To non-coin collectors, coins are merely pieces of small change, but for the collector, they date from as little as a few hundred dollars to as high as tens of thousands of dollars. One of them is the rare 1976 Bicentennial Quarter, which sold in auction for an astonishing $201,000. So, if there are a few old coins lying around in your home, it is time for you to check them out closely. Some coins that appear ordinary at first, might surprise you by already fetching more than $25,000.
Let’s discover six coins that draw top dollar prices-their worth in combination northwards of five figures from a price point of view, then how you can learn to recognize valuable coins from your collection.
| Coin | Unique Feature | Estimated Value | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 Bicentennial Quarter | 40% silver; limited edition | ~$201,000 | PCGS |
| 1932-S Washington Quarter | Low mintage of only 408,000 | $25,000+ | NGC |
| 1943 Copper Penny | Minting error: struck in copper instead of steel | $100,000+ | Heritage Auctions |
| 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent | Obvious doubling in text | $25,000+ | US Mint |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Only five known to exist | $3,000,000+ | Coin World |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | Doubling in “In God We Trust” and “Liberty” | $35,000+ | NGC |
Never think your loose change isn’t worth anything! There’s a rare Bicentennial Quarter and then the legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel– examples of great treasure found in the most unlikely places. They will teach you how rewarding the search for coins can actually be, whether you’re a collector, a future collector, or just a curious observer. So, start checking your coin jar-you never know what you might find.
Some Coins Considerably Priceless
The measure of a coin varies by the following factors: how rare it is, its condition, historical precedents, and minting errors, among others. Here then lie the reasons that cause collectors to part these thousands or sometimes millions dollars over a few coins:
Rarity:
Coins produced in limited quantities as a result of a single and unique feature are the most wanted. For example, of the five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels in existence, all are considered priceless.
Minting Errors:
Mistakes on a coin, which may range from double printing or an off-center design to the application of wrong materials, make these coins pretty rare and attractive to collectors.
Historical Importance:
A coin that has been attached to some significant event such as the Bicentennial Quarter of 1976 often fetches additional premium because of its historical context.
Condition:
A coin in pristine condition, often referred to as “mint state,” is always worth more than one that is worn or damaged.
Now, let us look at six coins that could make you a millionaire.
A quarter from 1976 commemorating the Bicentennial – ~$201,000
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter belonged to the series issued for the 200th anniversary of American independence. For regular quarters in this series, though, some were minted in 40% silver as part of a special collector’s set. That price reflects the sale of an auctioned perfectly pristine silver Bicentennial Quarter, estimated to be worth over $201,000. However, you may find one; make sure that you first checked for silver and have studied its condition.
How to Identify It
- Look for the dual date 1776-1976 on the obverse.
- Check for a small “S” mintmark, indicating it was minted in San Francisco.
- Silver quarters have a different luster than copper-nickel ones.
1932-S Washington Quarter – More than $25,000
Such was the minuscule mintage production at the San Francisco Mint for the strike as the so-called 1932-S Washington Quarter had been coined with only 408,000 specimens. Coins of this series in exceptional condition sell in excess of $25,000 among other values attributed to such quarters. It belongs to the first series of Washington Quarters ever produced.
How to Identify
Look for “S” mintmark beneath the eagle on the reverse and the year (1932). The better the grade, the more money it will bring.
Extra $100k for a 1943 Copper Penny
This Penny is very famous for errors in coins. During World War II, U.S Mint used steel to produce pennies to save copper for war effort; however, a small number of pennies accidentally struck copper. These coins sell above $100,000.
How to Identify It
Check the date (1943).
Use a magnet: steel pennies stick; copper ones don’t.
Confirm authenticity with a professional grader, as counterfeits exist.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – $25,000+
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most sought-after error coins. The double images on these coins are the result of a slight misalignment of die and coin during minting. Such a dramatic error creates a frenzy among coin enthusiasts.
How to Identify It
Clear doubling exists in the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust”
One can see this error without a tripod magnifying glass.
Coins in mint state get a premium.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $3,000,000+
(The most infamous among coin collectors). It is the most famous nickel ever. Only five were ever made, and they were not officially sanctioned for minting by the U.S. Mint. Today, each of these coins commands a price of over $3 million, which makes it one of the rarest coins in the world.
How to Identify It
The date must read 1913.
On the obverse, there is the Liberty Head design, while the reverse bears a Roman numeral “V.”
There are five known examples; thus, professional verification is required.
1969-S Doubled Die Penny – $35,000+
Yet another interesting error coin, the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny, doubled in the words “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the date. Coins of this variety were destroyed by the U.S. Secret Service inadvertently, making the surviving examples extremely rare and valuable.
How to identify it
- Look for that “S” mintmark under the date.
- Doubling is visible on the inscriptions.
- Authentication by a grading service like PCGS or NGC is suggested.
Almost everything is doomed to become worthless at some stage. If you think your coin-something-could-be-an-exception,
Here is what you want to do:
- Coin Examination: Use a magnifying glass to see a date, mintmark, and overall design.
- Error Checking: Look for doubling, off-center designs, or odd materials.
- Research: Search for resources on the Web and sites like PCGS or NGC to see how your coin shapes up against known examples.
- Get It Appraised: Get a coin professional or dealer to give you an expert opinion.
- Preserving: Store your coin inside a holder of the utmost design, so no chance of damage exists.
FAQS:
Why Are Error Coins So Valuable?
Error coins have very little monetary value because they are mostly destroyed in the process of production when they are caught, and because of their very uniqueness, they are very collectible.
How Can I Tell That My Coin Is Genuine?
Genuine status can be attested by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, which certify and grade coins.
Where Can I Sell My Coin?
Coins can be sold at auctions, through coin dealers, and/or online at Heritage Auctions and eBay. Always use professionals with good reputations in order to receive a good price.
Can Modern-Day Coins Carry Value?
Yes, even a modern coin may carry value due to rare characteristics, error coinage, or unique serial numbers.