Most of us don’t give the pennies we carry around every day any thought. We throw them into a jar carelessly or utilize them for little expenditures.
However, what if some of those common coins had a little fortune in value? Some coins may fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars, particularly those with uncommon flaws or restricted manufacturing runs.
1. VDB Lincoln Penny, 1909-S
One of the most well-known and precious coins in the US is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny. In honor of Victor David Brenner, the coin’s creator, the letters “VDB” were first prominently displayed on the reverse of the Lincoln Cent, which was first released this year.
However, the 1909-S VDB version is an uncommon discovery since these initials were swiftly erased owing to public uproar.
- The Reason It’s Worth It: This coin is a collector’s dream due to its restricted production and the elimination of the designer’s initials. Some immaculate copies of this penny may fetch over $100,000 at auction, while high-quality ones can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
- How to Find It: Look through old penny collections, particularly ones passed down by family. Check for the little “VDB” initials at the bottom border on the back.
2. Lincoln Penny, Double Die, 1955
One of the most well-known mistake coins in American history is the 1955 double-die Lincoln penny. The design was struck twice but slightly misaligned due to a minting fault, producing a double effect that is particularly evident in the date and the phrases “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Why It’s Valuable: Collectors like this coin because of its glaring and evident inaccuracy. Due to the duplicated writing, it is one of the most recognizable and sought-after mistake coins. Depending on its condition, the coin’s worth might vary from a few thousand to more than $15,000.
- Finding It Tip: If you find an antique penny, carefully look at the date and inscription. This mistake is easier to identify than others since the doubling is obvious without a magnifying glass.
3. The Double Die Lincoln Penny from 1969
The 1969-S double-die Lincoln cent is another valuable mistake penny. Like the 1955 version, this penny has the date “LIBERTY” and the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” prominently doubled. The 1969-S variant is significantly more expensive because it is rarer.
- Why It’s Valuable: In addition to its doubling error, this coin is valuable because so few were made before the fault was fixed. Depending on the coin’s grade, high-quality specimens can sell for anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000 or more.
- Finding It Tip: Look for any doubled wording on the coin and check the mint mark, the little “S” beneath the date. Compared to the 1955 version, this inaccuracy is more subtle, so a magnifying glass may be helpful.
4. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with Three Legs
A well-known error coin, the 1937-D “Three-Legged” Buffalo nickel, was created at the Denver mint after an over-polishing accident. Excessive cleaning caused one of the buffalo’s front legs to be lost from the die, giving it the distinctive “three-legged” appearance.
- Why It’s Valuable: This uncommon defect makes the coin extremely desirable. Its rarity and intriguing history increase its allure. Depending on its condition, the value of a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel can range from $500 to $3,000.
- Finding It Tip: To locate it, look for the buffalo’s front legs on the back of any Buffalo nickels you own. Should one leg seem absent or weak, you may have discovered a priceless item.
5. The “Wounded Eagle” Error on a 2000 Sacagawea Dollar
Known for its golden hue, the 2000 Sacagawea dollar was struck with a unique design in Sacagawea’s honor. On the other hand, a die gouge that resembles a wound on the eagle’s body on the reverse of a few of these coins results in a mistake known as the “Wounded Eagle.”
- The Reason It’s Worth It: Due to its recent discovery, this mistake coin is popular among contemporary collectors. The die gouge’s distinctive look and the very small number of these mistake coins in use increase their value, which frequently ranges from $100 to $500.
- How to Find It: Look for a characteristic gouge or scratch on the eagle’s wing on any Sacagawea dollar. Although the mark is obvious, a thorough examination could be necessary.
Quick Guide to Rare Coin Values
| Coin Name | Year Issued | Mint Mark | Error Type | Value Range ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny | 1909 | S | Designer Initials | Up to $100,000+ |
| 1955 Lincoln Penny | 1955 | None | Double Die | Up to $15,000+ |
| 1969-S Lincoln Penny | 1969 | S | Double Die | Up to $75,000+ |
| 1937-D Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | D | Three-Legged Buffalo | Up to $3,000+ |
| 2000 Sacagawea Dollar | 2000 | None | Wounded Eagle | Up to $500+ |
Conclusion
As you can see, your spare change may include undiscovered gems. Due to their uncommon faults or small manufacturing runs, these coins frequently disregarded or forgotten have grown in value among collectors.
Therefore, check more closely before throwing your extra change into a jar; you could be hanging onto a priceless piece of history!
FAQs
1. How can I determine whether the coin I have is valuable?
Look for distinctive characteristics such as strange mint markings, missing design components, or letter duplication. You can identify rare coins using a magnifying lens and checking a coin guide.
2. Where can I sell rare coins?
Coin stores, auctions, and internet markets like eBay are all sites where you may sell precious coins. Before selling, it is essential to get your coin evaluated by an expert.
3. What makes error coins so precious?
Error coins are uncommon because they are errors that passed the mint’s quality control. Because of their rarity and the backstory of the mistake, collectors value them highly.
4. What distinguishes a mistake from a mint mark?
A tiny letter that indicates the coin’s minting location—for example, “S” for San Francisco—is called a mint mark. An error is a mistake in the coin’s design or manufacture, such as double or missing elements.
5. Before I sell my coins, should I clean them?
Coins can lose value if they are cleaned. Collectors prefer coins in their original, undamaged state.
READ MORE: 10 Uncommon Coins to Look for in Your Change
