If you have an old coin collection or just some coins lying around, you might be sitting on more value than you realize. Some coins, especially those that are rare or have historical significance, can be worth much more than their face value.
Understanding which old coins could be valuable enough to make a serious financial impact, like helping to pay off your mortgage, can open new opportunities for your finances. Knowing about these coins can help you decide if it’s time to take a closer look at your collection or loose change.
Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1921)
You might have a Morgan Silver Dollar if you own coins minted between 1878 and 1904, or from 1921. These coins feature a distinctive design with Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back.
Their value varies a lot depending on condition, date, and mintmark. Some can be worth only a few dollars, while rare ones might be worth thousands.
If you find one, it’s worth checking its details because it could add value to your collection or even help with larger expenses like your mortgage.
Mercury Dime (1916-1945)
If you have Mercury dimes, especially from 1916 to 1945, you might be sitting on a neat treasure. The 1916-D dime is the most valuable, often worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if in good condition.
Other dates and mint marks vary widely in value, from under $2 to over $1500. Collectors love these coins for their design and history, so your dimes could be more valuable than you think. Check their condition carefully to understand their true worth.
Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963)
If you have a Franklin Half Dollar, it might be worth more than its face value. These coins were minted from 1948 to 1963 and feature Benjamin Franklin on the front.
Most circulated coins are worth around $1 to $3. However, rare or uncirculated versions could be valued much higher, sometimes reaching into the hundreds or thousands.
Check your coins for mint marks and condition to see if yours could be a hidden treasure.
1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
If you find a 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny, it could be quite valuable. This coin has a distinctive doubling effect on the date and letters.
Collectors seek out this penny because it’s one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history.
Coins in excellent condition have been known to sell for significant amounts. So, check your collection carefully—you might have a hidden gem!
1943 Copper Lincoln Penny
If you find a 1943 Lincoln penny made of copper, you could be holding something rare. Most 1943 pennies are steel due to wartime metal shortages.
Only about 17 copper pennies were minted that year, making them extremely valuable. Check if your coin is magnetic; genuine copper pennies won’t stick to a magnet.
If yours is copper and in good condition, it could be worth thousands or more. Consider having it professionally appraised to understand its true value.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
If you find a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, you’re holding a piece of U.S. history. This penny is special because it was one of the first Lincoln cents ever made and has the initials VDB of the designer on the back.
While it’s not extremely rare, many collectors want one. That demand can make it worth much more than a regular penny. Your coin in good condition could be quite valuable.
1937-D Buffalo Nickel
If you have a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, it could be worth more than just five cents. Most coins in general circulated condition range from $3.50 to nearly $20.
Some 1937-D nickels have small errors or varieties that make them more valuable. These special coins can sometimes fetch higher prices from collectors.
Checking your coin’s condition and any unique features can help you understand its true value.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
You might not expect a small nickel to be valuable, but the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is exceptionally rare. Only five are known to exist, making it one of the most sought-after coins in the world.
If you ever come across one, its value could reach millions. This coin wasn’t officially authorized by the U.S. Mint, which adds to its mystery and allure. Owning one could definitely help with big expenses like a mortgage.
1893-S Morgan Dollar
If you have an 1893-S Morgan Dollar, it could be quite valuable. This coin is one of the rarest Morgan dollars and often fetches high prices, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars in good condition.
Even worn examples can be worth thousands. Make sure to have your coin authenticated to know its true value.
1944 Steel Penny
If you have a 1944 steel penny, you might be holding something quite special. These pennies were mistakenly made from leftover steel planchets meant for 1943 coins.
Because of their rarity, a 1944 steel penny can be worth between $75,000 and $110,000. The exact value depends on the coin’s condition.
You can check if yours is steel by seeing if it sticks to a magnet. If it does, you might want to have your coin professionally appraised.
1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar
If you have an 1822 Capped Bust Half Dollar, it could be worth more than you think. This coin contains 89.24% silver and dates back to the presidency of James Monroe.
Well-preserved examples can sell for thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars at auction. Checking the condition of your coin can help determine its potential value. It’s a piece of history that might help with big expenses like your mortgage.
1921 Peace Silver Dollar
If you have a 1921 Peace Silver Dollar, it’s worth checking its condition. Some examples in top shape have sold for tens of thousands of dollars.
This coin celebrates the end of World War I and has unique high relief designs. Even if yours isn’t in perfect condition, it could still hold value beyond face price.
Consider getting your coin appraised by a professional to understand its true worth. It might just surprise you!
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
You might be surprised by how valuable the 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar is. Only about a dozen are known to exist, making it extremely rare.
If you happen to have one in good condition, its value could exceed $2 million. Collectors prize this coin not just for rarity but for its historical significance.
Checking the coin’s condition carefully is key. The cleaner and less damaged it is, the more it could be worth to collectors.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
If you own a 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, you have a piece of American history. It was the first silver dollar minted by the U.S. federal government.
These coins are rare and highly valued, often fetching millions at auction. But be careful—many fakes exist, so verify authenticity before selling.
Owning one could significantly help pay off your mortgage, but make sure to get a professional appraisal first.
