World coins are incredible assets when coin collecting. From their varied histories to their unique designs and compositions, domestic and foreign coins are among some of the most complicated yet unique pieces of history that can be carried throughout time.

Whether you’re a budding numismatist or an accomplished collector with an extensive world coin collection, here are some of the most attainable and valued assets both ancient and modern world coins have to offer.

North American coins

Both the United States and Canada have given the niche of collecting world coins some of the most valuable collectors’ items known to numismatists.

The U.S. has the 1849 Liberty Head Gold $20 Eagle (Coronet Head) – worth about $10Mil to $20Mil, the 1933 Double Eagle and a slew of other valuable coins rife with luxurious precious metals. And mints still continue to pay tribute to the art of coin collecting. Commemorative coins, such as the American gold eagle, continue to dot them every year.

These coins continue to wear the obverse image of a majestic Lady Liberty with an American eagle decorating the reverse.

Likewise, Canadian coins contribute old legal tender, such as the 1936 Canadian “Dot” dime, worth just shy of $250,000. The Royal Canadian Mint also continues to produce several editions of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf annually, keeping the tradition of collecting commemorative coins alive and well.

Coins of Great Britain

Great Britain’s history is a rich one filled with valuable coins and paper money contributions. One of the rarest and most interesting coins produced by the U.K. Royal Mint was another 1933 original, known simply as the 1933 Penny. This British penny enshrouds itself in the lore that only six were struck, all for use as national treasures.

However, the lore goes further to suggest that an error may have been made and a few other genuine copies of the coin were placed in circulation accidentally. This coin is said to be worth an astounding $86,083, or 72,000 GBP.

Australian coins

Australia has seen its fair share of valuable coinage, including the 1922-1921 threepence, which sold for $95,000 in July 2021. This coin was mentioned as one of the most valuable to be in circulation within the country.

Another gem of Australia’s Royal Mint is the 1852 Cracked Die Adelaide Pound, worth a whopping $600,000 when it was sold back in August 2021.

The Perth Mint also continues to mint coinage for collectors, such as the gold Kangaroo. Likewise, the Royal Australian Mint of Canberra produces a similar edition, but in silver.

Asian coins

As far as world paper currency goes, Asian countries have created some of the most intricate the world has seen. However, Asian collectibles, such as the Chinese Gold Panda, continue the legacy of ornate animals across the obverse and beautiful depictions of historical structures on the reverse.

One of the rarer findings among Asian coins is the 1588 Tensho Hishi Ōban, selling for $1.92Mil in a Honk Kong auction hosted by Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio in April 2021.

Coins of Africa

African coinage is known for significant historical standings, possibly holding some of the most locally valued cultural stories the world over. One such coin is the 1898 “Single 9” Pond, valued at about $906,482. Drenched in a turbulent past, the Single 9 is said to only have been minted 130 times during wartime, and the numbers have dwindled since.

However, for those searching for something more attainable, try the South African Gold Krugerrand. An annual item certain to complete any collection, this beautiful commemorative currency is made from pure bullion and will follow the gold stock across the globe.

Whether your interest is in paper money from around the world, first edition silver coins or second edition collectibles, start by finding a reputable dealer. Once you’ve found a supplier you can trust, try expanding your search even further. You’d be surprised how easy a trip to Europe can be when you have a piece of culture right in the palm of your hand.