12 Rare Nickels and Dimes That Can Be Worth Checking in Change
Not all nickels and dimes are created equal, and some can actually be worth quite a bit more than their original value. The rarity of these coins is often due to factors like minting mistakes or limited production runs. What seems like a regular nickel or dime could turn out to be a hidden gem. If you’re wondering what makes certain coins rare, it’s all about those little details that set them apart.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and rare coins in American numismatics. Only five of these coins were ever minted, making them extremely valuable to collectors. It is said that these were secretly struck by the U.S. Mint, and the exact story behind their creation remains a mystery. Today, this nickel is worth over $3 million in perfect condition. The rarity and historical significance make it one of the most sought-after coins in existence.
This coin is unique because it features a different design than most other nickels in circulation. Collectors look for any Liberty Head Nickels from the early 1900s, as many were worn down and are no longer easily found. The 1913 variety stands out due to its mysterious backstory and the few remaining examples. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is often sold in prestigious auctions, where it fetches eye-popping amounts.
1942-1 Mercury Dime
The 1942-1 Mercury Dime is a notable rarity because it features a minting error where the 1 in the year 1942 was overstruck on a 1 from a 1941 dime. This overdate error gives it a distinctive look and makes it much more valuable than a standard Mercury Dime. It is estimated to be worth around $500 to $1,000, depending on condition. What makes it especially rare is that only a small number of these error coins were produced.
Collectors are particularly interested in this dime because the overdate creates a unique anomaly in its design. The Mercury Dime series was widely circulated, but this particular error is a key date among collectors. Due to the limited number of coins that were struck with this mistake, finding one in good condition is a rare occurrence. This dime is worth checking in your change because of its collectible nature and the significant premium it commands.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is rare due to a limited mintage and its distinctive design, which was produced with a lower minting run than expected. While the coin was issued in 1950, only a small number of them were struck with a D mintmark, making it harder to find. This coin typically holds a market value of $100 to $200, depending on its condition. The 1950-D is one of the more sought-after nickels among collectors due to its rarity.
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel has a high level of appeal to those interested in coins from the mid-20th century. Even though the coin was part of regular circulation, it’s harder to find in good condition because many of them were spent over the years. Some of these coins were hoarded and preserved, but most are in worn condition, which makes well-maintained examples even more valuable. If you spot one in your change, it’s worth checking to see if it’s a 1950-D.
1943 Steel Lincoln Nickel
The 1943 Steel Lincoln Nickel was produced as a temporary replacement for the traditional copper nickel during World War II. Due to wartime material shortages, the U.S. Mint struck these nickels with steel instead of copper, which makes them stand out. The steel coins are less common, and those in excellent condition can be valued at $30 to $100. They’re often mistaken for dimes due to their silver-like appearance.
Collectors find this coin attractive because of its unique composition and historical context. The 1943 Steel Lincoln Nickel is often more desirable to collectors who specialize in World War II-era coins. While many of these coins were worn and rusted after decades of circulation, well-preserved examples remain valuable. These nickels are often worth checking in change because they are part of a distinctive chapter in U.S. coin history.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is famous for a minting error where one of the buffalo’s legs was missing, making it appear as though the buffalo only had three legs. This error occurred at the Denver Mint, and a limited number of coins were affected. Today, the coin is worth $5,000 to $10,000 in top condition, with its value increasing for coins in excellent state. This error coin is considered one of the most sought-after pieces in the Buffalo Nickel series.
This 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is highly collectible due to the rarity of the minting error. The error was noticed by some collectors soon after the coins were released, but it didn’t prevent the mint from releasing thousands of these coins into circulation. As a result, finding one in excellent condition can be a real treasure. The high market value for this nickel makes it worth checking in your change.
1938-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel is rare due to its low mintage and high demand among collectors of U.S. coins. While many 1938 Jefferson Nickels are still in circulation, the 1938-D variety, produced in Denver, is particularly difficult to find in good condition. The coin is valued at around $100 to $300, depending on its condition. It holds a special place in collectors’ hearts because of its early design and the fact that it is one of the first coins minted after the redesign of the Jefferson Nickel.
What makes this coin so attractive to collectors is the combination of its historical significance and scarcity. It marks the beginning of the Jefferson Nickel series, which became a mainstay of U.S. coinage for decades. Despite being issued in regular circulation, the 1938-D is often found in worn or damaged condition, making well-preserved examples much more valuable. It’s definitely worth checking your change for this rare find.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. numismatics. The coin was struck with a doubling error, where the obverse image of Lincoln appears blurry due to the die being improperly aligned during minting. This coin can fetch between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on its condition. The doubling is so evident that even a novice collector can easily identify it.
This error coin is incredibly desirable due to its historical context and rarity. It is one of the most sought-after Lincoln Cents, especially because only a few examples were ever produced with this mistake. While many of these coins were worn down or circulated extensively, high-quality specimens still bring in significant sums at auction. If you’re checking your change, a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most famous and valuable dimes from the Mercury series, primarily due to its low mintage. Only a small number of these dimes were struck with the D mintmark in Denver, making it particularly rare. The value of the coin can range from $500 to over $1,000, depending on condition. Its rarity and high demand from collectors make it a desirable piece for those seeking rare U.S. coins.
This coin is considered a key date in the Mercury Dime series and is highly sought after by collectors. Its low mintage means that it’s difficult to find, and well-preserved specimens are even harder to come by. The 1916-D is one of the most iconic coins in the Mercury Dime collection, and it holds a significant place in U.S. numismatics. If you come across one in change, it could be a valuable discovery.
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent features a doubling error on the date and the word Liberty. This mistake occurred when the die was misaligned during production, resulting in a clearly doubled design. The coin’s market value can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on its condition. The error is highly recognizable, with even novice collectors able to spot the doubling.
Collectors treasure this coin because the error is so pronounced, and the 1969-S is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. The doubled die gives the coin a unique and unusual look that stands out from other pennies. Finding one in good condition is rare, and collectors actively search for this error variety. If you spot one, it could be worth a substantial amount.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar was the first year of production following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This coin is made from 90 percent silver, which adds to its value, with current market prices around $10 to $20 for a standard example. Due to its silver content and the historical significance of its release, this coin remains one of the most sought-after half dollars.
Collectors favor the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar because of its high silver content and the historical event surrounding its minting. Although many of these coins were released into circulation, their silver composition makes them worth more than face value. If you find one in your change, it’s a good opportunity to hold onto it, as it may be worth more than its face value.
1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent
The 1999 Wide AM Reverse Lincoln Cent features a noticeable gap between the A and M in the word AMERICA on the reverse of the coin. This was a minting error that occurred due to a misalignment in the die used during production. The coin typically sells for $200 to $500 depending on condition. The rarity of this error makes it a highly sought-after coin among collectors.
Collectors look for this error coin because the Wide AM on the reverse is a clear marker of its value. The 1999 Wide AM Reverse is one of the more popular errors among Lincoln Cent collectors. It is a coin that is often spotted in change, making it worth checking for any collectors who might stumble across one. The value of this coin has steadily risen due to the limited number of error coins in circulation.
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. Due to a mix-up at the U.S. Mint, a small number of copper pennies were struck in 1943 instead of the intended steel variety. This coin is worth over $100,000 if found in good condition. The rarity and high market value make this penny incredibly desirable.
Collectors chase the 1943 Copper Penny because of the significant error it represents. It is considered one of the most valuable coins in the Lincoln Cent series. Very few of these coins were ever made, and the minting mistake has led to skyrocketing prices for those found in good condition. If you find one of these pennies in your change, it’s a valuable find indeed.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.