Do you have some old coins lying around at home? You might be surprised to learn that some of them could be worth more than you think! In fact, there are coins out there that are worth thousands of dollars, and you may already own one. In this article, we’ll go through 7 types of coins that are highly valuable and could fetch you more than $5,000 if you’re lucky enough to have them in your collection.
1. 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
One of the most famous coins in the world is the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin. It was never officially released into circulation, but some managed to find their way into collectors’ hands. Today, these rare coins are worth millions, with one selling for over $18 million! Even if you have a different year, any gold coin from the U.S. could be worth a significant amount, especially if it’s in good condition.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
This rare penny is a must-have for collectors. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent was minted in San Francisco and has the initials “VDB” on the reverse. It was quickly pulled from production, making it a rare find today. In excellent condition, this coin can sell for over $5,000 or more, depending on its quality and rarity.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous coins in the U.S. Its rarity comes from the fact that only five of these nickels were ever made, and they were never meant to be released. Today, they can easily fetch prices over $3 million! If you find one in your collection, you could be sitting on a treasure.
4. 1969-S Lincoln Cent (Doubled Die)
If you have a 1969-S Lincoln Cent, it could be worth more than $5,000—especially if it has a doubled die error. The error means that the coin’s design was struck twice, creating a doubling effect that can be seen in certain parts of the coin. This rare mistake can increase the value significantly.
| Rare Coin | Estimated Value | Key Characteristics | How to Identify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1933 Double Eagle | $7.6 Million | Made of gold, the only coin produced in 1933, never officially released. | Check for the date and mintmark, it has a distinctive design. |
| 1943 Copper Penny | $1.7 Million | A penny made of copper instead of steel, produced during World War II. | Look for the copper composition, not the usual steel. |
| 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die | $35,000+ | Shows doubled features, especially in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. | Look for noticeable doubling in the text and date. |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | $4.5 Million | A nickel that was not officially released but struck as a secret, with only five known copies. | Look for the unique Liberty Head design and “1913” date. |
| 1970-S Washington Quarter | $7,000+ | Known for a rare minting error, it is in high demand due to its rarity. | Look for the “S” mintmark and inspect for any flaws in the lettering. |
| 1982 Copper Roosevelt Dime | $500 to $1,000+ | Some 1982 dimes were mistakenly minted with copper instead of copper-plated zinc. | Check the metal’s composition—copper will weigh slightly more than usual. |
| 2007-P Montana Doubled Die Quarter | $4,000+ | The doubled die error made the coin a collector’s dream due to the misalignment of design elements. | Look for doubled lettering, particularly in the word “Montana.” |
5. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is another rare find that can be worth thousands. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies from steel instead of copper. However, some copper pennies were accidentally struck, and they are now worth over $100,000 in perfect condition. If you find one in your change, it’s time to get it appraised!
6. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin that is highly sought after by collectors. The mint in San Francisco produced fewer of these coins, making them rare and valuable today. In good condition, this coin can sell for well over $5,000, and collectors are always on the lookout for it.
7. 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is another rare coin worth keeping an eye out for. During production, a small number of these dimes were struck without a mintmark, which is unusual since most coins have one. This small error makes the coin worth a lot of money, with prices climbing over $5,000 for a coin in great condition.
FAQs
How do I know if a coin is worth more than $5,000?
To determine if a coin is worth over $5,000, you need to check its rarity, condition, and specific details. Factors like mint errors, limited production, or historical significance can increase a coin’s value. It’s best to get your coins appraised by a professional or visit a coin dealer for an evaluation.
What makes a coin rare enough to be worth thousands?
Coins become valuable when they are rare due to factors like limited minting, mint errors, or mistakes in production. For example, coins like the 1933 Double Eagle or the 1943 Copper Penny are rare because of production errors, making them highly sought after by collectors.
How can I check if I have a 1943 Copper Penny or a 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die?
To identify these rare coins, look for distinctive signs. The 1943 Copper Penny is made from copper, unlike most pennies from that year, which are steel. The 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die will show a noticeable doubling on the lettering and date. If you think you have one, it’s recommended to get it inspected by a coin expert.
Where can I sell my rare coins if I find one worth more than $5,000?
You can sell your rare coins through reputable coin dealers, auctions, or online marketplaces. Some collectors also buy coins directly. Be sure to do research and find a trustworthy source to avoid scams.
Are there any tips for preserving the value of rare coins?
Yes, the value of rare coins can be affected by their condition. To preserve your coins, store them in protective cases, avoid touching them with your bare hands, and keep them in a cool, dry place. Handling coins carefully will help maintain their value over time.
If you’re into coin collecting, it’s exciting to know that some of the coins you may already have in your collection could be worth thousands of dollars! From rare pennies to gold coins, these valuable treasures can surprise you with their worth. If you find any of these rare coins, be sure to get them appraised by a professional to see just how much they could be worth. You never know when a simple coin could turn into your ticket to riches!
