Your pocket change might be hiding a small fortune without you even realizing it. Certain rare coins, thanks to misprints, limited production runs, or unique features, can be worth significantly more than their face value. Here are eight coins that could be worth over $200,000—or even millions.
Copper
Value: Approximately $1.7 million
During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted from producing copper pennies to steel ones to conserve copper for war production. However, a few copper pennies were struck by mistake, making them extremely valuable.
In 2010, one such penny sold for over $1.7 million, making it a legendary coin among collectors.
Liberty
Value: Over $3 million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is among the rarest coins in U.S. history, with only five ever produced. These nickels were manufactured secretly and never officially released.
In 2018, one of these rare coins sold for $4.5 million, showcasing its extraordinary rarity and appeal.
Flowing
Value: Up to $10 million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is believed to be one of the first silver dollars minted in the United States. Only around 1,800 of these coins were struck, making them rare and highly valuable.
In 2013, a high-quality example sold for over $10 million, setting a record for the most expensive coin ever sold at auction.
Lincoln
Value: About $200,000
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is a famous error coin with visible doubling on the word “Liberty” and the date.
This mistake occurred during production, and the unique appearance of these coins makes them highly desirable to collectors.
Wisconsin
Value: Up to $1,000
In 2004, a minting error caused some Wisconsin State Quarters to feature an extra leaf on the corn stalk depicted on the coin’s reverse.
Depending on the condition, these quarters can fetch hundreds to thousands of dollars on the collectors’ market.
Buffalo
Value: More than $200,000
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with Three Legs is famous for a minting error that removed the bison’s front leg on the reverse side.
This mistake makes the coin rare and highly sought after, with some examples selling for over $200,000.
Dual
Value: Up to $150,000
The 1969-S Lincoln Penny with a double die obverse is another prized collector’s item. The coin features a doubling effect on the date and inscriptions, making it unique and valuable.
Some of these coins have sold for as much as $150,000.
Mercury
Value: Up to $500,000
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a rare example of a minting error where the “1” in the date was overstruck by a “2.”
This error coin is incredibly rare, and high-quality examples have sold for up to $500,000 at auction.
Whether it’s an overlooked penny or a dime with a misprint, these coins demonstrate that treasures can hide in the most unlikely places—like your pocket change. Start checking your coins carefully; you might just discover a fortune waiting to be found!
FAQs
What makes the 1943 copper penny valuable?
It was struck by mistake during World War II.
How rare is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
Only five were ever made, making it extremely rare.
Why is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar expensive?
It’s one of the first silver dollars ever minted.
What is unique about the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel?
It has a minting error removing the bison’s front leg.
How valuable is the 1942/1 Mercury Dime?
It can sell for up to $500,000 due to a date misprint.
