Maybe you had no idea that some jingling coins in your pocket or lying somewhere in a drawer could be worth millions of dollars? Rare coins have been a point of interest for collectors and history lovers alike for many years, often ending up with extraordinary prices at auctions. Among them stands the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime, whose value can reach an astonishing $1.5 million. In this article, we will explore five coins in detail-all about their history and how to identify them.
5 Rare Coins: Notable Aspects
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | None | Up to $5 million | Only five known to exist; highly sought after by collectors. |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Varies | Up to $1.7 million | Minted in copper instead of steel due to a minting error during WWII. |
| 1955 Doubled Die Penny | 1955 | None | Up to $125,000 | Features a noticeable doubling of the date and lettering on the obverse. |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | 1969 | S | Up to $126,500 | Displays significant doubling on the obverse; often mistaken for counterfeits. |
| 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime | 1975 | None | Up to $1.5 million | Proof coin missing the ‘S’ mint mark; extremely rare with only two confirmed examples. |
Coins are very rare: the 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime absolutely shows that treasures can sometimes be found in unexpected places, while the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel attests to this. Learning to identify these coins and talking to a professional for authentication could give you a pretty big surprise-one that could be for real! Get started finding your coins; you might be surprised at what you discover!
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
History: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most sought-after and elusive coins in American numismatics. The circumstances of its mintage are shrouded in mystery: five specimens are known to exist, and their rarity and the intrigue behind their issuance turn these coins into objects of great value.
Value: A specimen sold for $5 million in a private transaction, one of the highest prices ever paid for a coin.
Identification:
- Obverse: Profile of Lady Liberty bearing the inscription “LIBERTY” and the year 1913.
- Reverse: A large Roman numeral “V” (for five cents) enclosed within a wreath.
A rare coin is equivalent to winning the lottery, and if you happen to find one, it will be an entire lifetime change for you.
1943 Copper Penny
History: During the Second World War copper was taken for military uses, and the U.S. Mint produced steel pennies coated in zinc. However, a couple of copper blanks were struck by accident, thereby creating the 1943 Copper Penny. An estimation of only about 20 specimens in existences is given.
Valuation: One of them fetched $1.7 million at an auction in 2010.
Identification:
- Magnet Test: A genuine 1943 Copper Penny would not stick to a magnet, but the common steel penny would.
- Weight: 3.11 grams for the copper pennies, while steel ones weigh 2.7.
- Counterfeit coins: abound, you must have yours professionally authenticated if you suspect it might be one.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
History: The 1955 Doubled Die Penny originated from a minting error due to which the date and lettering appear doubled, and this striking visual anomaly is what makes it one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
Value: Depending upon the condition, these coins can sell for up to $125,000.
Identification:
- Doubled date and inscriptions such as “IN GOD WE TRUST” can be seen.
- The error is visible without the use of a magnifying glass, making spotting it relatively easy.
- Collectors adore this coin for its striking look and its historical significance.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny
History: Similar to the 1955 version, the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny has very obvious doubling of letterings on its obverse. Apart from this initial denial by the experts at once, the penny was reported to have become common enough to prove its authenticity.
Price Considerations: Great examples have even sold for at least $126,500 in auctions.
Identification:
- Significant doubling on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- An “S” mint mark below the date indicates that it was mint in the San Francisco Mint. Since this coin is scarce, collectors consider it as a jewel.
- Definitely best to examine thoroughly if one comes across this coin.
1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime
History: The 1975 No-S Roosevelt Dime is a proof coin expressly intended for collection purposes. However, two coins were struck without the “S” mint mark indicating it was produced at the San Francisco Mint. These dimes rank among the rarest coins ever minted.
Value: One sold at auction for $1.5 million in 2020.
Identification:
Proof coins are normally distinguished by their mirror-like beauty, but the absence of that “S” mintmark is the primary identifying feature. These coins were issued only as part of proof sets, so the chance of finding a 1975 No-S Roosevelt dime in circulation is virtually nonexistent.
Tips for spotting low coins
Study: Get acquainted with those details on rare coins like its design, mint marks, and errors.
Magnet: Some rare coins like the 1943 Copper Penny can be quite easily identified through a magnet.
Weight and material check: Get your coin checked with a highly precision scale.
Expertise: Get your coin authenticated professionally through NGC or PCGS.
FAQS:
How do I really know that I own a rare coin?
Compare your coin to some of the known characteristics of rare coins, for example, details of design features, weight, and errors. A professional grading service can attest its authenticity.
Can a person find rare coins while circulating?
Very rare but there’s always the chance of finding one. You should be checking your change, especially if they are older coins.
Are all error coins valuable?
Not every error adds much to the value. Value depends on rarity as well as demand.
How should I store valuable coins?
Coin holders or coin albums should be able to protect coins against damage. They’re best stored in their holders; direct handling will damage them.
Where can a person sell a rare coin?
The usual places would be auction, numismatic dealers, and eBay, in addition to many other online marketplaces.