Got Any Spare Change?
Spare change often goes unnoticed, slipping between cushions and vanishing under furniture. But imagine if one of those coins was actually worth a small fortune. Valuable coins turn up in the most unexpected places, sometimes mistaken for ordinary pocket change. Let’s uncover 20 coins that could bring in serious cash.
1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny
Fewer than 484,000 of these pennies were minted, making them highly collectible. Their value depends on the condition, ranging from $1,530 to over $90,000. Designed by Victor David Brenner, the coin originally featured his initials “VDB” on the reverse, but public backlash led to their removal.
United States Mint on Wikimedia
2. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to protect copper for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks from 1942 accidentally made it into the presses, resulting in an extremely rare error. If you find one, it could be worth anywhere from $240,000 to $336,000.
The original uploader was 293.xx.xxx.xx at English Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
3. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
This coin is a collector’s dream, known for its dramatic doubling effect on the date and lettering. Even worn versions can sell for around $1,000, while pristine, uncirculated ones have reached $85,000. The error occurred when the striking process was slightly misaligned, creating a ghosted double image that makes this coin a true collector’s prize.
Professional Coin Grading Service on Wikimedia
4. 1877 Indian Head Penny
The 1877 issue holds the record for the lowest mintage among all Indian Head pennies, making it a prized piece for collectors. Its rarity and demand have driven prices to impressive heights, with well-worn examples often selling for around $900. However, if the coin has been carefully preserved, the value can soar past $3,100.
Heritage Auctions (image); U.S. Mint (coin) on Wikimedia
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
A mint-condition example of this rare penny has sold for over $126,500 at auction. When the first of these pennies were discovered, the Secret Service initially suspected counterfeiting. With only about 40 to 50 known to exist, this coin is among the rarest Lincoln cent errors.
6. 1982 No Mint Mark Dime
A mistake at the Philadelphia Mint caused some dimes to be struck without the usual “P” mintmark. These error coins aren’t as valuable as some on this list, but they’re still worth hunting for—circulated versions can bring in $30 to $502, while uncirculated examples go for $225–$240.
They Forgot The P! 1982 No Mintmark US Dimes - United States Roosevelt Coins by DC Coin World
7. 1999 Wide AM Penny
This unusual variety occurred when the Mint accidentally used a special coin mold intended for proof coins to produce some regular circulation pennies. Values range from $100 for worn examples to over $4,000 for well-preserved ones. The wider spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” makes it easy to identify.
8. 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
A small number of these coins were included in Cheerios boxes as a promotion, but they featured a distinctively detailed tail feather design. This minor difference makes them highly desirable to collectors, with values reaching $11,250 for pristine examples.
2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Value | How Much is a 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Worth? by Top X Coins
9. 1932-D Washington Quarter
A heavily circulated example might go for around $875, but if you find one in uncirculated condition, it could bring in over $90,000. With about 436,800 minted, this quarter from Denver ranks among the rarest in its series. Its scarcity makes it highly chased after by collectors, driving up its value significantly.
Washington Quarter Series Overview by TheCoinGeek
10. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A polishing mishap at the Denver Mint erased part of the buffalo’s front leg to create a famous error coin. Collectors are willing to pay anywhere from $350 for a well-worn example to over $110,000 for one in pristine condition.
11. 1916-D Mercury Dime
With just 264,000 minted, this Denver Mint dime is a collector’s gem. A well-preserved example can fetch up to $39,000. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, it’s one of the most coveted dimes in U.S. history, making it a true prize for those lucky enough to find one.
United States Mint on Wikimedia
12. 1972 Doubled Die Penny
A keen eye is needed to spot this error, where the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear doubled. Unlike some rare coins, thousands of these exist, but their value still ranges from $175 to over $650, depending on their condition.
1972 LINCOLN PENNY DOUBLED DIE by BigDCoins
13. 1908-S Indian Head Penny
In fine condition, this coin usually sells for around $120 to $129, but top-quality examples can bring in over $544. As the first Indian Head cent to feature an “S” mintmark, the coin carries both historical and collector appeal. Its significance lies in marking the beginning of San Francisco’s involvement in producing the series.
KEY DATE - 1908-S Unc Indian Head Cent! by Silver Seeker
14. 1914-D Lincoln Penny
With just over 1.1 million minted, the 1914-D Lincoln Penny stands as one of the scarcest early Lincoln cents. Its limited availability ensures steady demand, with even well-worn examples fetching around $175. If you come across one with sharp details and strong luster, its value can soar past $81,075.
FAKE Rare Wheat Penny! 1914-D Altered Date Coins by Silver Seeker
15. 1921 Peace Dollar
This high-relief silver dollar symbolized America’s post-WWI hope for peace and renewal. With a limited mintage, circulated versions start around $100, while well-preserved ones can top $67,500. Its bold, artistic design and historical significance make it a favorite among collectors.
US Mint (coin), National Numismatic Collection (photograph by Jaclyn Nash) on Wikimedia
16. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this dollar is one of the rarest and most desirable coins in U.S. history. Even well-worn examples regularly sell for thousands as collectors compete for any surviving pieces. But the real excitement comes with uncirculated specimens, which have reached staggering prices at auction, some exceeding $320,000.
17. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
One of the finest known examples of this historic coin sold for a staggering $7 million. The coin stands as a historic symbol, being the first silver dollar ever produced in the U.S., making it an iconic piece of early American currency. Designed by Robert Scot, it represents the young nation's effort to establish its own currency.
United States Mint, Smithsonian Institution on Wikimedia
18. 2000 Sacagawea Dollar With Mule Error
This rare and fascinating minting error combines the obverse of a Washington quarter with the reverse of a Sacagawea dollar. With only about 17 known examples, its extreme rarity has driven collectors into bidding wars. The auction price has reached $194,062, with particularly well-preserved specimens that may command even more.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation on Wikimedia
19. 2007 Presidential Dollar Missing Edge Lettering
The first batch of the Presidential Dollar series came with some coins that were struck without their edge inscriptions, including the motto “In God We Trust.” These so-called “Godless” dollars have gained attention for their rarity, with values typically ranging from $50 to $600, depending on condition.
United States Mint on Wikimedia
20. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This coin is one of the most mysterious rarities in American history. In 2022, a top-condition example sold for an incredible $4.2 million, cementing its place as one of the most valuable nickels ever. Officially, the U.S. Mint never released Liberty Head nickels in 1913, yet five examples somehow made it into existence.
