Most people think of spare change as mere clutter, but what if some of those coins were worth a small fortune? Hidden in plain sight, a few coins are valued at over $200,000 thanks to errors, rarity, or historical significance. Here’s a guide to six pocket change coins that could make you rich and tips on how to identify them.
Table of Contents
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the most legendary coins in U.S. history, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, was never officially issued for circulation but remains highly coveted by collectors.
- Historical Background: The coin was struck illegally when the Liberty Head design had already been replaced by the Buffalo Nickel. Only five coins were secretly minted, likely by a Mint employee.
- Why It’s Valuable: With only five known examples, its rarity is unmatched. In 2018, one of these nickels sold for $3.7 million at auction.
- How to Spot One: Compare the coin’s design to official Liberty Head Nickel images, and ensure the date “1913” is clearly visible. Finding one of these would be headline news.
1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
A notable error coin, the 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, features an unmistakable doubling of letters and numbers on its front side.
- Historical Background: This error occurred when the die struck the coin twice, creating a “doubled” appearance on the date and inscriptions like “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
- Why It’s Valuable: Only a few of these coins were released, making them a collector’s dream. Pristine examples have sold for over $200,000.
- How to Spot One: Look for doubling in the inscriptions on the front of the coin, particularly the date and the word “Liberty.” A magnifying glass is helpful for spotting this subtle detail.
1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies were struck by mistake in 1943, creating one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- Historical Background: These rare copper pennies were accidentally minted when copper planchets were left in the presses. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel, making the copper ones stand out.
- Why It’s Valuable: Extremely rare, these coins are prized by collectors. One sold for $1.7 million in 2010.
- How to Spot One: Copper pennies from 1943 have a reddish hue, unlike the grayish steel versions. Use a magnet to check: copper is non-magnetic, while steel is magnetic.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
This coin, famous for its dramatic minting error, became the first major error coin widely recognized by collectors.
- Historical Background: A misaligned die caused the design on the front of the 1955 Lincoln Cent to appear doubled, creating a striking error.
- Why It’s Valuable: This error is both rare and dramatic, making it highly desirable among numismatists. High-grade examples can exceed $200,000 at auction.
- How to Spot One: Look for bold doubling on the date and inscriptions, such as “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” This doubling effect is easy to see without magnification.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Variety)
A modern error coin, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter, features a unique variety known as the “Extra Leaf” quarter.
- Historical Background: This error occurred during the minting process, adding an extra leaf to the corn stalk in the design.
- Why It’s Valuable: The rarity of this variety has made it highly collectible. Well-preserved coins have sold for over $200,000.
- How to Spot One: Examine the corn stalk on the coin’s reverse side. If you see an extra leaf just above the cob, you’ve struck gold—or at least an exceptionally valuable quarter.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This coin became famous for a minting error that left the buffalo on the reverse side with only three legs.
- Historical Background: A worn die caused the front leg of the buffalo to be erased during the minting process.
- Why It’s Valuable: The unique error and its rarity make this coin highly valuable, with some fetching over $200,000 in top condition.
- How to Spot One: Look for the missing front leg on the buffalo while ensuring the hind legs are intact. A magnifying glass can help reveal this distinctive feature.
These extraordinary coins prove that even the smallest change can hold immense value. Check your coins carefully—you might have a rare gem hiding in your collection!
FAQs
What is the most valuable pocket change coin?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, worth millions, tops the list.
How do I identify a 1969-S Double Die penny?
Look for doubling in the date and inscriptions on the front.
How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Check its color and use a magnet; copper isn’t magnetic.
What is the extra leaf on the 2004-D quarter?
A minting error adds a second leaf to the corn stalk design.
What makes the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel unique?
It features a buffalo missing its front leg due to a mint error.
