This old U.S. coin may be worth a fortune in dollars – Check to see if you have the mythical 1854-S half eagle Crown in storage or garage at home

If you come across the 1854-S half eagle coin, you may be on your way to earning millions in dollars. This is a $5 gold coin minted in San Francisco. They are very rare to find, however, they still exist, and if you are in possession of it, you can easily sell this coin off in an auction for as much as $2 million dollars.

What makes the 1854-S half eagle so valuable?

In 1854, during the height of the California Gold Rush, the San Francisco Mint produced just 268 of these coins. Today, only three are confirmed to exist, with one residing permanently in the Smithsonian Institution. This extreme scarcity, combined with its historical significance, makes the 1854-S Half Eagle highly sought after by collectors. In 2018, a newly discovered specimen sold for $2.16 million at auction.

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How to identify an 1854-S half eagle

Here is how you can identify it:

• Obverse: The front depicts liberty wearing a coronet engraved with “LIBERTY.”
• Reverse: The back shows an heraldic eagle with an olive branch and arrows, having a shield placed on its chest.
• Mint mark: There should be a minute “S”  below the eagle which shows the the coin was minted in San Francisco.
• Date: The particular coin should bear the inscription “1854.”

Be cautious, as there are many counterfeit coins due to their rarity. If you think you have an 1854-S Half Eagle, you should have it examined and certified by an expert numismatist.

Other rare U.S. gold coins to watch for

While the 1854-S Half Eagle is exceptionally rare, other valuable coins might be hiding in your collection:

• 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: Never officially circulated, one sold for $18.9 million in 2021.
• 1849 Coronet Head Gold $20 Double Eagle: Only one known, valued between $10 million to $20 million.
• 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: Approximately 120-130 exist, with one selling for over $10 million.

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What to do if you find a rare coin

If you find what you believe is a rare coin:

• Do not clean it: Cleaning may reduce the value.
• Handle it with care: Always hold it by the edges to prevent damage.
• Confirm its authenticity: Contact a coin grading service or reputable numismatist.
• After authentication, get an appraisal and consider selling through recognized auction houses or dealers.

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