Most people think of pocket change as nothing more than small, everyday currency. However, some coins that are still in circulation today could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. These hidden treasures are often overlooked, but collectors and coin enthusiasts know exactly what to look for.
Here are six rare coins that could be worth over $200,000 and how to identify them.
Table of Contents
Liberty
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. Although never officially issued for circulation, this coin has become a legendary collector’s item.
- Value: Over $200,000 (some sold for $3.7 million)
- Why It’s Valuable: Only five are known to exist, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- How to Spot One: If you find a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, check the date and compare it to official images. Any 1913 example would be extremely rare.
Double
The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is one of the most sought-after error coins. The mistake occurred when the coin’s die was struck twice, creating a noticeable doubling of the date and inscriptions.
- Value: Over $200,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The doubling effect on the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” makes it rare.
- How to Spot One: Look for the distinct doubling of letters on the front of the coin. A magnifying glass can help identify this error.
Copper
The 1943 Copper Penny is an incredibly rare wartime error coin. Most 1943 pennies were made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort, but a few were mistakenly struck on copper planchets.
- Value: Up to $1.7 million
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a handful exist, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins.
- How to Spot One: Check its color—copper pennies will be reddish, while steel pennies will appear gray. A magnet can also help—copper pennies won’t stick, but steel ones will.
Lincoln
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. The mistake resulted in a doubling effect on the date and inscriptions.
- Value: Over $200,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The misalignment during minting created a unique and rare coin.
- How to Spot One: The numbers in the date and the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” will appear doubled.
Wisconsin
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Variety) is a modern rarity. A minting error caused an extra leaf to appear on the corn stalk on some of these quarters.
- Value: Over $200,000
- Why It’s Valuable: A rare misprint that makes it highly collectible.
- How to Spot One: Look for an extra leaf on the corn stalk design. A magnifying glass can help.
Buffalo
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a famous minting error where the front leg of the buffalo was accidentally removed due to a die issue.
- Value: Over $200,000
- Why It’s Valuable: The missing leg makes it one of the most sought-after error coins.
- How to Spot One: The buffalo appears to have only three legs instead of four.
Could You Have One of These Coins?
Next time you check your pocket change, take a closer look. Some of these rare coins have been found in circulation, and if you’re lucky, you could be holding a coin worth hundreds of thousands of dollars!
FAQs
How do I know if I have a valuable coin?
Look for rare dates, errors, and unique features. Research online.
Are all 1943 pennies valuable?
No, only the rare copper versions. Most 1943 pennies are steel.
Where can I sell rare coins?
You can sell them at coin auctions, dealers, and online marketplaces.
What is a double die coin?
A coin with a printing error that creates a visible doubling effect.
How rare is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Only five exist, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins.
