1. 1943 Steel Wheat Penny
Most people know the 1943 penny was made of steel due to wartime copper shortages, but did you know that pristine examples are rapidly appreciating? Many of these pennies rusted over the years, so unblemished versions are rare and climbing in value. Prices for well-preserved examples are already high, but by 2025, even slightly worn ones could skyrocket as the demand for WWII-era collectibles heats up.
2. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Varieties)
Here’s a quirky one: The 2004 Wisconsin quarter has two rare varieties known as the “Extra Low Leaf” and “Extra High Leaf” versions. These quarters feature an extra leaf on the corn stalk, probably due to a minting error. Some suspect it was done intentionally by a mischievous mint employee. Right now, they’re going for around $300, but that number could double or even triple as they become harder to find.
3. 1982 Roosevelt Dime (No Mint Mark)
Did you know some dimes are missing their mint marks? In 1982, a batch of Roosevelt dimes left the Philadelphia mint without any markings. These dimes are hard to spot unless you look carefully. Given that most people don’t inspect their dimes closely, there could be one hiding in your change cup. As collectors catch on, this error coin’s value is expected to rise.
4. 1972 Eisenhower Dollar (Type II Reverse)
Most people overlook the bulky Eisenhower Dollar, but the Type II Reverse from 1972 is a sleeper hit. This version shows the Earth missing certain details like Florida. A few hundred are thought to be out there, and as more collectors start realizing their scarcity, demand will spike. If you’ve got some old change jars lying around, it’s worth a peek—you might just have one!
5. 1999 Delaware State Quarter (Spitting Horse Error)
The first state quarter released in 1999 featured a design of Caesar Rodney on horseback, but some of these coins have an unfortunate error: a die crack that looks like the horse is spitting. This amusing little flaw is getting attention among collectors, and with the resurgence of interest in state quarters, it’s only a matter of time before prices spike.
6. 1969-S Lincoln Cent (Double Die Obverse)
The 1969-S Lincoln cent with a doubled obverse is one of the holy grails of error coins. It’s already valued in the thousands, but experts predict it will appreciate even more as the pool of uncirculated examples shrinks. If you have a stash of old pennies, it’s worth examining each one carefully with a magnifying glass. That slight doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” could mean a hefty payday.
7. 1983 Washington Quarter (Double Die Reverse)
Here’s another double die variety, but this time on a Washington quarter from 1983. The doubling is evident on the back of the coin, especially on the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” It’s currently an underappreciated find, but that won’t last for long. As more collectors focus on the 1980s coins, values could surge. Who knows, you might spot one mixed in with your laundry quarters!
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1970-S penny has a tricky small-date variety that’s worth significantly more than its large-date counterpart. The “7” is slightly higher than the “9” and “0” in the date. This coin is tough to distinguish unless you know what to look for, but the effort is worth it. As collectors chase down every last one, this small-date version will likely see substantial gains.
9. 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent (Double Die Obverse)
Collectors are obsessed with the 1955 doubled-die penny, and for good reason—it’s one of the most dramatic doubling errors ever produced by the U.S. Mint. These have already been increasing steadily in value, but experts believe that trend will accelerate in the coming years. If you’ve inherited a jar of old pennies, take a closer look; this one could be your golden ticket.
10. 1971 Kennedy Half Dollar (No “FG” Initials)
Some 1971 Kennedy half dollars are missing the initials “FG” (for designer Frank Gasparro) on the back. The absence of these tiny initials is subtle, but collectors have been snapping them up as an intriguing mint error. As demand for error coins continues to rise, prices for these could double by 2025. Check those dusty half-dollar rolls—you might have one hiding!
11. 1995 Lincoln Cent (Double Die Obverse)
While not as dramatic as the 1955 version, the 1995 double-die penny still features noticeable doubling, especially on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” These pennies are still being discovered in circulation, but as more collectors start hunting for 1990s coins, prices are expected to increase. With just a bit of luck, you might find one hiding in your pocket change.
12. 2021 Washington Crossing the Delaware Quarter (Die Chip Errors)
Lastly, we have a very recent entry—the 2021 Washington quarter featuring Washington crossing the Delaware. Some of these have die chip errors that appear like a “wart” on Washington’s hat. Because it’s so recent, not everyone is aware of this error yet, but as these quirky mistakes get more attention, their value is poised to climb. It’s a great example of how even newer coins can hold unexpected value.
