Exact coin denomination and ‘Olympic’ detail to look for on the front to make it worth $1,170 ahead of auction

A RARE coin recently sold at auction for $1,170 thanks to some specific qualities.

The golden $10 coin was never circulated and is now worth much more than face value.

Heritage Auctions

Heritage Auctions

The Mega Agency

Thanks to its historic nature and high quality, one version of the coin sold big.

It was auctioned off on August 12.

THE COIN

The US has no circulating $10 coins, making this one particularly interesting.

But it also features a historic design.

It was made to commemorate the 1984 Olympics, hosted in Los Angeles , California .

The coin has Olympic rings and two athletes carrying a torch on the front.

Its materials are valuable, made from 90% gold and 10% copper.

Commemorative coins are authorized by Congress to commemorate certain Americans and events.

The US Mint creates and sells them to collectors, with a portion of the proceeds often going to charity.

Coins were also minted for the 1996 Atlanta and 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.

With the Olympics returning to Los Angeles in 2028, legislation has already been drafted to create a commemorative coin for that year’s games.

Salt Lake City will again host the Winter Olympics in 2034.

How coins are graded

Coins are graded on a scale of one to 70, with one being the poorest grade, and 70 being the most pristine example.

Numbers 60 to 70 are generally the most sought-after by collectors and are known as Mint State coins.

Pieces that fetch thousands at auction are commonly found in MS67, MS68, and MS69 conditions.

An MS-70 is near-impossible to find among older coins.

COIN CRAZE

Coins are so valuable because of collectors who are willing to buy.

Unlike the Olympic coin, some valuable coins commemorating people are circulated.

One coin dedicated to Rev. Doctor Pauli Murray has an unusual error that can add value.

The civil rights leader was honored by a 2024 quarter.

John F. Kennedy is honored in the design of the half-dollar coin.

In good shape, JFK coins can be worth thousands .

Even a modern penny can be worth big bucks — if it has a key detail .

Details from a single historic Hawaiian cent could be worth $19,200.