The Hidden Value of Change: Top 10 Rare Coins in Circulation

For today’s kids, loose change is a symbol of the past when the Internet and other blessings of civilization have not been introduced yet. Nevertheless, we still use cash, and coins still present in the market cannot but attract collectors from all over the globe. 

No matter where one lives, coins from each region may be extremely valuable (especially when accidentally spotted in everyday change). In this article, explore some of the most valuable US coins in circulation and check coin value right away. Never miss a chance to create a collection others might only dream of! 

What Makes a Coin Valuable?

1. Rarity  

Rarity is the first and foremost factor that determines the worth of a coin and its position in the market. Instances minted under exceptional circumstances or with limited mintages are more frequently sought after when compared to those with decent heritage.

Error coins, for instance, are extremely rare and can command high prices since they are struck with unique, non-repetitive deviations, e.g., missing inscriptions, doubled pictures, or inaccurate designs.

2. Grade and Condition  

What is also important in terms of value is the quality (i.e., the condition and grade). This can be assessed by a professional grader or grading services like PCGS or NGC with the submission of relevant certificates. All in all, a coin that is in mint condition or is uncirculated will be valued more than one that is widely circulated. 

For a quick, but uncertified estimation, one may employ tools like Coin ID Scanner (which is the best coin identifier and collection assistant so far) to check the current condition and then appeal to the professionals anyway. A combined approach matters.

3. Mint Errors and Variations 

Coins with unusual features that appeal to collectors might be produced by mistake, and this is the most interesting part of this endeavor. Since these are usually accidental, they are uncommon and very desirable.

4. Historical Relevance

Instances struck during significant occasions or times of change can be quite valuable because of the context. Thus, variations minted in the 40s of the XX century (e.g., WW2 Coins) may bring stories of the past that draw even more collectors than ever. 

Top 10 Most Valuable Coins in Circulation

Numismatics might have been one of the most popular spheres of interest back then, in the XX century. However, the tendency to revive the past demonstrates how important it is to pay attention and preserve relics of the gone days. For the convenience of our readers, here is the list of valuable coins in circulation that one may stumble upon by accident. 

1965 Silver Quarter (Transitional Error)

Value: $19 995

This variety accidentally minted on a 90% silver planchet meant for 1964 quarters looks just like a regular 1965 Washington quarter with a traditional profile of President George Washington on the obverse and a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.  

Key Features: 

• Weight: 6.25 grams (heavier than a normal 5.67 gram clad quarter).  

• Bright silver appearance without the copper core visible on the coin’s edge.

1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

Value: $30,000 to $80,000

What are the most valuable coins in circulation? This could be it – a regular 1969 Lincoln cent with a noticeable doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse. As such, it depicts President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse.

Key Features:  

• Doubling is visible in “1969", “LIBERTY", and “IN GOD WE TRUST”.  

• Features an “S” mint mark below the date. 

1972 1C Doubled Die Obverse

Value: $14,400+

Just like the previous instance, this should be a traditionally minted Lincoln cent, yet the text on the obverse side is dramatically doubled. 

Key Features: 

• Doubling on “LIBERTY", “IN GOD WE TRUST", and the date “1972”.  

• No mint mark (issued by the Philadelphia Mint).  

1979-P SBA$1 Wide Rim

Value: $40 to $150

This could be one of the most affordable options for those who wish to obtain this from other professionals. Anyway, compared to regular coins (with the portrait of Susan B. Anthony, i.e., a women’s suffrage leader, and an eagle carrying an olive branch, landing on the Moon), the date appears closer to the edge because of its larger rim.  

Key Features:  

• The gap between the date and the rim is much smaller than on regular 1979-P coins.  

• The Philadelphia mint mark ("P") could be found on the obverse.  

1982 10C No Mintmark – Strong

Value: $250 to $425

Here is a Roosevelt dime devoid of the customary "P" mintmark. The rest is usual, i.e., it features President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s profile on one side and a torch with olive and oak branches on the other.

Key Features: 

• No mintmark is present to the left of the date.  

• Strong strike with clear details (this is why it is considered “strong”). 

1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent

Value: $2,000 to $20,000

Another instance of rare coins still in circulation is the 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent. It is an exclusive variety of the Lincoln cent with the “AM” in “AMERICA” spaced closely together.

Key Features:  

• Close spacing between the “A” and “M” on the reverse.  

• Found on Philadelphia (“no mintmark”) and Denver (“D”) coins.  

1999 Wide AM Lincoln Cent

Value: $100 to $500+

As one may notice, valuable US coins in circulation are generally comprised of the Lincoln cents. Opposite to the Close AM variety, this cent features a Wide AM spacing on the reverse.

Key Features:  

• Wide spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA”.  

• Found on Philadelphia coins (“no mint mark” iteration).  

2004-D 25C Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter Low

Value: $100 to $200+

Sometimes, coins may bear intricate, exquisite deviations to look for. This state quarter, on its part, features an additional leaf on the reverse of the corn ear, positioned lower than it should be. As for the rest of the design, the reverse includes a cow, a wheel of cheese, and a corn stalk, while the obverse boasts the corn stalk with an extra leaf as stated above.  

Key Features:  

• There exist two major variations of the original coin, i.e., “High Leaf” or “Low Leaf”.  

• Only found on Denver-minted coins (“D”).  

2005-D 5C Speared Bison

Value: $200 to $1,200

Among the valuable coins still in circulation, one should also pay attention to Jefferson nickels. One iteration features the profile of President Thomas Jefferson (obverse) and a die-cash error that causes the bison on the reverse to "spear".  

Key Features: 

• A raised line runs diagonally across the bison, resembling a spear. 

• Denver mint mark (“D”) on the obverse side.

(2007) $1 George Washington, Missing Edge Lettering

Value: $50 to $500

This could be honorably considered the most American coin due to its design: it showcases a portrait of President George Washington and the Statue of Liberty, which is quite symbolic. However, this iteration misses the required edge inscriptions, including “E Pluribus Unum", “In God We Trust", and the mintmark. 

Key Features: 

• Smooth edge instead of the standard lettering.  

• Found on Philadelphia and Denver-minted coins only.  

Related article: Rare Civil War Coins.

Pocket change can be misleading. One may think it is just a tool of trade, but others prefer to create collections and find exceptional items in everyday life. They challenge the ordinary – a missing mintmark here, a doubled die there. These ten? 

In addition to metal discs, there are opportunities, mysteries, and history just waiting to be discovered. Look for usual coins, seize them, and be amazed by their peculiarities. Maybe fortune is waiting for you in a pocket. The hunt starts.

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/top100/details 

2. https://www.ngccoin.com/