Do you ever glance at your spare change and wonder if any of it could be worth more than just a few cents? You’d be surprised at just how valuable some coins are—ones that may be lying unnoticed in your pocket, car, or that old coin jar. From error coins to unique mintages, some coins fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars due to their rarity or unique characteristics.
Let’s explore 14 such coins that you should keep an eye out for, just in case you have a hidden gem waiting to be discovered!
1. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, copper was a vital resource reserved for war production, so the U.S. Mint used steel instead for pennies. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted and released, making them incredibly rare and valuable
. Genuine 1943 copper pennies are highly sought after by collectors and can be worth up to $336,000. If you’re wondering if your penny is copper, try using a magnet. A copper penny won’t stick, but a steel one will.
2. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
This unique penny looks like it has a shadow effect on the text and images, caused by a slight misalignment in the minting process. About 20,000–24,000 of these were circulated, mostly in vending machines. If you find a 1955 doubled die penny, it could be worth up to $2,700, especially if it’s in excellent condition.
3. 2004 Wisconsin Quarter With Extra Leaf
Some quarters from Wisconsin’s 2004 state quarter series have an unusual error—a second leaf appears on the corn husk on the back of the coin. Some speculate this was done intentionally, adding to its mystique. Depending on the condition, these can sell for up to $300. If you’re in or around Tucson, Arizona, keep an eye out, as most of these have been found there.
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4. 2009 Kew Gardens 50-Pence Coin
In the UK, the 2009 Kew Gardens 50p coin is famous among collectors for its scarcity. Only 210,000 were released, making it one of the rarest coins in circulation in the UK. With the Kew Gardens Pagoda featured on the coin, it has become a collector’s item worth up to $313 on online marketplaces.
5. 2005 “In God We Rust,” Kansas Quarter
Some Kansas quarters minted in 2005 appear to be missing the “T” in “Trust” due to grease build-up on the die used to strike the coins. The result is an “In God We Rust” coin, which, although not rare, is highly collectible for its unique mistake. They can be worth around $100 to those who find the humor and rarity appealing.
6. 2000 Australian $1/10 Mule
An error at the Royal Australian Mint produced a batch of $1 coins with the Queen’s head usually reserved for the 10-cent piece. This “mule” coin, as collectors call it, is notable for its double rim on the head’s side and can fetch a few hundred dollars from collectors.
7. 2008 Undated 20-Pence Coin
In 2008, the Royal Mint accidentally released up to 250,000 undated 20p coins. Although they’re still in circulation, these undated coins can be worth around $100 each to collectors who value the mint error.
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8. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
All U.S. coins have a mint mark indicating the facility where they were made, but in 1982, some Roosevelt dimes were struck at the Philadelphia Mint without the “P” mark. Found primarily around Ohio, these dimes can sell for around $50 when in excellent condition.
9. 1997 Double-Ear Lincoln Penny
The 1997 Lincoln penny with a “double ear” effect shows an unusual doubling near Lincoln’s ear. The odd appearance is an error due to the minting process and has a niche market, with collectors paying around $70 for a penny in good condition.
10. 1999 Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter
In 1999, some Connecticut state quarters were not correctly aligned in the minting machine, causing them to appear “broadstruck.” These coins, while still only worth around $27, are fun finds for collectors interested in error coins.
11. 2005 Speared Bison Nickel
On some 2005 nickels, the “tails” side shows a buffalo that appears to have been “speared” due to a scratch or gouge on the die. This striking error gives the impression of a wound, which has captivated collectors enough to pay up to $400 for a nickel in mint condition.
12. Pre-1965 Silver Dimes and Quarters
Before 1965, U.S. dimes and quarters contained 90% silver, making them worth more than their face value today, given the price of silver. Even if these aren’t rare, their material makes them valuable to collectors and investors, with a dime selling for about $9 and a quarter for around the same amount on resale sites.
13. 1983 “New Pence” 2-Pence Coin
The British 2-pence coin underwent a labeling change from “New Pence” to “Two Pence” in 1982, but a few 1983 coins were mistakenly struck with the older label. These rare coins can fetch a price of $1256 when sold with a set.
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14. 2007 “Godless” Presidential Dollar Coin
A printing error in 2007 led to some George Washington dollar coins being minted without the “In God We Trust” inscription. While tens of thousands of these were released, making them not exceptionally rare, collectors still pay $9 or more for these interesting error coins.