The 1960s was a fascinating decade for U.S. coin collectors like me. Changes in metal composition, minting techniques, and occasional errors created a variety of coins that stand out today. These coins have caught the attention of collectors for good reasons.
If you have coins from the 1960s, you might be holding something that could be worth far more than its face value. Over time, certain coins from this era have become highly desirable because of their rarity and unique characteristics. I’m excited to share seven examples that collectors really go crazy for.
1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Double Eagle is one of those coins that has always fascinated me. Even though over 400,000 were minted, none were officially released for circulation. Most were melted down following government orders.
A few coins escaped, making them incredibly rare. One notably sold for millions at auction, and only one is legally owned by a private collector. The coin’s design, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, remains iconic with Lady Liberty and a flying eagle. It’s a piece of history wrapped in mystery and beauty.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a fascinating coin that stands out even among the rarest U.S. coins. Only five are known to exist, making it incredibly exclusive.
What’s really interesting is that this coin wasn’t officially supposed to be made. The U.S. Mint had switched to a new design by 1913, yet these nickels somehow slipped out.
Collectors value each one in the millions, with some selling at auction for over $4 million. It’s a perfect example of how rarity can make a small coin highly sought after.
1943 Copper Penny (Error)
I find the 1943 copper penny fascinating because it’s such a rare mistake. During World War II, pennies were mostly made of steel to save copper, but a few copper ones were accidentally minted.
These copper pennies are incredibly valuable today. Some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and a few even reached over a million in private sales.
If you ever come across a 1943 penny that looks copper instead of steel, it’s worth having it professionally checked. It might be a true error coin that collectors dream of finding.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is a fascinating piece of U.S. history. While it’s not from the 1960s, its story still captures my interest because it was the very first silver dollar minted by the United States.
This coin is incredibly rare, with fewer than 2,000 originally made. Its design, featuring flowing hair on Lady Liberty, reflects the early days of America’s coinage. Collectors value it not just for its silver content but for its place in our nation’s monetary history.
1804 Silver Dollar
The 1804 Silver Dollar is a bit of an oddball in the coin world. Even though it shows the date 1804, most were actually minted in the 1830s. I find this history pretty fascinating because it was meant to be a diplomatic gift, not a regular coin for circulation.
Collectors go wild for these because of their rarity and unique story. They’re considered some of the most valuable U.S. coins, with only a few known to exist. Holding one would definitely be a special experience.
1894-S Barber Dime
I find the 1894-S Barber Dime fascinating because it’s one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only 24 were minted at the San Francisco Mint, and today, just nine are known to exist.
This dime is part of the Barber coinage series, designed by Charles E. Barber. Its rarity and interesting backstory make it a prized piece for collectors like me.
The high auction prices, sometimes reaching over $2 million, show how much collectors value this tiny but significant coin. It’s definitely a standout in any collection.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Although the 1916-D Mercury Dime was minted long before the 1960s, it remains a favorite among collectors even today. I find its low mintage of just 264,000 coins fascinating, making it the rarest in the Mercury Dime series.
This dime’s charm is in its history and the iconic design by Adolph Weinman. When it has the “Full Band” designation, its value jumps significantly. For anyone serious about collecting, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is a key piece to consider.
