1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is a must-have for serious collectors and one of the most famous pennies ever minted, Steven Cochran shares in Gainesville Coins. It was the first Lincoln penny ever issued, featuring the initials of its designer, Victor David Brenner, on the reverse. However, due to public backlash over the prominent initials, the Mint quickly removed them, making the 1909-S VDB a rare and valuable variation. Only a small number of these coins were produced, and they are now worth thousands.
If you’re lucky enough to find one, you could be sitting on a serious payday. This penny may look like any other old Lincoln cent, but the tiny “VDB” on the reverse is what makes it special. Many of these coins have been lost to time or worn down from circulation, but even a moderately well-preserved one can fetch a high price. Check your pennies carefully—this one could be hiding in plain sight!
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the most elusive coins in U.S. history, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a jackpot find for any collector. Only five of these coins were ever produced, and their origins remain a mystery, as the Mint never officially released them. One of these rare nickels sold for over $4 million at auction, according to Dana Givens from Robb Report, making it one of the most valuable coins in existence. Because of its fascinating backstory and extreme rarity, this nickel is a dream find for coin enthusiasts.
Even though the chances of stumbling upon one are slim, it never hurts to check your spare change. The 1913 Liberty Head design is distinct, featuring Lady Liberty on the front instead of the more common Buffalo Nickel design from that era. If you ever come across a Liberty Head Nickel dated 1913, don’t spend it—it could be worth millions. Always double-check those old nickels before tossing them aside!
3. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is already a well-known collectible, but a particular minting mistake made one version of this coin especially valuable, according to Vance Cariaga from GO Banking Rates. A die polishing error at the Denver Mint removed part of the buffalo’s front leg, leaving it looking like it only has three legs. This unusual flaw turned an ordinary nickel into a highly sought-after rarity, with collectors willing to pay thousands for a well-preserved specimen.
Even though it’s an obvious mistake once you spot it, many people overlook this coin. If you come across a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, check the front legs of the buffalo—if one appears to be missing, you might be holding a small fortune. The value of these coins varies depending on condition, but even a circulated one can fetch a hefty price.
4. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to save metal for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them one of the most famous and valuable minting errors in history. Because so few exist, a single 1943 copper penny can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction. Some have even exceeded the million-dollar mark!
Most pennies from 1943 are made of steel and have a silver-like appearance, so any copper-colored penny from that year is worth closer inspection, according to Susan Headley from The Spruce Crafts. One way to verify a real 1943 copper penny is by checking its weight—genuine ones are heavier than their steel counterparts. If you find one, don’t spend it—it could be one of the most valuable coins you’ll ever come across. It’s always worth sorting through your spare change just in case!
5. 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Some of the most valuable coins in the world owe their worth to minting mistakes, and the 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a perfect example, according to Praveen Singh from NeBIO. This penny features a noticeable doubling effect on the date and the word “Liberty,” caused by a misaligned die during production. The error is easy to spot if you know what to look for, and collectors are always searching for one in good condition. A well-preserved version of this penny can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Because many of these coins were placed into circulation, they still occasionally pop up in pocket change. If you happen to find a 1969-S Lincoln Cent, take a close look at the lettering—if it appears doubled, you may have struck numismatic gold. Getting it authenticated by an expert is the best way to confirm its value. Even a worn example can fetch a significant price, making this penny a collector’s favorite.
6. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Silver dollars have long been a favorite among collectors, but the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar stands out as one of the rarest and most valuable. Struck in San Francisco, this coin had an exceptionally low mintage, with only a little over 100,000 produced. Many were heavily circulated, making well-preserved examples extremely rare. A high-grade 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar can be worth over $100,000 at auction.
If you come across a Morgan Silver Dollar, always check the date and mintmark. The “S” mintmark on the back, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR,” indicates its origin. While finding an uncirculated one is unlikely, even a well-worn 1893-S coin can be worth a substantial amount. This is one silver dollar you definitely don’t want to spend!
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Another famous doubling error, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent, is one of the most easily recognizable mistake coins in U.S. history. The doubling on this penny is dramatic, especially in the words “In God We Trust” and the date. Many of these coins entered circulation before the mistake was caught, making them highly desirable among collectors. A sharp, uncirculated example can sell for thousands of dollars.
Checking for this error is simple—if the text on the front of your penny looks doubled, you might have found something special. Even though most of these pennies show signs of wear, they still command high prices. Because so many people collect Lincoln cents, this error coin remains one of the most sought-after in the hobby. It’s proof that small mistakes can lead to big value!
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
Overdates occur when a coin is struck with an older die that wasn’t properly changed, and the 1942/1 Mercury Dime is a classic example. The “1” from 1941 is faintly visible beneath the “2” in the date, creating a unique doubling effect. These coins are incredibly rare and sought after by collectors, with some selling for thousands of dollars. The error is subtle but makes a huge difference in value.
If you come across a 1942 Mercury Dime, inspect the date carefully. The overdate is best seen with magnification, so a coin loupe can help spot this rare variety. Even in worn condition, these dimes are worth much more than their face value. Keep an eye out for this hidden gem—it could be a valuable find!
10. 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1927-S Standing Liberty Quarter is another low-mintage coin that has become a collector’s treasure. Featuring a striking design of Lady Liberty holding a shield, this quarter was minted in small numbers, making it a rare discovery. Due to the coin’s limited production and silver content, it’s highly sought after. High-quality examples have been known to sell for thousands.
Many of these coins have been worn down over time, making it difficult to find one in great condition. If you come across a 1927-S quarter, check the mintmark on the back—if there’s an “S” below the eagle, you may have something valuable. This quarter is a great reminder that older coins often hold more worth than their face value. Checking your loose change could lead to an incredible find!
11. 1895-O Barber Half Dollar
The 1895-O Barber Half Dollar is a rare coin that many collectors dream of owning. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin had a very low mintage of only about 150,000, and many were heavily circulated or lost over time. Because so few remain in good condition, well-preserved examples are worth thousands of dollars. Even worn versions can fetch a high price due to their rarity.
If you happen to find a Barber Half Dollar, check the mintmark on the back just below the eagle’s tail feathers. The “O” indicates it was minted in New Orleans, making it one of the scarcer varieties in the series. While most of these coins are heavily worn, even lower-grade examples have significant value. This half dollar is a reminder that sometimes, even the smallest mintmarks can make a huge difference in worth.
12. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
The 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is one of the most sought-after quarters in U.S. history. It was the first year this beautiful design was issued, but production was extremely limited, with only around 52,000 made. Because of its rarity, collectors are willing to pay thousands—even tens of thousands—for one in good condition. The design was slightly modified in the following years, making the 1916 version stand out.
Due to its short production run, finding one in circulation today is unlikely, but it’s not impossible. The 1916 date is clearly marked on the front of the coin, making it easy to identify. Even well-worn examples are valuable, so checking your quarters for this rare edition is always worth the effort. If you ever come across one, it’s definitely not a coin you want to spend!
13. 1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is one of the rarest and most desirable pennies ever produced. The U.S. Mint struck very few of these coins—only about 850,000—making it the lowest-mintage Indian Head Cent ever. Because many were heavily circulated, high-quality versions are extremely rare and can be worth thousands of dollars. Even well-worn examples can sell for hundreds due to their scarcity.
If you have any old Indian Head pennies lying around, be sure to check the date. The 1877 version is significantly more valuable than most other years, so it’s worth inspecting closely. While these coins are not often found in everyday pocket change, they occasionally turn up in old collections or estate sales. This is one penny that could be worth much more than just one cent!
