Overview
Collectors and investors alike have long relied on the stability of rare coins as a hedge against inflation and economic instability. However, not all coins retain their value indefinitely. As market conditions shift and newer collector interests emerge, certain coins may see a downturn in their market worth. Experts in numismatics now suggest that two particular rare coins once highly sought after are expected to lose value before the end of 2025.
Coin #1: 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar (Common Mint)
A Beloved Icon Facing Oversupply
The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin steeped in history, originally minted to commemorate the return of the Morgan series after a 17-year hiatus. The coin was produced in large quantities in 1921 by three U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. While the Morgan Dollar series as a whole remains popular, the 1921 issue, particularly from the Philadelphia Mint, is widely available in uncirculated condition reducing its rarity.
With more than 44 million coins minted that year, the oversupply of 1921 Morgan Dollars makes it far less rare than earlier issues in the same series. The recent reissue of the Morgan Dollar in 2021 by the U.S. Mint to mark its centennial further diluted collector interest in the original 1921 version.
Market Trends and Collector Sentiment
In recent auctions and online marketplaces, the 1921 Morgan Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint has experienced a slow decline in value, particularly in lower grades. Where collectors once paid premiums for mint-condition examples, the abundance of coins now available thanks to estate sales and hoard releases has driven prices down.
A certified Mint State (MS-63) 1921 Morgan Dollar once fetched prices upwards of $75–$100. Now, it’s not uncommon to see them listed closer to $40–$50, with projections indicating further dips due to market saturation and collector fatigue.
Why It’s Expected To Lose More Value
- High mintage volume and wide availability.
- Recent reissues have shifted interest toward newer commemoratives.
- Changing collector focus toward earlier and rarer Morgan dates.
Coin #2: 2007-W $50 American Gold Buffalo Proof
The First of Its Kind, but Not Necessarily Rare
Introduced in 2006, the American Gold Buffalo series was the U.S. Mint’s first 24-karat gold bullion coin. The 2007-W Proof $50 Buffalo was the second year of issue and remains a beautiful and finely struck coin. While it had a strong release and was popular among investors and collectors for its gold purity and artistic merit, it lacks the rarity to sustain or increase in value long-term.
Proof coins from the West Point Mint typically carry higher premiums due to limited mintage and collector appeal. However, the 2007-W version was minted in greater numbers compared to future years, and its value is tied closely to the spot price of gold.
Gold Price Volatility and Market Rebalancing
As of mid-2025, gold prices have experienced volatility amid geopolitical tensions and fluctuating global economic data. With the U.S. Federal Reserve signaling potential interest rate hikes and inflation beginning to stabilize, precious metals are no longer the hot asset class they were in 2020–2022.
This economic environment may lead to the devaluation of gold-based proof coins like the 2007-W Buffalo, especially those without a low mintage or unique historical significance.
Factors Impacting the Coin’s Future Value
- Dependent on gold spot prices rather than rarity.
- Second-year issue, which lacks the novelty and appeal of first-year or low-mintage issues.
- Market saturation with other bullion coins like the Gold Eagle and newer fractional issues.
Expert Opinions
Numismatic analysts note that while both coins have aesthetic and historical value, they may not be sound long-term investments for those focused on appreciation. According to independent coin graders and professional dealers, liquidity in the coin market has tightened in recent years, especially for pieces without strong rarity metrics.
“These coins are still beautiful and historically important, but in terms of investment, they may not hold their value as well as other, scarcer pieces,” says a senior analyst at a leading U.S.-based numismatic firm.
What Collectors Should Do
If you own either of these coins, you may want to reassess their role in your collection. Here are a few strategies:
- Reappraise with a professional: Get an updated market valuation through a certified coin dealer or grading service.
- Diversify holdings: Consider shifting some capital into rarer coins or other asset classes.
- Monitor gold prices: For the Gold Buffalo, its future is closely tied to the bullion market.
Final Thoughts
While these coins still hold interest for certain collectors and can be part of a well-rounded collection, they are not expected to increase in value and may, in fact, lose value as we move toward the end of 2025. Staying informed about numismatic trends, market dynamics, and broader economic signals can help collectors and investors make sound decisions about their portfolios.
Collectors are reminded that rarity, demand, and historical significance remain the core drivers of coin value and these two coins may no longer check all those boxes as we head into a new chapter of the numismatic market.