If you’ve got a jar of old coins, a childhood coin collection, or even just some loose change in your pocket, you might be sitting on a small fortune without even realizing it. While most coins are only worth face value, certain rare or error coins can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Here’s a look at 9 surprisingly valuable coins that you might already have. Don’t spend them before checking their hidden value!
1. 1943 Lincoln Bronze Cent – Worth Over $100,000
During WWII, the U.S. Mint produced pennies out of steel due to copper shortages. However, a few bronze planchets were mistakenly used in 1943, making this coin one of the rarest and most valuable Lincoln cents.
What to Look For:
- 1943 date
- The coin should not stick to a magnet (if it does, it’s steel, not bronze)
- Copper or bronze color
Value:
- $75,000–$250,000, depending on condition
2. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – Up to $2,000+
This error coin is one of the most well-known and beloved among collectors. The doubling on the front is highly visible, especially on the lettering.
What to Look For:
- Bold doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date
Value:
- Up to $2,500 in circulated condition
- Higher in mint state
3. 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – $100 to $1,500
A famous state quarter error, some Wisconsin quarters from 2004 show an extra leaf on the corn husk—either high or low.
What to Look For:
- “Extra Leaf” appearing above or below the main corn leaf on the reverse
Value:
- $100 to $1,500, depending on which version and condition
4. 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – Up to $300+
Often overshadowed by the 1955 version, the 1972 doubled die penny is also a valuable collector’s item.
What to Look For:
- Strong doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”
Value:
- $100–$400 or more in mint state
5. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – $300 to $1,000
A rare variety of the 1982 dime was struck in Philadelphia without the “P” mint mark—a significant error.
What to Look For:
- 1982 Roosevelt Dime missing a mint mark
Value:
- $300 to $1,000, depending on condition
6. 1999 Wide “AM” Lincoln Cent – Up to $600
Most pennies minted in 1999 have a “Close AM,” but a few were mistakenly made with the proof-style reverse, creating a wider spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
What to Look For:
- The “A” and “M” in AMERICA are widely spaced
Value:
- $250 to $600
7. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent – Up to $35,000
This rare error coin has dramatic doubling on the front and is a favorite among serious collectors.
What to Look For:
- Doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date
- Must have the “S” mint mark
Value:
- Up to $35,000 in uncirculated condition
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent – Up to $3,000
A harder-to-spot variety, this penny can be worth thousands if it’s the small date version in high grade.
What to Look For:
- The top of the “7” is level with the “0”
- “LIBERTY” may appear weak or blurry
Value:
- $500 to $3,000, based on grade
9. Sacagawea “Cheerios” Dollar – Up to $7,000
Before the Sacagawea dollar’s release in 2000, the U.S. Mint placed special preview coins in Cheerios cereal boxes. These coins have a distinct tail feather design that’s different from regular issues.
What to Look For:
- Special tail feathers on the eagle’s reverse side
- May be labeled as a “Cheerios Dollar”
Value:
- $3,000 to $7,000
Conclusion
You never know what hidden treasures might be sitting in your change jar or tucked away in an old drawer. With millions of coins minted each year, mistakes and rare variations are inevitable—and some of them can turn out to be extremely valuable. Whether you’re a collector or just coin-curious, it pays to check your coins carefully before spending them.
Start by examining the coins listed above—you might just find one of these surprisingly valuable pieces of history hiding in plain sight.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if a coin is rare?
Look for errors, unique mint marks, unusual dates, or odd designs. Researching and comparing to known rare varieties helps a lot.
Q2: Should I clean a potentially rare coin?
No. Cleaning can destroy a coin’s value. Leave it as-is and handle it carefully.
Q3: Where can I get a coin appraised?
Reputable dealers, local coin shops, or third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC are great places to start.
Q4: Can these coins really be found in everyday change?
Yes! While rare, people do occasionally find them in circulation, in old piggy banks, or coin rolls from the bank.