1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
If you find a 1913 Liberty Head nickel in your change jar, you’re holding onto one of the rarest coins in American history. Only five of these nickels are known to exist, making them incredibly valuable, with one selling for over $3 million at auction. The coin was struck illegally by a Mint employee, and its circulation is a mystery. Due to its rarity and the unique circumstances surrounding its creation, it’s a holy grail for numismatists.
Even if you don’t have one of the originals, it’s still a fun fact to keep in mind while sifting through your change. While most nickels you find in your jar will be the more common “buffalo” or Jefferson design, the 1913 version stands apart. A lucky find of this nickel could change your financial future overnight. Keep an eye on the distinctive Liberty Head design, just in case!
2. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is an interesting find that stands out due to an error during its minting. The coin features a buffalo with three legs, a result of a mistake in the die used to strike the coin. This design error makes the 1937-D 3-Legged a popular and highly sought-after coin among collectors. Despite being relatively easy to spot, only a few hundred examples were ever released.
Finding one of these nickels in your jar would definitely put a smile on your face. These coins are often worth hundreds of dollars depending on their condition. You’ll want to look carefully at the buffalo’s legs and check for that distinct missing fourth leg. If you spot it, it might be time to make a trip to a local coin dealer!
3. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a must-know for any coin collector. It’s one of the first coins to feature the now-famous Lincoln portrait, and it carries the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. Due to high public criticism over the initials, the Mint stopped using them that same year, making the 1909-S VDB a rare find. It’s one of the most coveted cents in U.S. history, with some examples valued at several thousand dollars.
While the 1909-S VDB might be hard to spot in a jar of change, it’s worth keeping an eye out for. These coins were initially released in limited quantities, and many were quickly worn down through circulation. However, a well-preserved coin can command a premium price. Be sure to check your pennies carefully for this rare edition!
4. 1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most famous error coins in American history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making pennies out of steel to conserve copper for the war effort, but a small batch of copper pennies was accidentally struck. These copper pennies are extremely rare, and a single example can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since copper pennies were meant to be recycled, they were often melted down, which makes surviving examples even more valuable.
Most of the copper pennies from 1943 are easy to spot because of their distinct color. However, finding one among regular 1943 steel pennies is a real treasure hunt. Be sure to check the weight of any 1943 penny you find – if it’s heavier than usual, you might be holding something special. A rare copper penny in your change jar could be a life-changing find.
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a result of a striking error that creates a noticeable doubling of the coin’s design. The most significant doubling can be seen in the word “Liberty” and the date. These coins were accidentally struck with misaligned dies, causing the doubling effect. It’s a prime example of how slight minting mistakes can lead to big money.
The 1969-S Doubled Die is one of the more famous varieties within the Lincoln Cent series. It’s relatively easy to spot, thanks to the clear doubling on the front of the coin. If you happen to come across one, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional. While it might not make you a millionaire, it’s definitely worth more than a standard penny.
6. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a dream find for coin collectors. Due to its limited mintage of just over 100,000 coins, it’s one of the rarest in the Morgan Silver Dollar series. The San Francisco Mint had trouble producing this particular coin, resulting in a very small number being struck. Today, these coins can fetch upwards of $100,000 depending on their condition.
Despite its rarity, many of these coins were circulated and are often found worn. If you come across one with sharp details and minimal wear, consider getting it appraised. It’s a good reminder to check for old silver coins when going through your change. The 1893-S Morgan isn’t just valuable for its rarity, but also for its beauty and history.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another famous doubled die coin is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, which is even more valuable than its 1969 counterpart. This coin’s doubling is much more pronounced, particularly in the date and the words “In God We Trust.” It became an iconic error coin after its release, and collectors have been chasing it ever since. A well-preserved 1955 Doubled Die Cent can be worth several thousand dollars.
Finding this coin in your change jar is a rare stroke of luck, but it’s not impossible. Keep an eye out for the noticeable doubling, especially on the “5” in the year. While it’s most commonly found in worn condition, you could be lucky enough to find one in better shape. It’s a great reminder to always check the details on your pennies.
8. 1936 Buffalo Nickel with No Mintmark
The 1936 Buffalo Nickel is commonly associated with a mintmark indicating where it was made, but some rare examples were struck without any mintmark at all. These coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which didn’t use a mintmark for that year. While not as famous as other rare nickels, the 1936 Buffalo with no mintmark is still a sought-after coin for collectors. It can fetch a good price, especially if it’s in decent condition.
Even though it’s a rare find, this coin is often overlooked by casual collectors. If you find a 1936 Buffalo Nickel without a mintmark, it could be worth much more than its face value. You’ll want to look closely at the reverse of the coin to confirm the absence of the mintmark. With a little luck, you could have a valuable piece of history in your pocket.
9. 1942/1 Mercury Dime
The 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a fascinating example of a coin that was struck with the wrong die. The “overdate” feature on this dime comes from the 1942 coins being struck with dies intended for the 1941 design, resulting in the “1” from the previous year showing through. These dimes are extremely rare and valuable, often worth hundreds of dollars. Collectors actively search for the overdate variety, making it highly sought after.
If you come across a 1942 Mercury Dime, it’s worth inspecting closely to check for the overdate. The “1” from 1941 will be clearly visible under the “2” in the year. While most of these dimes are well-worn due to their age, a well-preserved one can be worth a small fortune. Keep an eye out for this hidden gem in your jar of change!
10. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter is a rare find due to its limited mintage and the distinctive design. The coin features Lady Liberty holding a shield and is considered one of the most beautiful quarters ever minted. The 1927-S variety is especially rare, with only around 1 million minted, making it a great find for collectors. It is highly sought after and can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in good condition.
Most of these quarters were circulated, and many are worn down, so finding one in decent shape is a real treat. If you happen to find a 1927-S quarter, you could have a valuable piece of American coinage. It’s worth checking carefully for mint marks and condition when going through your change. This rare quarter could be hiding right in front of you!
11. 1895-O Barber Half Dollar
The 1895-O Barber Half Dollar is known for its low mintage and scarcity. Only about 150,000 of these coins were struck, and many of them were lost to time. Today, this half dollar is considered a rare find and can be worth thousands depending on its condition. The “O” mintmark indicates it was minted in New Orleans, adding to its rarity.
Due to its low production and high demand, finding one of these half dollars in circulation would be an incredible stroke of luck. While many were worn down through circulation, a high-quality example can command a significant price. Keep your eyes peeled for these older half dollars as they could be hiding in your pocket change. The 1895-O is a gem for coin enthusiasts!
12. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is highly coveted due to its short production run and the design changes made in the following year. The coin features Lady Liberty standing with a shield and was only produced for a couple of years before a redesign. It’s often sought after for its historical significance and beauty, making it a rare find. In excellent condition, this quarter can fetch several thousand dollars.
Because of its age and the short period it was minted, it’s unlikely to turn up in your change jar frequently. However, it’s always worth checking through your quarters to see if you’ve come across this elusive coin. A 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is an investment worth keeping an eye out for. Even a worn example can still hold significant value.
