Next time you dump a pile of coins into the junk drawer, stop for a moment. Tucked in with the buttons and rubber bands, there could be a coin that collectors will pay real money to own.
The numismatic site CoinWeek published a list in September 2023, written by Tyler Rossi, of ten coins that can be found in change and are worth more than face value. Here they are, with the values CoinWeek reports. Remember that condition is everything with coins, and the prices below are for the grades CoinWeek names, not for every coin you find.
Grab a magnifying glass, a soft cloth to rest your coins on and a cup of coffee. This is a treasure hunt you can do at the kitchen table.
1. The 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime Is Missing Its Mint Mark
CoinWeek says this dime is missing the “P” mint mark from Philadelphia. Look on the front, near the torch, and see whether the letter is there.
According to CoinWeek, mid-Mint State examples are valued at $200 to $300. Examples with “Full Bands” sell for $450 to $500.
2. Indian Head Cents From 1859 To 1909 Are Worth A Look
These old pennies, CoinWeek notes, were made of copper-nickel before 1864. Most circulated examples, the report says, are worth $1 to $10.
That may not sound like a fortune, but it is a lot more than one cent. A handful from an old jar can add up to a nice little treat.
3. Early Lincoln Wheat Cents Can Climb Past $10,000
Wheat cents, made from 1909 to 1958, have the wheat stalks on the back. CoinWeek reports that well-circulated coins from the 1910s sell for $1 to $2, and coins from the 1920s and 1930s for five cents to $1.
Here is the twist. CoinWeek says high-grade examples can exceed $10,000. The condition of the coin makes all the difference.
4. The 1943 Steel Lincoln Cent Was A Wartime Surprise
CoinWeek explains that this penny was struck in steel during World War II. A magnet will stick to it, which makes it easy to spot.
The values vary a lot. CoinWeek says perfectly preserved examples are worth up to $3,000, other high-grade coins $100 to $200, and circulated coins five cents to $1.
5. Pre-1964 Silver Dimes, Quarters And Half Dollars Are Worth Their Metal
CoinWeek calls circulated silver coins from before 1964 “junk silver,” and says they are valued at melt. The value moves with the price of silver.
At the September 15, 2023 spot price of $22.86 an ounce, CoinWeek figured a dime at about $1.67, a quarter at $4.07 and a half dollar at $8.25. Those numbers will be different today, so check the current silver price.
6. Silver War Nickels From 1943 To 1945 Hide Real Silver
These nickels, CoinWeek says, are 35% silver and have large mint marks above Monticello on the back. Circulated examples are worth about $1 each, since the metal content was about $1.29 at the time.
The top end is much higher. CoinWeek reports that the highest price for a non-error example was $22,325, for a 1944-D MS68 FS graded by PCGS, sold at an August 2012 auction.
7. The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter With An Extra Leaf
On the back of this quarter, CoinWeek says, an extra leaf shows up on the corn husk. It comes in low and high leaf varieties.
Mid-Mint State examples sell for $150 to $200, according to CoinWeek. One MS67 coin sold for $1,020 in February 2022.
8. The 1965 Roosevelt Dime Struck On A Silver Planchet
This is a famous mistake. CoinWeek explains that a 1964-dated silver planchet entered clad production, so a silver coin ended up among ordinary ones.
The payoff is large. CoinWeek says auction hammer prices have ranged from $1,900 to $16,500.
9. The 2007 George Washington Dollar With No Edge Lettering
CoinWeek reports that these presidential dollars are missing the lettering on the edge, possibly from a bin of about 250,000 coins. Check the rim of any 2007 Washington dollar you own.
Low to mid-Mint State examples sell for $50 to $60, per CoinWeek, and MS67 examples for up to $300.
10. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent Is A Collector Favorite
The doubling is visible in the lettering and date, which CoinWeek attributes to a die that shifted between strikes. It is one of the best-known cents in the hobby.
CoinWeek says red-designation examples sell for $7,000 to $12,000, and Brown-designation High AU to Mid-MS examples for $2,000 to $3,000.
Notice how the list mixes humble finds, like a silver dime worth a couple of dollars, with true jackpots worth thousands. Even the small ones are a fun reminder that old change can hold surprises.
How To Check Your Own Coins Safely
Do not clean a coin. Rubbing or polishing can ruin the surface and the value.
Handle coins by the edges, store them in soft holders, and compare them against photos from a respected coin guide. If you think you have something valuable, ask for a second opinion from a reputable dealer or a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, since grade drives the price.
Start with the easy checks: dates before 1964, a magnet test on pennies from 1943, and a close look at the mint marks. A few minutes of looking may turn up a coin that is worth far more than it seems.
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