Think pocket change is just a hassle? Think again. Some of the coins circulating in your pockets, purses, or glove compartments might actually be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. These hidden gems, often overlooked, are prized by collectors for their rarity, errors, or historical significance.
Let’s take a closer look at six coins that could transform your loose change into a small fortune.
Table of Contents
Liberty Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a legendary coin with a value that exceeds $200,000.
Historical Background:
This coin was never officially issued for circulation. The U.S. Mint retired the Liberty Head design in 1913, replacing it with the Buffalo Nickel. However, five Liberty Head Nickels were secretly struck by a Mint employee.
Why It’s Valuable:
Only five examples exist, making this coin one of the rarest in U.S. history. Its unique backstory and scarcity have driven prices sky-high, with one selling for $3.7 million in 2018.
How to Spot One:
Check the design and date. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has a distinct Liberty Head design. If you think you’ve found one, it’s likely a reproduction, but it’s worth having a professional appraise it.
Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is a collector’s dream due to a minting error that makes it highly valuable.
Historical Background:
This coin was struck twice by the die, resulting in a “double die” effect on the obverse, where the inscriptions and date appear doubled. Only a small number made it into circulation.
Why It’s Valuable:
The doubling error is bold and striking, making this coin famous among numismatists. A high-grade example can sell for over $200,000.
How to Spot One:
Examine the date and the word “Liberty” closely. If you see clear doubling, you could have struck gold—figuratively speaking!
Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is another coveted coin with a history rooted in wartime necessity.
Historical Background:
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for military use. However, a few copper planchets accidentally remained in the minting presses, resulting in rare copper pennies.
Why It’s Valuable:
With only a handful known to exist, the 1943 Copper Penny is one of the rarest coins ever minted. One example sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
How to Spot One:
Check the color and weight of your 1943 penny. A copper penny will have a reddish hue and will not stick to a magnet, unlike the steel version.
Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most iconic error coins, valued for its unmistakable design flaw.
Historical Background:
The 1955 Lincoln Cent was struck with a misaligned die, causing the date and inscriptions to appear doubled.
Why It’s Valuable:
This coin is a collector’s favorite, with high-grade specimens selling for over $200,000. Its fame stems from being one of the first widely recognized error coins in the U.S.
How to Spot One:
Look for doubled inscriptions on the obverse, particularly in the date and the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
Wisconsin Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is a more recent example of a valuable coin, thanks to a minting error.
Historical Background:
Part of the 50 State Quarters program, this coin features an image of a cow and a corn stalk. Some quarters were struck with an extra leaf on the corn stalk due to a die error.
Why It’s Valuable:
The “Extra Leaf” variety is extremely rare, and collectors are willing to pay big bucks for high-grade examples, with some fetching over $200,000.
How to Spot One:
Inspect the corn stalk for an additional leaf above the cob. A magnifying glass can help you spot this subtle error.
Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a classic example of a minting error turning an ordinary coin into a collector’s treasure.
Historical Background:
This error occurred when a worn die caused the buffalo on the reverse side to appear as if it had only three legs.
Why It’s Valuable:
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is rare and highly collectible, with values exceeding $200,000 for well-preserved specimens.
How to Spot One:
Check the buffalo’s front leg—it should be missing. The hind legs will remain intact.
These coins prove that the next time you’re sorting through your spare change, you should keep an eye out for hidden treasures. With the right coin in hand, you could be sitting on a fortune!
FAQs
How can I identify a rare coin?
Look for unusual dates, errors, or designs and compare with guides.
What’s the most valuable error coin?
The 1943 Copper Penny can sell for over $1 million.
Where can I sell valuable coins?
You can sell them at auctions, coin dealers, or online marketplaces.
Are 1937-D Buffalo Nickels always valuable?
Only the three-legged error coins are highly valuable.
Can I clean rare coins before selling?
No, cleaning can reduce their value significantly.
