Have you ever thought that the loose change in your pocket or the old coins in your piggy bank may be worth more than their face value? Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a popular hobby around the world, and some coins can fetch a pretty penny at auctions. While it may seem like a game of chance, knowing what to look for can turn your pocket change into a valuable collection. Read on to discover 12 collectible coins that you might already own, unbeknownst to you.
1. 1943 Lincoln Steel Penny
In 1943, during World War II, copper was needed for war materials, so the U.S. Mint produced pennies made of steel coated with zinc. These coins, while not rare, are still a neat piece of history to own. However, if you happen to find a 1943 penny that is copper, you’ve hit the jackpot. Due to some minting errors, a few copper versions were made, and these are now worth thousands of dollars.
2. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter
This quarter was part of the 50 State Quarters program, and a few of them have a minting error where there is an extra leaf on the ear of corn. These coins are rare, with a high premium. So, if you have a 2004 Wisconsin quarter, check the corn closely!
3. 1965 Silver Dime
In 1965, the U.S. Mint began making dimes from a copper-nickel blend instead of silver due to a rise in the cost of silver. However, a few 1965 dimes were mistakenly minted from silver, making them quite valuable.
4. 1955 Double Die Penny
This coin is famous among collectors due to a minting error that resulted in a double image of the date and other details. If you come across a 1955 penny, take a close look – if it’s a double die, it could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
5. 2005 “In God We Rust” Kansas State Quarter
A grease-filled die caused the letter “T” to be missing in the word “Trust” on some of these quarters, resulting in the phrase “In God We Rust”. If you have a Kansas quarter from 2005, it might be worth checking!
6. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
In 1970, two versions of the Lincoln penny were produced. The small date version is rarer and more valuable. Look closely at the date – if the “7” is level with the other numbers, it’s a small date penny.
7. 1982 No P Roosevelt Dime
Dimes minted in Philadelphia normally have a “P” mint mark. However, a few 1982 dimes were accidentally minted without it, making them rare and valuable.
8. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Penny
In 1992, a few pennies were mistakenly minted with the letters “AM” in “America” too close together. This is a difficult error to spot, but if you find one, it could be worth a lot!
9. 2007 “Godless” Presidential Dollar
Some of the 2007 George Washington Presidential Dollars were accidentally minted without the edge inscription which includes “In God We Trust”. These coins are rare and valuable.
10. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel has the lowest mintage of any nickel and is the key to completing a 20th-century Jefferson Nickel set. Because of its scarcity, it is highly valued among collectors.
11. 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar
A few of these dollars were mistakenly struck with a “Cheerios” design used only for promotional purposes, making them rare and valuable.
12. 1995 Double Die Lincoln Penny
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Like the 1955 double die penny, this coin shows a double image due to a minting error. These are worth considerably more than face value, so keep your eyes peeled when checking your change!
Remember, the value of a coin can depend on its condition, rarity, demand among collectors and other factors. So, if you think you have a valuable coin, it’s always a good idea to have it appraised by a professional. Happy hunting!