15 Rare Coins That Could Be Hiding in Your Coin Jar
You never know what treasures might be hiding in your coin jar. Some rare coins, often overlooked or tucked away, could be worth a small fortune. While most of the coins we collect are just spare change, a few special ones are highly sought after by collectors. These coins are valuable due to unique errors, low mintage, or historical significance. If you’ve been holding onto old coins, it’s time to take a closer look. From rare pennies to gold dollars, some coins can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
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1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is an extremely rare coin, known for its distinctive design and the mysterious circumstances surrounding its production. Only five of these coins are known to exist, making it one of the most coveted pieces among coin collectors. Its unique status stems from the fact that the coin was produced without the U.S. Mint’s official sanction, which raises its value even further. Because only a handful of these coins are known to remain, their rarity adds to their allure in the numismatic world.
As of now, one of these coins was sold for over $4 million at auction in 2018, and it remains one of the highest-priced nickels ever sold. Even if you find one of these coins in your jar, its value could easily reach several million dollars, depending on its condition. The rarity of this coin and the fascinating history behind its creation make it a significant find for any coin collector.
Estimated Value: $4.5 million
1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is a sought-after coin in the world of numismatics. This coin is famous for its noticeable doubling effect on the obverse, specifically in the date and “Liberty” inscription. The error occurred during the minting process, causing the image to be struck twice, creating a clear and visible doubling effect. While this error is relatively common compared to other rare coins, its unique characteristics make it valuable to collectors.
Even in lower grades, this coin can fetch a good price, with well-preserved versions commanding higher sums. Some coins have been sold for over $10,000 at auction, depending on their condition. The popularity of this coin among collectors ensures that it holds its value, and finding one could be a pleasant surprise for anyone casually collecting coins.
Estimated Value: $10,000 (in excellent condition)
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is another highly collectible coin, particularly because of the initials “VDB” on the reverse, which stand for the engraver Victor David Brenner. The initials were removed shortly after the coins were minted, making it a key date for collectors of the Lincoln series. The coin was minted in San Francisco, and its rarity comes from the relatively small mintage, especially for the version bearing the VDB mark.
Finding this coin in your coin jar would be quite a discovery, as it is highly regarded in numismatic circles. Depending on the condition, this coin can be worth thousands of dollars, with the best examples reaching prices around $100,000. It is especially prized in high-grade condition, where its value significantly increases.
Estimated Value: $100,000 (in excellent condition)
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is perhaps one of the most famous coins in U.S. history. Due to its production during the Great Depression, most of the 1933 Double Eagles were ordered to be melted down. However, a few survived, and these have become one of the most valuable coins in the world. The coin features an elegant design, with Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, as well as an eagle flying above.
In 2002, one of these coins was sold at auction for over $7 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold. While most examples of the coin are either in the U.S. Treasury or have been accounted for, discovering one of these rare coins would be a dream come true for any coin collector.
Estimated Value: $7 million
1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is another key coin in the Indian Head series. This coin is considered rare because of its low mintage, and it is highly coveted by collectors due to its scarcity. The 1877 date is an important one in the series because it marks the end of a production era for the Indian Head Cent, with the next year seeing a significant change in design. As a result, it stands out among other Indian Head pennies.
In terms of value, this coin can range in price, but it is known to fetch up to $20,000 for those in exceptional condition. Its rarity and popularity make it a valuable find, and it remains one of the most sought-after pennies for coin enthusiasts and investors alike.
Estimated Value: $20,000 (in excellent condition)
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a relatively rare coin, known for its minting at the Denver Mint. It features a stunning design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and its appeal lies in its lower mintage numbers compared to other Double Eagles. As a result, the 1927-D is highly sought after by collectors, particularly for its clean and crisp design.
Due to the rarity of this coin in good condition, it can fetch a high price at auction, with some examples selling for over $40,000. The coin’s gold content adds to its value, making it an excellent investment for those looking to diversify their collection.
Estimated Value: $40,000 (in excellent condition)
1914-D Lincoln Cent
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is one of the rarest coins in the Lincoln Cent series. The coin was minted in Denver, and it became rare due to its relatively low mintage at the time. Collectors value this coin not only for its rarity but also for its significance in the development of the Lincoln series. It features the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse, which is a familiar design to collectors.
In good condition, this coin can be worth a substantial amount, with prices reaching $2,000 to $3,000 for those in excellent condition. It is particularly valuable in higher grades, and it remains a must-have for any serious coin collector.
Estimated Value: $3,000 (in excellent condition)
1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is another coin with a significant error that makes it highly valuable. The doubling effect on the date and inscription was caused by a minting flaw, making this particular coin highly prized among collectors. The 1969-S Doubled Die is one of the more famous examples of error coins from the Lincoln Cent series and is often included in discussions of key error coins to look for.
If you are lucky enough to find one of these coins, its value can be substantial, with well-preserved examples selling for over $50,000. It is particularly valuable in uncirculated grades, making it a prime candidate for those looking to add a rare and valuable coin to their collection.
Estimated Value: $50,000 (in excellent condition)
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the key dates in the Standing Liberty series. The coin is notable for its design, which features Liberty holding a shield and olive branch, with a striking eagle on the reverse. The 1916 edition is the first year of the coin’s production, and it became a rare find due to its relatively low mintage compared to other years.
In high-grade condition, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, with some examples selling for over $30,000. The beauty and historical significance of this coin make it a desirable piece for collectors of U.S. coinage.
Estimated Value: $30,000 (in excellent condition)
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is often considered the first silver dollar ever produced by the U.S. Mint. The coin features a beautiful design by Robert Scot, depicting Lady Liberty with flowing hair. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable coins in American numismatics. Only a few examples of this coin exist today, and they are highly sought after by serious collectors.
In 2013, one of these coins was sold for over $10 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for a U.S. coin at that time. Even in less-than-perfect condition, this coin could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, making it a remarkable find for any coin enthusiast.
Estimated Value: $10 million (for the highest-grade example)
1911-D Indian Head Quarter Eagle
The 1911-D Indian Head Quarter Eagle is a rare gold coin that was minted in Denver. It features a beautiful design of an American Indian on the obverse, along with a majestic eagle on the reverse. This coin is considered rare due to its low mintage and the fact that it was discontinued after only a few years of production.
In terms of value, this coin can be worth over $50,000 depending on its condition. The coin’s gold content also adds to its value, making it a desirable piece for investors as well as collectors.
Estimated Value: $50,000 (in excellent condition)
1901-S Barber Quarter
The 1901-S Barber Quarter is a rare coin from the Barber series of U.S. coins. The coin was minted in San Francisco, and its rarity is due to the fact that only a small number were produced. The Barber series features the iconic portrait of Liberty, and this coin is highly prized due to its low mintage and historical significance.
The value of the 1901-S Barber Quarter can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on its condition. High-grade examples have sold for over $100,000, making it a coin worth searching for in your collection.
Estimated Value: $100,000 (in excellent condition)
1921 Peace Dollar
The 1921 Peace Dollar is a significant coin in U.S. history, as it was the first to feature the new Peace Dollar design, which symbolized the end of World War I. The coin has a beautiful design with Lady Liberty wearing a crown of rays, symbolizing peace. It was struck in high numbers, but its rarity comes from the fact that it was the first year of production, and many were melted down.
While not as rare as some other coins on this list, the 1921 Peace Dollar still holds a strong market value, especially in high-grade examples. Coins in excellent condition can fetch over $10,000, making it a valuable coin to find in your jar.
Estimated Value: $10,000 (in excellent condition)
1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to producing steel pennies due to a shortage of copper during World War II. However, a small number of copper pennies were mistakenly struck, making these rare pennies highly valuable. This error has fascinated collectors ever since, as it is one of the most notable coin mistakes in American history.
Finding a 1943 Copper Penny could mean a significant windfall, with examples selling for over $100,000 in pristine condition. This coin remains a prime example of how a simple minting mistake can result in a highly collectible and valuable piece of history.
Estimated Value: $100,000 (in excellent condition)
1903-O Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1903-O Morgan Silver Dollar was minted in New Orleans and is known for its scarcity, making it a sought-after coin for collectors. While not as rare as some of the other Morgan Silver Dollars, the 1903-O is still highly valued due to its limited mintage. The design of the Morgan Dollar, which features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse, is one of the most iconic in U.S. coinage.
The value of the 1903-O Morgan Silver Dollar can vary depending on its condition, but well-preserved examples can sell for several thousand dollars. For those who find one in excellent condition, its value could exceed $10,000.
Estimated Value: $10,000 (in excellent condition)
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.