Let’s not forget the big boy coins—the $5 and $10 Indian Head gold pieces. These were actually used in circulation during WW1, believe it or not. A gold coin from 1915?
Just the gold content is worth hundreds of dollars today. But a rare date with a low mintage? You’re in five-figure territory. That’s “buy a used car” money. Or a really nice couch.
But here’s the trick: most people think all old gold coins are super rare. Nope. Some dates had millions minted. The value is in the survivors and the beauty. A coin that hasn’t been wiped clean or damaged? That’s the jackpot.
What About Foreign Coins?
Did your great-uncle bring back a German 5 Mark coin from the trenches? Or a British crown from 1917? Those are fascinating history pieces, but rarely worth a ton of money.
Most foreign WW1 coins were minted in huge quantities. A war-weary empire didn’t care about rarity; it cared about paying soldiers. So a 1914 Austro-Hungarian coin? Cool conversation starter. Worth maybe $20 on a good day.
Unless it’s a British sovereign (a gold coin). Those are always valuable. But a common bronze penny from London? Eh. Stick it in a frame.
First World War £2 Coin: A Collector’s Guide - The Westminster Collection
