Sometimes the coin in your pocket may be worth an awful lot more than its face. It’s not a myth—some of the most valuable and rarest coins on earth are still out there being used today without people knowing how valuable they are. If you’re one of those people who occasionally sort through your loose change, this article might encourage you to take a bit closer look.
Here are six unusual dimes and coins currently in circulation in the U.S. with a combined value of an astonishing $136 million. The coins have unusual minting flaws, history, and simple lack of supply that render them horribly valuable to collectors and investors alike.
1. 1894-S Barber Dime – Estimated Value: $2 Million+
The 1894-S Barber Dime is the Holy Grail of dimes. Just 24 were ever made, and fewer than 10 are thought to still be in existence. It is said the San Francisco Mint made the small run as complimentary gifts for bankers.
What makes it so interesting is that some were believed to have been spent by children at ice cream shops, so there’s a possibility that one can still be in circulation. If you come across a dime that has this date and the “S” mintmark, you might be holding a coin worth multimillions of dollars.
2. 1916-D Mercury Dime – Estimated Value: $30,000 to $150,000
Struck in Denver, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is among the most valuable. Though not as scarce as the 1894-S, its worth lies in low production—264,000 were made.
It can be identified by its winged Liberty Head design and the small “D” mark on the back. In mint condition, this coin can sell for over $100,000.
3. 1970-S Washington Quarter (No Mintmark) – Estimated Value: $35,000
While quarters minted in the 1970s do not appear out of the ordinary, the 1970-S Washington Quarter minted on a 1941 Canadian quarter is a numismatic anomaly. It’s a case of a mint error, where the wrong metal blank was used to make a coin.
The interesting thing is that the error did not appear before it was put into circulation and therefore remains scarce and exceedingly valuable. There are less than 10 known to exist.
4. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf) – Approximate Value: $300 to $2,000
This error coin has an extra leaf on the corn stalk in the back. Came in two forms—”low leaf” and “high leaf”—this added feature was most probably due to a die gouge or mint error.
Although new, these quarters are valued in the thousands based on their condition. They’re most often found in the Midwest, but examples have popped up all over the nation.
5. 1943 Copper Penny – Worth: $100,000 to $1.5 Million
During 1943, when copper was scarce, the U.S. Mint manufactured pennies with steel. However, a few were accidentally produced in copper before they switched, so they’re extremely scarce.
Less than 40 still exist today. If your 1943 penny is brown-red and will not adhere to a magnet, you may be the lucky owner of a copper one.
6. 1969-S Lincoln Penny (Double Die Obverse) – Worth: $30,000 to $350,000
The coin has a dramatic doubling of the date and letters “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse side, due to a misaligned die.
Fewer than a dozen originals have turned up, and it is the most valuable penny. Watch out for fakes—this one requires authentication.
Where to Find Rare Coins
You don’t have to be an expert collector to find a rare coin. Try these tips based on such experiences:
- Look through your loose change: Particularly coins pre-1970
- Use a magnifying glass: Much of the rare detail is small and easy to miss.
- Visit banks: At times, coin rolls contain odd pieces.
- Coin shows and estate sales: Terrific places to grab items at bargains.
- Coin machines: Coinstar will sometimes turn down valuable coins due to differences in weight.
Protecting Your Uncommon Find
Should you happen to discover a coin that you suspect is uncommon, what you should do follows:
- Treat it only in the edges so that oil or scratch damage can be prevented.
- Keep it in a coin flip or capsule.
- Do not clean it. Cleaning can substantially devalue it.
- Get it professionally graded or sent to a grading service such as PCGS or NGC.
FAQ’s
Q. Are these unusual coins still discovered in pocket change?
A. Yes, although rare, it’s possible. Some have been found in coin rolls, banks, and even pocket change by ordinary citizens.
Q. How can I determine whether a coin is worth something or a regular coin?
A. Research is the key. Check for mint errors, particular years, and mintmarks. A coin value guide or having a professional appraiser do it is highly advised.
Q. What do I do if I believe I have discovered a rare coin?
A. Don’t clean it. Put it in a protective case and seek out a certified coin dealer or grading service to evaluate it.
Q. Are coins minted recently also valuable?
A. Yes! Coins such as the 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with errors or in special mint condition can be in high demand despite being fairly new.
Q. Where do I sell rare coins?
A. You can offer them for sale through coin shops, auctions, or websites such as eBay—ideally after having them professionally graded.