That pile of spare change sitting in your kitchen drawer or car cup holder might be worth far more than face value. Hidden among ordinary pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are coins collectors will pay hundreds—or even thousands—for. The trick is knowing what to look for.
From minting errors to limited runs, certain coins can turn an overlooked change jar into a treasure chest. Here are 10 coins that could be hiding in your pocket change right now—and why they’re worth keeping.
1. 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Penny
The 1943 Lincoln Steel Wheat Penny is a unique coin that many people might overlook in their change jar. During World War II, copper was a precious resource for the war effort, and the U.S. Mint decided to press pennies in steel instead. If you find a silver-colored penny in your change jar, it could be one of these rare coins.
These pennies are becoming more valuable as time goes on. The trend of collecting war-era coins has increased their demand and therefore their value. According to coin experts, some of these pennies can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars in mint condition.
2. 2005 Kansas State Quarter
A 2005 Kansas state quarter might seem like any other quarter in your change jar. However, some of these coins have a striking error where “IN GOD WE RUST” appears instead of “IN GOD WE TRUST.” These quarters can be quite valuable to collectors.
The market for error coins has seen a significant uptick in recent years. Collectors value these coins not only for their rarity but also for their unique place in minting history. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these quarters, it could fetch a high price in the error coin market. For a clear explainer, see this guide to the “IN GOD WE RUST” error.
3. 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter
The 1970-S Proof Washington Quarter is a coin that many people might have in their collections without realizing its value. This proof issue was struck in San Francisco and distributed primarily in proof sets.
Interest in proof coins has grown in recent years due to their quality and limited distribution. For specs and values, consult the PCGS CoinFacts page for the 1970-S Proof (DCAM).
4. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is easy to miss. An error at the Philadelphia Mint caused some dimes to be struck without the usual “P” mintmark, making them highly desirable.
Because of their story and scarcity, demand (and value) remains strong. Learn more on the NGC Coin Explorer: 1982 No-P Roosevelt Dime.
5. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny is a rare variety caused by a reverse design mix-up—on these coins, the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are very close.
Collectors actively seek this variety for its rarity and backstory. See the PCGS CoinFacts page for the 1992 Close AM.
6. 1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime
In 1965, the Mint switched dimes from silver to clad. A few 1965 dimes were accidentally struck on leftover silver planchets—these “transitional errors” are valuable.
For background and what to look for, read PCGS’s overview of notable dimes to watch for, including the 1965 silver transitional: PCGS: 5 Roosevelt Dimes Collectors Should Look For.
7. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
Some 2004-D Wisconsin quarters show an extra “leaf” on the ear of corn (Low or High). These popular die varieties command strong premiums.
Details and pricing can be found on the PCGS CoinFacts page (Extra Leaf Low) and its companion entry for the High Leaf.
8. 1983 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln cent shows clear doubling on “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” It’s a key modern variety.
Refer to the NGC Coin Explorer entry for the 1983 DDR (FS-801).
9. 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Penny
In 1974, the Mint briefly experimented with aluminum cents. These were never released for circulation, and surviving pieces are extremely rare and tightly controlled.
For official context on the most famous example, see the U.S. Department of Justice release: 1974-D aluminum cent returned to the U.S. Mint.
10. 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent shows dramatic doubling on the date and inscriptions. It’s one of the most desirable modern U.S. varieties.
For diagnostics, history, and values, visit the PCGS CoinFacts page for the 1969-S DDO FS-101.
