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
94 2008-W $5 Gold Eagle, MS 12,657 12,657
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
95 2007-W $10 Gold Eagle, MS 12,766 12,766
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
96 2008-W $10 American Buffalo, .9999 Fine Gold, PR 13,125 13,125
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
97 2011-W $50 Eagle, 25th Anniversary, MS *8,850 8,850
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
98 2006-W $25 Gold Eagle, MS 15,164 15,164
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
99 2006-W $10 Gold Eagle, MS 15,188 15,188
  • Popular because of its low mintage.
100 1996 $1 Silver Eagle, MS 3,603,386 3,603,386
  • Lowest-mintage, normal finish Silver Eagle until 2011.

 

 

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Top 100 Coins According to PCGS