The Most Beautiful Coin Ever Made, Ranked

Choose the coin you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:18
Intrigued by the artistry and craftsmanship of coins, collectors and enthusiasts often debate which is the most beautiful coin ever made. Each coin tells a story, capturing the culture, history, and artistic movements of its time. This casts a spotlight on the nuanced details often overlooked, such as the texture, design, and symbolic elements etched into each piece. By participating in the voting process, users have the unique opportunity to express their appreciation for these miniature artworks and influence their ranking. This dynamic list not only highlights the community's favorite choices but also provides fresh insights into what makes a coin aesthetically exceptional to different people. It's a celebration of numismatic beauty through collective input and admiration.

What Is the Most Beautiful Coin Ever Made?

  1. 1
    64
    votes
    Gold Double Eagle
    US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash) · Public domain
    This $20 gold coin has stunning details and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever made. It was produced between 1849 and 1933, and its design was inspired by the ancient Greek coinage. The coin features Lady Liberty on the front and a majestic eagle on the back.
    The Gold Double Eagle is one of the most iconic and beautiful coins ever made. It is a gold coin minted in the United States, featuring intricate design and symbolism. The coins were produced between 1849 and 1933, and they have since become highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
    • Face Value: $20
    • Metal: Gold
    • Weight: 33.436 grams (one troy ounce)
    • Diameter: 34 mm (1.34 inches)
    • Thickness: 2.41 mm (0.095 inches)
  2. 2
    28
    votes
    This $10 gold coin is known for its intricate design and striking features. It was minted from 1907 to 1933 and was designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The coin features an Indian head on the front and a majestic eagle on the back.
    The Indian Head Eagle is a gold coin that was minted in the United States from 1907 to 1933. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful coins ever made.
    • Denomination: $10
    • Metal Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
    • Weight: 16.72 grams
    • Diameter: 27 mm
    • Edge: Reeded
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
    Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

    Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

    Augustus Saint-Gaudens
    This $20 gold coin is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever made. It was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and features Lady Liberty on the front and a flying eagle on the back. The coin was produced between 1907 and 1933.
    The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever made. It was designed by celebrated sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and first minted in 1907. The coin features a stunning depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic bald eagle in flight on the reverse.
    • Face value: $20
    • Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
    • Weight: 33.43 grams (1.075 troy ounces)
    • Diameter: 34 mm (1.34 inches)
    • Edge: Reeded
  4. 4
    15
    votes

    Austrian Philharmonic

    Austrian Mint
    This gold coin is considered one of the most beautiful coins in the world. It features the famous Golden Hall of Vienna's Musikverein on the front and a collection of musical instruments on the back. The coin was first produced in 1989 and is still being minted today.
    The Austrian Philharmonic is a highly regarded and aesthetically pleasing coin that is issued by the Austrian Mint. It was first introduced in 1989 and has since become one of the most popular bullion coins globally. The design of the coin is inspired by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Austria's most renowned cultural institutions.
    • Metal: Pure gold (99.99% fine gold)
    • Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams)
    • Diameter: 37 mm
    • Thickness: 2 mm
    • Face Value: 100 Euros
  5. 5
    15
    votes

    Canadian Maple Leaf

    The Royal Canadian Mint
    This silver coin is known for its intricate design and beautiful details. It features the iconic maple leaf on the front and Queen Elizabeth II on the back. The coin was first produced in 1988 and is still being minted today.
    The Canadian Maple Leaf is a highly regarded and beautiful coin that is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. It is one of the most iconic and popular bullion coins worldwide, admired for its intricate design and superb craftsmanship.
    • Denomination: 1 Canadian dollar (CAD)
    • Metal: 99.99% pure gold or silver
    • Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.11 grams)
    • Diameter: 30 mm
    • Thickness: 2.87 mm
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    This gold coin features a beautiful panda on the front and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests on the back. The coin was first produced in 1982 and is still being minted today. It is one of the most popular gold coins in the world.
    The Chinese Gold Panda is a bullion coin that originated from China. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever made due to its exquisite design and high-quality craftsmanship. The coin features a variety of captivating designs, primarily depicting different images of pandas, which change annually, adding to its uniqueness and collectability.
    • Material: Gold
    • Fineness: 999.9 (24 karat)
    • Diameter: Varies based on the year
    • Weight: Varies based on the year
    • Denomination: 500 Yuan
    Chinese Gold Panda in other rankings
  7. 7
    10
    votes

    French Rooster

    Jules-Clément Chaplain
    This gold coin was first minted in 1899 and features a beautiful rooster on the front and the French coat of arms on the back. The coin was produced until 1914 and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever made.
    The French Rooster is a stunning gold coin that has been admired for its beauty throughout history. It features an intricate design of a proud rooster, symbolizing the French national spirit and patriotism.
    • Country of Origin: France
    • Metal: Gold
    • Denomination: 20 Francs
    • Weight: 6.4516 grams (0.1867 ounces)
    • Diameter: 21 mm
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    Mexican Libertad
    Annemarie Heinrich · Public domain

    Mexican Libertad

    The Mexican Mint
    This silver coin features the Winged Victory statue on the front and the Mexican coat of arms on the back. The coin was first produced in 1982 and is still being minted today. It is known for its beautiful design and intricate details.
    The Mexican Libertad is a beautiful silver bullion coin produced by the Mexican Mint. It is highly regarded for its stunning design and fine craftsmanship.
    • Denomination: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz
    • Metal: Silver
    • Purity: 99.9% fine silver
    • Diameter: Various sizes ranging from 16 mm to 40 mm
    • Weight: 1 oz: 31.1 grams, 1/2 oz: 15.5 grams, 1/4 oz: 7.77 grams, 1/10 oz: 3.11 grams, 1/20 oz: 1.55 grams
  9. 9
    9
    votes

    Australian Kangaroo

    The Perth Mint
    This gold coin features a kangaroo on the front and Queen Elizabeth II on the back. The coin was first produced in 1986 and is still being minted today. It is known for its beautiful design and unique subject matter.
    The Australian Kangaroo is a highly regarded gold coin produced by the Perth Mint. It features a beautiful design showcasing the iconic kangaroo, one of Australia's most recognizable symbols. The coin has gained popularity not only for its exquisite aesthetics but also for its exceptional quality and investment value.
    • Metal: Gold
    • Purity: 99.99% pure gold
    • Denomination: Australian Dollars
    • Weight Options: 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2 oz, 10 oz, and 1 kg
    • Diameter: Varies depending on weight
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    American Silver Eagle
    United States Mint · Public domain

    American Silver Eagle

    John Mercanti
    This silver coin features Lady Liberty on the front and a majestic eagle on the back. The coin was first produced in 1986 and is still being minted today. It is known for its beautiful design and high quality.
    The American Silver Eagle is a stunning bullion coin known for its exceptional beauty and purity. It is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever made.
    • Metal composition: 99.9% pure silver
    • Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams)
    • Diameter: 40.6 millimeters
    • Thickness: 2.98 millimeters
    • Edge: Reeded
    American Silver Eagle in other rankings

Missing your favorite coin?

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Ranking factors for beautiful coin

  1. Aesthetic appeal
    The overall visual beauty of the coin, including its design, imagery, and artistic elements should be considered. This includes factors such as symmetry, balance, and intricacy of design.
  2. Historical significance
    The history and background of the coin should be taken into account. This might include any cultural, political, or social events that influenced the coin's design or production, or if the coin played a significant role in the nation's history.
  3. Rarity and scarcity
    The rarity of the coin and the number of surviving specimens should be considered. A beautiful coin may be even more highly valued if it is scarce or difficult to obtain.
  4. Metal composition
    The type of metal used in the coin's composition, such as gold, silver, or bronze, should be taken into account. Some collectors may value specific precious metal coins more highly.
  5. Condition and state of preservation
    The physical condition of the coin, including its wear, discoloration, and any damage, should be considered. A well-preserved, uncirculated coin may be more highly valued than a heavily worn or damaged example.
  6. Craftsmanship and minting quality
    The quality of the minting process, including the sharpness and detail of the design, as well as any errors or unique features, should be considered.
  7. Size and weight
    Coins of larger size or weight might be considered more impressive and, therefore, more beautiful.
  8. Symbolism and imagery
    The symbols, figures, or images featured on the coin and their significance should be considered. Coins with more intricate or moving designs may be valued more highly.
  9. Innovation and technological advancements
    Coins that showcase new techniques, artistic styles, or advancements in minting technology should be considered.
  10. Popularity and collector interest
    The overall interest and popularity of the coin among collectors might play a role in determining its beauty. Highly sought-after coins could be considered more beautiful due to their desirability.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful coin ever made. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Penny is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2310 views
  • 185 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Penny once every 24 hours. The rank of each Penny is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful coin ever made

Coins have been used as a form of currency for thousands of years, with the first coins believed to have been minted in ancient Lydia around 600 BCE. Over the centuries, coins have not only served as a means of exchange but also as a reflection of a society's values and beliefs. From ancient Greek coins featuring gods and goddesses to modern coins with intricate designs and state-of-the-art technology, there have been countless beautiful coins throughout history. The question of what is the most beautiful coin ever made is subjective and open to interpretation, but there are certainly some coins that stand out for their artistry and historical significance.

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