Coin collecting, often known as the “Hobby of Kings,” isn’t just for the wealthy. Anyone can start collecting, and you don’t need a fortune to do so. Whether you’re young or old, coin collecting offers an exciting way to hold a piece of history in your hands.
Recently, this hobby has seen a surge in popularity, with a growing number of young collectors entering the field. Even though finding a rare, valuable coin isn’t guaranteed, there are plenty of ways to start searching, from visiting antique shops to sorting through pocket change or coin rolls from the bank.
Below is a list of 10 rare coins, some still in circulation, that could significantly increase in value over the next five years. These coins are considered valuable due to unique stories, errors, or limited minting. If you come across any of them, they might just be worth more than their face value.
1. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
- Still in Circulation: Yes
- Approximate Value: $240,000 to $336,000
- In 1943, most pennies were made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for World War II efforts. However, a small number of copper pennies were accidentally produced. Today, these rare copper coins are highly sought after, and a single penny could fetch up to $336,000.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
- Still in Circulation: No
- Approximate Value: $10 million
- Known as the first silver dollar minted in the United States, this coin is a true piece of American history. Rare and valuable, it sold for over $10 million in 2013, making it one of the most valuable coins in existence.
3. 1969-S Lincoln Cent With Doubled Die Obverse
- Still in Circulation: Yes
- Approximate Value: $126,500
- Less than 100 of these Lincoln cents exist today, and any discovery of one is exciting news for collectors. The coin features a doubled image on the front, which can make it worth over $126,000.
4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Still in Circulation: No
- Approximate Value: $1.4 million
- Only five of these nickels were ever made, making them incredibly rare. If you happen to stumble upon one, you could be holding a coin worth millions.
5. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
- Still in Circulation: Yes
- Approximate Value: $30 to $300
- This dime lacks the usual mint mark, indicating where it was made. While not extremely valuable, it’s still worth much more than face value.
6. 1927-D St. Gaudens Double Eagle
- Still in Circulation: No
- Approximate Value: $2.5 to $7 million
- President Roosevelt’s recall of gold coins in 1933 left few Double Eagles behind, especially those from 1927. Today, they are some of the rarest U.S. gold coins and can command up to $7 million.
7. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
- Still in Circulation: Yes
- Approximate Value: $150 to $450
- This 2005 nickel features a unique error, with what looks like a “spear” through the bison on the back. It’s not worth millions, but still a great find for a beginning collector.
8. 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar
- Still in Circulation: No
- Approximate Value: $350,000 to $630,000
- Only around 20 of these coins were made at the New Orleans Mint due to mechanical issues. Today, they are extremely rare and valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars.
9. 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- Still in Circulation: Yes
- Approximate Value: $1,800
- Many of these pennies were released in cigarette vending machines, where their unique double image of numbers and letters was quickly noticed. Today, these pennies can be worth around $1,800 each.
10. 1873-CC Liberty Seated Dime
- Still in Circulation: No
- Approximate Value: $1.8 million
- This unique dime from the Carson City Mint is one of a kind, and its last recorded auction price was $1.88 million. Its rarity and historical significance make it a top find for serious collectors.
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