Rare Coin Gallery
Following are specifications and sample photos for some of the more popular rare coins in which Monaco Rare Coin specializes. This is by no means a complete list of the coins we have available for acquisition at any given time, merely a sampling. If you have an interest in a specific coin type or individual coins, please contact a Monaco Rare Coin Representative at 1-888-900-9948. We'll be happy to let you know about the coins we currently have in inventory, coins we may be able to locate for you quickly, send you write-ups and photos, and more. Our goal is to be your rare coin firm and to satisfy your every rare coin need.
GOLD DOLLARS ($1.00) 1849-1889
Coinage of the gold dollar was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1849. The weight was 25.8 grains, fineness .900. The first type, struck until 1854, us known as the Liberty Head or small-sized type.
QUARTER EAGLES ($2.50 GOLD PEICES) 1796-1929
Authorized by the Act of April 2, 21972, they weighed 67.5 grains, 916 2/3 fine until the weight was changed to 64.5 grams, fineness 899.225, by the Act of June 28, 1834. The Act of January 18, 1837 established fineness at .900. Most dates before 1834 are rare. The first issue was struck in 1796, most of which had no stars on the obverse.
THREE DOLLAR GOLD PIECES 1854-1889 ($3.00)
The three dollar gold piece was authorized by the Act of February 21, 1853. The coin was first struck in 1854. It was never popular and saw very little circulation.
FOUR DOLLAR GOLD OR “STELLA” ($4.00)
These pattern coins were first suggested by Hon. John A. Kasson, then U.S. Minister to Austria; and it was through the efforts of Dr. W. W. Hubbell, who patented the goloid metal used in making the goloid metric dollars, that we have these beautiful and interesting pieces.
HALF EAGLES ($5.00 GOLD PIECES) 1975-1929
The half eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States. The $5.00 piece was authorized to be coined by the Act of April 2, 1792, and the first type weighed 135 grains, 916 2/3 fine. The Act of June 28, 1834 changed the weight to 129 grains, 899.225 fine. Fineness became .900 by the Act of January 18, 1837.
EAGLES ($10 GOLD PIECES) 1795-1933
Coinage authority including specified weights and fineness of the eagle conforms to that of the half eagle. The small eagle reverse was used until 1797 when the large, heraldic eagle replaced it. The early date variations in the number of stars, the rarest being 1798. Many of these early pieces show file scratches from the mint's practice of adjusting weight. No eagles were struck dated 1805 to 1837. Proofs of some dates prior to 1855 are known to exist, and all are rare.
DOUBLE EAGLE ($20.00 GOLD PIECES) 1850-1933
This largest denomination of all regular United States issues was authorized to be coined by the Act of March 3, 1849. Its weight was 516 grains, .900 fine. The 1849 double eagle is a unique pattern and reposes in the Smithsonian. The rarest date obtainable is 1884. The 1861 reverse design by Anthony C. Paquet was withdrawn soon after striking. Very few specimens are known.
SILVER DOLLARS 1794-1935
The silver dollar was authorized by Congress April 2, 1792. Weight and fineness were specified at 416 grains and 892.4 fine. The first issues appeared in 1794 and until 1804 all silver dollars had the value stamped on the edge: HUNDRED CENTS, ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT. After a lapse in coinage of the plain or reeded edges and the value was placed on the reverse side.
