Hidden within your pocket change, coin jars, or old collections, you might just find a small fortune. Many coins have become highly sought after by collectors, either due to rare minting errors, historical significance, or unique compositions. Here are five coins that could fetch over $500—if you know what to look for.
1. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny, one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history, is especially prized among collectors. A unique doubling effect on the date and inscriptions resulted from a rare minting error at the Philadelphia Mint.
What to Look For: Check for a distinctive doubling on “1955” and “In God We Trust.” This doubling is usually visible to the naked eye, giving the coin a doubled image effect on these inscriptions.
Estimated Value: Depending on its condition, a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny can range from $500 to over $1,500, with high-quality, mint-state examples fetching even more.
Where to Find: You might spot this penny in old rolls of pennies, coin jars, or even pocket change if you’re lucky. Since it was widely circulated, there’s always a chance of finding one.
2. 1969-S Lincoln Penny (Doubled Die)
Another doubled die error coin, the 1969-S Lincoln Penny, was struck at the San Francisco Mint. This coin has a distinct doubling on the obverse, especially on the date, making it a rare collectible.
What to Look For: Look closely at the “1969” and Lincoln’s eye and cheek. If you notice visible doubling, you might have an incredibly valuable coin on your hands.
Estimated Value: The value of a 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Penny can range from $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the coin’s condition and whether it has been authenticated.
Where to Find: This penny can sometimes turn up in loose change or in jars of old pennies. It’s worth checking your coin collection or rolls of pennies for this one.
3. 1982 Copper Lincoln Penny
In 1982, the U.S. Mint shifted from copper to a lighter zinc composition due to the rising cost of copper. However, some 1982 pennies were still made of copper, making them unique and highly valued by collectors.
What to Look For: The easiest way to identify a 1982 copper penny is by weighing it. A copper penny weighs 3.11 grams, while the zinc version weighs 2.5 grams. If you find a 1982 penny weighing 3.11 grams, it’s a valuable copper version.
Estimated Value: Depending on its condition, a copper 1982 penny can range from $500 to over $1,000. Pristine examples have been known to sell for higher prices.
Where to Find: This penny can show up in mixed change, so check your coin jar or spare change for 1982 pennies and weigh them if you suspect they’re copper.
4. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf)
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is famous for a unique “extra leaf” error on the corn stalk depicted on the reverse side. This added detail came from a die error during minting, creating a rare collectible variety.
What to Look For: Examine the ear of corn on the quarter closely. If there’s an extra leaf above the corn, you may have the “extra leaf” error variety.
Estimated Value: Depending on the condition, this quarter can be valued at $500 to $1,200 or more, especially if it’s been authenticated or graded by a professional service.
Where to Find: Check any Wisconsin quarters in your state quarters collection or pocket change. These quarters are especially common for those who traveled to or collected coins from Wisconsin.
5. 2019-W American Eagle One Ounce Silver Coin
The 2019-W American Eagle Silver Coin was a special release by the U.S. Mint, minted at the West Point Mint and made available to members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) during specific events. Its limited mintage and distinct “W” mintmark make it a highly collectible item.
What to Look For: Look for the “W” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin, which signifies that it was minted at West Point.
Estimated Value: A 2019-W American Eagle Silver Coin can be valued at $500 or more, with prices reaching upwards of $2,000 in some cases, especially for uncirculated examples.
Where to Find: While this coin is unlikely to be found in everyday change, it may be in coin collections, inheritance sets, or among items owned by avid collectors.
Whether found in your pocket or tucked away in an old coin jar, these hidden gems could be worth hundreds or even thousands. The next time you find some spare change, take a closer look—you might be holding a piece of history with a high price tag.
FAQs
What is special about the 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
It has a distinctive doubling on the date and inscriptions.
How do I identify a 1969-S doubled die penny?
Look for doubling on the ‘1969’ and Lincoln’s eye and cheek.
How can I tell if my 1982 penny is copper?
Weigh it; copper pennies weigh 3.11 grams.
Why is the 2004 Wisconsin Quarter valuable?
It has an ‘extra leaf’ error on the corn stalk.
How much is a 2019-W American Eagle worth?
It can be valued at $500 or more, especially in mint condition.
