Coins often are worth much more than their face. The majority of coins are only just pocket change, but a select few have been found circulating that are now worth millions.
These valuable coins usually have certain characteristics, historical significance, or mint defects which make them extremely sought after by collectors. In this article, we will look at eight rare U.S. coins that started out as just normal money but are now worth a fortune.
Saint-Gaudens
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is one of the most well-known rare coins in American history. The $20 gold coin was never formally released for circulation since most of them were commanded to be destroyed. Yet some of them had evaded the U.S. Mint.
Because of its rarity, one of these coins sold for over $7 million, and another was a record setter in 2021 for $18.9 million! You might have in your hand one of the world’s most valuable coins if you own a 1933 Double Eagle.
Liberty
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is an absolute mystery. Only five of these coins are believed to have been made, and they were never officially minted. Some believe that they were secretly made by mint workers.
This coin is so scarce that one sold for $3.7 million in an auction. If you ever encounter one, you could be in for a big payday!
Flowing
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is believed to be the first silver dollar minted by the United States. Its historical significance makes it one of the most sought-after coins for collectors.
Few of these coins remain today. One was sold in 2013 for over $10 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
Copper
During World War II, the U.S. Mint had switched from copper to steel to utilize in pennies in order to conserve metal. Unfortunately, a few 1943 pennies were accidentally produced with copper rather than steel.
The error has made the 1943 Copper Penny the most valuable coin in U.S. history. One sold in 2010 for a record $1.7 million. If you do happen to have one in your collection, get it appraised immediately!
Wisconsin
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is unique because of a mint mistake. Some coins were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, and now they are rare and worth money.
These quarters aren’t in the millions, but they can be sold for hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on how well they are kept. If you do find one, it’s worth holding onto!
1927-D Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is another rare coin of the Great Depression era. Most of these coins were not placed into circulation, so the few that were are very valuable.
This gold coin has been sold at auctions for millions, with one even selling for over $2.9 million. If you’re able to get your hands on one, you’ve struck gold—literally!
Steel
The 1944 Steel Penny is another wartime minting error. Although most pennies in 1944 were copper, some were inadvertently made using steel carried over from the previous year.
These are very valuable steel pennies worth potentially thousands of dollars, and some have even been auctioned for six figures. It might be time well spent scanning your old pennies!
High Relief
The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle was designed by famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The high-relief nature of the coin made it difficult to produce, and therefore they only made a handful of them.
Because of its unique design and rarity, this coin has sold for over $2 million. If you happen to ever get one, it’s worth a heck of a lot more than its original $20 value!
| Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $18.9 million |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $3.7 million |
| 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10 million |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.7 million |
| 2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Error) | 2004 | Up to $1,000+ |
| 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1927 | $2.9 million |
| 1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | $100,000+ |
| 1907 High Relief Double Eagle | 1907 | $2 million |
These eight unusual coins of the United States illustrate how common pocket change can be transformed into irreplaceable treasures. Because of either a mint error, their history, or small mintage, some coins increase in value substantially over the years.
If you are a collector or enjoy rummaging through loose change, you might never know what good coin you will find!
FAQ’s
Q. How do I determine if my coin is worth something?
A. Check for minting errors, uncommon dates, and online price guides.
Q. Where can I sell unusual coins?
A. Sell them at auctions, coin shops, or on the internet.
Q. What makes a coin worth money?
A. Rarity, condition, demand, and historical importance drive value.
Q. Are error coins always worth something?
A. Not all errors are worth it; it varies by rarity and collector demand.
Q. Should I clean my unusual coins?
A. No, cleaning can devalue a coin considerably.