8 Rare European Coins That Are Worth a Lot of Money

European coins date back at least to the Roman Empire, though mass production didn’t begin until later with a spike in the number of silver coins . The latter development signaled a “transformation in the early medieval economy,” according to Chemical & Engineering News. Ancient coins always carry high values on the collectibles market , but even modern coins can fetch a lot of money.

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Some of the most valuable European coins are “pattern” varieties, meaning they were produced as design models but not distributed to the public. Three of these pattern coins, made in the UK, are worth more than $1 million, according to the Paul Fraser Collectibles website. They are the 1937 Edward VIII 5-pound pattern (worth $2.28 million) and two specimens of the 1839 Victoria gold proof 5-poundpattern ($1.44 million and $1.15 million).

Here are eight other rare European coins worth a lot of money. The list includes ultra-high worth examples as well as a couple that are accessible for the average collector. Keep in mind that a coin’s condition will play a big part in its value to collectors, and the values listed are just estimates.

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French 20 Euro Cents Reverse Mule : $1,265

This rare coin has no “heads” (obverse) and two “tails” (reverse), making it a hit with collectors, according to the Love to Know website. Both sides of the coin say “20 Euro Cents.”

Vatican Euro Coin Mule With Two Reverses : $2,875

This is another rare Euro coin because it has two reverses rather than the usual obverse and reverse. One side features a 20-cent design and the other a 50-cent design.

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1270 French Louis IX, Royal d’Or de Noyon: $60,000

The “fascinating” and mysterious history of this coin contribute to its value, according to CoinValueLookup . Only six examples of the Royal d’Or featuring a crown of thorns are known to exist, and there’s still debate over their authenticity.

1670 French Louis XIV 15 Sols: $132,000

As CoinValueLookup noted, this specimen was struck in the Paris Mint for use in France’s New World colonies. Around 40,000 were minted. But they had a “relatively small circulation” and most were eventually melted down, contributing to their rarity and value today.

1871 Spanish Amadeo I Gold Specimen 100 Pesetas: $240,000

The Heritage Auctions website refers to this coin as a “sensational Spanish rarity in gold.” One reason it is rare is because the reign of King Amadeo I only lasted a bit more than two years, leaving little time for large-scale production.

1640 French Louis XIII 10 Louis d’Or: $456,000

This “remarkable coin” is the largest denomination ever to have been produced in France, according to CoinValueLookup. It measures 44 millimeters in diameter and weighs just less than 67 grams. Very few examples are around today, and you can expect to pay a very high price for them.

1663 British Charles II Silver Pattern ‘Petition’ Crown: $960,000

Paul Fraser Collectibles calls this coin “something of a job application” for engraver Thomas Simon, who was considered one of the great artists of his day. The coin is a “true treasure to behold” as well as an extremely rare specimen, with fewer than 20 believed to be around today.

1831 British William IV 5-Pound Coin: $1.148 million

The detail in this coin engraved by William Wyon is “extraordinary,” according to Paul Fraser Collectibles, contributing to its seven-figure value. Only six to 10 are known to exist today, making it “one of the great rarities of British numismatics.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 8 Rare European Coins That Are Worth a Lot of Money