A super rare coin just made history — it sold for a jaw-dropping $2.52 million at auction. Yep, that’s not a typo. This sale has shocked coin collectors around the globe and set a new world record.
So, what’s all the hype about?
Coins Can Be Crazy Valuable
Many U.S. coins like old pennies, dimes, nickels, and quarters can be worth way more than you think. We’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars. The value depends on a few key things:
- The year it was made
- How it was struck
- Any rare or unusual errors
- Whether it’s super old or hard to find
Generally, the older and rarer, the better.
What Makes the 1652 NE Threepence So Special?
Let’s rewind a bit. Before the U.S. Mint was officially established in 1792, coins were made in a more DIY kind of way. These pre-Federal coins are some of the hardest to find today.
The 1652 NE Threepence is one of the rarest of the rare — and until recently, only one had ever been found and sold… that was 150 years ago.
But on November 18, 2024, something incredible happened.
A second 1652 NE Threepence showed up at auction and sold for a mind-blowing $2.52 million, according to Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Experts say it’s “the most significant numismatic discovery in generations.”
A Little Backstory
This coin is from Colonial-era New England, and it was minted in Boston by a silversmith named John Hull. Back in 1652, Boston citizens were allowed to turn their silver and broken coins into usable money. This was thanks to a unique law known as the Mint Act.
Hull and his business partner Sanderson made the coins and took a small fee for their work. The 1652 NE Threepence doesn’t have a date on it, but it does feature some clues:
- “NE” stands for New England, stamped on the front.
- A Roman numeral III (three) is on the back.
That’s how experts know it’s from 1652 and came from Hull and Sanderson’s mint in Boston.
Oh, and here’s the kicker — this second coin is the only one available to collectors. The first one is off-limits. That alone made the price skyrocket.
Other Wildly Valuable Coins
Even though most of us won’t stumble upon a 1652 coin, there are still plenty of valuable coins out there, some even hiding in your pocket change.
Here are a few to keep an eye on:
Old and Valuable:
- 1806 Draped Bust Quarter
Worth: Up to $58,750, depending on condition. - 1879 Nickel
Could fetch around $84,000 if it has a rare error — the 9 was first stamped as an 8, then corrected.
From the 1900s (Yep, Still Worth Money):
- Five pennies from the 1940s
Some can be worth as much as $840,000. Look for rare variations and errors. - 1968 Dime
A small, specific detail could make this dime worth up to $18,000. - 1961 Quarter
Certain “tones” (color patterns on the metal) could give it a value of around $7,367.
Bottom Line
That $2.52 million coin proves that even the smallest pieces of metal can have enormous value — especially if they carry historical weight and rare features. Most of us won’t find a 1600s treasure, but keep an eye on your change! You never know when a valuable coin might pop up.
FAQs
1. What is the 1652 NE Threepence coin?
It’s a colonial-era silver coin minted in Boston, featuring “NE” for New England and the Roman numeral III.
2. Why did the coin sell for $2.52 million?
Its extreme rarity, historical value, and limited availability to collectors drove the record-breaking price.
3. Can modern coins be valuable too?
Yes! Some coins from the 1900s, like certain pennies, dimes, and quarters, can be worth thousands due to rare errors or details.
