In the world of coin collecting, there’s nothing more thrilling than the possibility of finding a rare and valuable coin in an unsuspecting place. You might be surprised to learn that some of the most valuable coins could be hiding in plain sight – in your own pocket change, in a drawer at home, or in a coin jar.
What if a single coin could be worth hundreds, or even thousands of dollars? In this article, we’ll explore 14 coins that are worth a fortune but are easy to overlook. So, don’t overlook your loose change when you’re decluttering, it might be worth more than you think.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them one of the most valuable coins in the United States. They were produced in secrecy by a rogue mint employee and were not discovered until years later.
Because of their rarity, they can fetch millions of dollars at auction. For example, one of these coins sold for $3.7 million in 2010. So, if you happen to find one of these in your change, you’ve hit the jackpot!
2. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny is one of the most famous coins in the U.S. During World War II, pennies were made out of steel due to a shortage of copper. However, a few were mistakenly minted in copper and are now worth a fortune. In 2010, a 1943 Lincoln penny sold for $1.7 million at auction. So, always double-check your pennies, you never know when you might find a 1943 copper penny!
3. 2004 Wisconsin state quarter with extra leaf
In 2004, the U.S. mint released Wisconsin state quarters that had an extra leaf on the ear of corn. This was a minting error and these coins are now worth up to $300. They are not too hard to find, so keep an eye out for these quarters as you go through your change.
4. 1969-S Lincoln Penny with a doubled die
In 1969, some Lincoln pennies were minted with a doubled die, meaning the image on the penny was accidentally stamped twice, making it look blurry. These pennies can be worth up to $35,000. So, if you see a penny that looks a little off, it might be worth a second look.
5. 1972 Lincoln Penny with a doubled die
Just like the 1969-S Lincoln Penny, the 1972 version also had a doubled die error. These coins are less valuable than the 1969 version but can still fetch up to $500. So, don’t dismiss a penny just because it looks a little strange.
6. 1982 No P Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint forgot to put their ‘P’ mint mark on a batch of Roosevelt Dimes. These coins are now worth up to $300. So, if you have a 1982 dime, make sure to check for the ‘P’ mint mark.
7. 1992 Close AM Penny
In 1992, some Lincoln pennies were mistakenly minted with the ‘AM’ in ‘America’ too close together. These pennies can be worth up to $20,000. So, if you have a 1992 penny, make sure to check the ‘AM’ in ‘America’.
8. 2005 Kansas state quarter with ‘In God We Rust’
In 2005, some Kansas state quarters were minted with a printing error that makes it look like it says ‘In God We Rust’ instead of ‘In God We Trust’. These quarters are worth up to $100. So, if you have a Kansas quarter, make sure to check the motto.
9. 2007 ‘Godless’ Presidential Dollar
In 2007, some Presidential Dollars were minted without the ‘In God We Trust’ motto. These coins can fetch up to $300. So, if you have a Presidential Dollar, make sure to check the edge for the motto.
10. 2008 Undated 20p Coin
In 2008, the Royal Mint in the UK released 20p coins that were missing the date. These coins are now worth up to £100. So, if you have a 20p coin, make sure to check for the date.
11. 1983 New Pence 2p Coin
In 1983, the Royal Mint in the UK mistakenly minted 2p coins that said ‘New Pence’ instead of ‘Two Pence’. These coins are now worth up to £500. So, if you have a 2p coin, make sure to check the wording.
12. 1995 Double Die Penny
In 1995, some Lincoln pennies were minted with a doubled die, just like the 1969 and 1972 versions. These coins can fetch up to $50. So, if you have a 1995 penny, make sure to look for the double die.
13. 2009 Kew Gardens 50p Coin
In 2009, the Royal Mint in the UK released a 50p coin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Only 210,000 were minted, making them the rarest 50p coin in circulation. They can now be worth up to £160.
14. 2000 Sacagawea/Quarter Dollar Mule
In 2000, a minting error produced a rare coin known as the Sacagawea/Quarter Dollar Mule. It has the obverse (front) of a state quarter and the reverse (back) of a Sacagawea dollar. This coin is worth an estimated $15,000. So, if you ever see a dollar coin that looks like a quarter or vice versa, you may have found a fortune!