I’m always on the lookout for old coins in my pocket change.
Since I started checking my change from cash transactions, vending machines, and take-a-penny-leave-a-penny jars, I’ve come across many exciting finds.
You never know what might pop up in your loose change! While not every old coin I discover is worth much, it’s still thrilling to find vintage coins circulating today.
Here’s a list of 5 types of old coins that can be worth more than face value — and that you might still come across if you look carefully and are a bit lucky!
These coins might not be super expensive, but they are definitely worth saving since they have a value beyond what you paid for them.
#1 – Old Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Lincoln wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, can still be found in circulation — though they’re becoming rarer and rarer with each passing year.
The most common wheat pennies I’ve found are the 1944, 1945, and 1957 versions.
While these wheat pennies are a cool find, you’re more likely to discover them by going through rolls of pennies from the bank.
Common wheat pennies, like the ones mentioned above, are typically worth between 3 to 10 cents each.
Pennies made before 1934 are generally harder to find.
The 7 rarest wheat pennies that collectors often search for include:
- 1909-S penny ($85 and up)
- 1909-S VDB penny ($700 and up)
- 1914-D penny ($175 and up)
- 1922 plain cent ($500 and up)
- 1931-S penny ($85 and up)
- 1943 bronze cent ($100,000 and up)
- 1955 doubled die penny ($1,100 and up)
There are several other pennies that are not as rare as the above, but they’re still worth more than their face value.
#2 – Pre-1983 Lincoln Memorial Copper Pennies
Why should you keep old Lincoln Memorial pennies?
Pennies made before 1983 (except for the 1943 steel penny) were primarily made of copper. Copper is a valuable metal, which makes these older pennies worth more than their face value.
In fact, all pennies from 1959 to 1981 are worth at least 3 cents each, even the worn ones.
Post-1982 pennies are made of zinc, which makes the pre-1983 copper pennies more valuable.
Though you can’t legally melt these pennies for their copper content, it’s still worth holding onto them since they’re worth more than their face value.
#3 – Buffalo Nickels
Buffalo nickels are another type of old coin you might still find in circulation today. While they’re rare now, they were once fairly easy to find in pocket change up until the early 1980s.
I personally found a dateless Buffalo nickel just a few years ago. While it had no date, it was still a valuable find, given how rare they’ve become. On average, Buffalo nickels show up in circulation only once every 25,000 nickels.
Dateless Buffalo nickels typically range in value from 50 cents to $1, while those with a visible date can be worth at least $1 to $2.
#4 – Old Jefferson Nickels
Jefferson nickels have been minted since 1938, and while it may be tricky for some people to differentiate old Jefferson nickels from newer ones, the color often gives them away. Older nickels tend to have a much darker gray hue than newer ones.
Wartime nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945, are made from a silver-copper mix. These silver nickels are worth around $1.50 or more.
The mintmark on these nickels will be located above Monticello on the reverse side. Wartime nickels can be found in circulation, and I’ve personally encountered them.
Nickels minted before 1960 are becoming increasingly rare in circulation and typically range in value from 10 to 50 cents each.
Specific Jefferson nickels, like the 1939-D, 1939-S, and 1950-D, can be worth anywhere from $5 to $20.
#5 – Silver Coins
In addition to the silver wartime nickels, there are other silver coins that can still be found in circulation.
Some of the most common silver coins you might come across are silver Roosevelt dimes and silver Washington quarters.
Silver Roosevelt dimes (minted in 1964 or earlier) are valued between $1.50 and $3 each.
Silver Washington quarters (minted between 1932 and 1964) range from $3.75 to $5 each.
Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970 contain 40% silver, and those minted in 1964 contain 90% silver. These coins are typically found in bank rolls, not in everyday pocket change, but they can be worth $2.50 and $7, respectively.
Note: The values for silver coins are based on a silver price of $20 per ounce. These values will fluctuate as silver prices change.
FAQ
Are old coins really worth money?
Yes, some old coins can be worth more than their face value. Certain coins, like Lincoln wheat pennies and silver Roosevelt dimes, have higher values because of their rarity, metal composition, or historical significance.
How can I find old coins in my change?
To find old coins, you should look through your spare change from cash transactions, vending machines, or even take-a-penny-leave-a-penny jars. You can also check rolls of coins from the bank for rarer finds.
What should I do if I find a rare coin?
If you come across a rare coin, it’s a good idea to keep it, as its value may be higher than face value. You can also consider having it appraised by a professional to determine its worth.
Are all old coins valuable?
Not all old coins are worth a lot of money. Many coins, like common wheat pennies or worn-out nickels, may not be worth much, but they can still be interesting to collect.