Thinking About Dabbling in Coin Collecting? What Are the Best Coins to Collect?
Have you ever thought about starting a coin collection? Maybe you’ve come across a few old coins and saved them over the years. (That’s how I got started!) Or perhaps you want to spark a child’s interest in U.S. coins.
Now you might be wondering: Are those coins still worth anything? Should you hang on to them?
To help you decide, here’s a guide to some of the most popular U.S. coins collectors love to keep.
What Are The Best Coins To Collect?
If you’re building a small coin collection, you’re probably wondering which coins are worth including.
There’s no single right answer to this because every collector is different. Some focus on historical coins, while others like coins with errors or unique designs.
Our own coin expert, Joshua, has created a list of coins he believes every collector should have. These picks come from years of hands-on collecting experience and are based on historical value and popularity.
Here’s his list of top 10 must-have U.S. coins:
- Large Cent
- Indian Head Cent
- 1909 V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
- 1943 Steel Penny
- 2 Cent Piece
- Buffalo Nickel
- Liberty Seated Dime
- 1932 Washington Quarter
- Walking Liberty Half Dollar
- Morgan Silver Dollar
To make things even more interesting, I also gathered opinions from other collectors and experts. Their picks may give you fresh ideas for starting or expanding your own collection.
Remember — not all valuable coins are rare. Some coins become valuable over time or have unique features that make them collectible.
Unique Ideas for Coin Collections
The following ideas offer creative ways to build your own U.S. coin collection. These links and lists were created to help collectors find coins that are both interesting and meaningful.
My 10 Best Coins
Take a look at what other collectors consider their top 10 favorites — with photos and stories behind each one.
Top 10 Coin Picks
Originally, this list included general coin types like:
- U.S. Mint Uncirculated Coin Sets
- Bulk Pennies
- Uncirculated American Silver Eagles
- Common Date Saint-Gaudens Gold Coins
- Proof Shield Nickels
- Early Jefferson Nickels (Proof)
- Proof Barber Half Dollars
- Any High-Grade Coin Worth Over $100
Later, the list was updated with specific coin picks:
- 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent
- 1921 Peace Dollar
- 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- 1916-D Mercury Dime
- 1917 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type 1)
- 1932-D Washington Quarter
- 1908 St. Gaudens No Motto (Arabic Numerals)
Top 25 Coin Collections
This list focuses on coins that are historically important but still within reach for the average collector. You won’t see ultra-rare pieces like the $4 gold coin or the 1795 Eagle here.
Instead, here are a few highlights:
- 1787 Fugio Cent – The first coin issued under U.S. authority. Historic and still relatively affordable.
- 1794 Half Cent – A beautiful and rare coin, often priced lower than the 1793 version.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent – One of the most iconic U.S. coins; a must-have for serious collectors.
- 1877 Three-Cent Nickel – Only 510 made! Rare but surprisingly affordable.
- Three Dollar Gold Coin – Any year except 1878 makes a great addition.
Top 10 Rare U.S. Coins
These coins are known for their rarity and high value. Each one has a unique story:
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 1804 Draped Bust Dollar
- Brasher Doubloon
- 1861 Confederate States Half-Dollar
- 1974 Aluminum Penny
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Nearly any coin from 1870
- 1866 No Motto Silver Coin
- 1776 Continental Dollar (Silver)
- 1943 Copper Penny
The Best & Worst Coin Investments
Before you dive in, it helps to know which coins are good investments and which ones aren’t. First, some of the worst coins to invest in:
Now, here are a few types that many collectors recommend keeping:
- Key Date Coins
- 90% Silver U.S. Coins (Pre-1965, in high grades)
- Most Nickel Types
- Walking Liberty Half Dollars
- Franklin Half Dollars
- Silver Kennedy Half Dollars
CONCLUTION
At the end of the day, collect coins that you enjoy and find interesting. If you chase coins just for value, the hobby might start feeling like work. But if you follow your passion and collect what catches your eye, it’ll stay fun and exciting.
Unless you’re aiming to be a dealer or serious investor, your best bet is to start with coins that come your way naturally — and ones that hold personal meaning. That’s what makes coin collecting truly rewarding.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to start coin collecting?
A: Start by saving coins you already have or come across in daily life. Focus on one type or theme—like pennies, nickels, or historical coins—and expand as you learn more.
Q: Do coins need to be in perfect condition to be valuable?
A: Not always. While condition matters, rarity, historical significance, and demand can also make worn coins valuable.
Q: Are old coins always worth more?
A: Not necessarily. Some old coins are common, while certain modern coins with errors or low mintage can be quite valuable.
Q: How can I tell if a coin is rare or valuable?
A: Check for mint marks, production year, and known errors. Using a coin guidebook or online databases can help identify valuable coins.