Don’t Spend These! List of Current Coins Worth Money

In the world of numismatics there is always a chance to discover a real valuable piece worth collecting among the seemingly ordinary coins that pass through our hands every day. When we talk about coin years worth money and collector coins worth money we are most often referring to old or long-time popular ones, like American half dimes, rarely thinking about recently issued variants. Meanwhile, some modern valuable coins in circulation can be a real find and a great addition to the collection for anyone who knows what to look out for.

That is why we would like to dedicate this article to coins of recent years worth money. Here you will find key information and learn some secrets about each position from our list of coins to look for. Are you ready to know what recent coins worth money and which rare coins still in circulation can be found and become a good collectible right now? Yes? So, all you need to know about this is to refer to our list of coins worth money below.

Beyond Face Value: New Coins Worth Money

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny

In 2009, in honor of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, a series of cents were issued with four different designs on the reverse. These designs represent Lincoln's early years, his youth, professional career and presidency. This issue commemorated the 100th anniversary of the first coin featuring Lincoln, minted in 1909.

Why special: The series is not rare, but the limited issue associated with the anniversary makes these coins attractive to lovers of unusual coins and beginning collectors (especially if the coin is preserved in perfect condition).

Probability of finding: Average.

2004 Wisconsin Quarter Error “Extra Leaf”

In 2004, the State Quarters program issued a Wisconsin quarter with an agricultural theme. Some copies have a minting error where an additional leaf appears on a corn cob (there are two versions: “High Leaf”, i.e. the additional “error” leaf is higher than the standard one and “Low Leaf”, where the “error” leaf is respectively lower than the standard one).

Why special: This error coin was discovered by accident in 2005 and quickly caught the attention of collectors. Each specimen of this error coin is graded differently. “High Leaf” is generally considered more valuable and rarer than “Low Leaf”, but both of these coins can take pride of place in a collection of new coins that are worth money.

Probability of finding: Minting errors make this coin especially valuable. They are difficult but possible to find in circulation, and collectors are willing to pay for such specimens. It is still unknown how many of these coins are in circulation, so perhaps it is you who will be the attentive lucky one to own the coin.

2000 Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error

This example is one of the top coins worth money as it represents one of the most famous cases of minting errors.  This Sacagawea dollar was minted with the reverse of a quarter. These coins are called mule coins because of the combination of two different types of stamps.

Why special: Coins with the mule error are incredibly rare and can be worth several thousand dollars. They represent one of the most valuable minting errors in history.

Probability of finding: To find such a coin in circulation is a great luck, as there are very few of them left.

2009 District of Columbia Quarter with Double Die Error

In 2009, a quarter featuring Duke Ellington was issued in honor of the District of Columbia. However, some copies were coincidentally issued with double die error, which increases their value. By the way, the value of the coin is also conditioned by the fact that it's one of the few coins of the United States, featuring the famous African-American musician.

Why special: Double strike is one of the most common but valuable minting errors. Such coins can be worth several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Probability of finding: Below average.

2020 National Park Quarter "Bat" Error

The bat quarter was issued as part of the National Parks series and is dedicated to American Samoa National Park. These coins attracted a lot of interest due to their unique design, and minting errors, which also make coins especially valuable.

Why special: Despite modern minting techniques, quality equipment and process technology, minting errors still occur. One of the most valuable is the Blind Bat Error (resulting distortion in the mouse eye area due to a foreign object between the die and the blank), which greatly increased the value and price of the coin. The combination of the unusual design and the error makes this coin a real find. In addition, the image of bats on the coin became particularly symbolic in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Probability of finding: Average. You may visit different shows and conventions, e.g., the Long Beach Convention, to try to find them.

2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel

The 2005 Speared Bison error coin is a unique piece in the Thomas Jefferson nickel series. This error appears as a thin line (spear-like) running across the torso of the bison on the reverse of the coin. The line is caused by damage to the die, and each coin with this error looks slightly different, depending on the angle and length of the defect.

Why special: This error coin was first discovered in 2005 and gained interest among collectors due to its unusual nature and the fact it resembles a spear piercing the torso of a bison (leading to the name “Speared Bison”).

Probability of finding:  To find this coin is difficult, but possible. The error coin is rarely seen in circulation and is highly prized among collectors.

Coins with Potential: Evaluating Modern Valuable Finds

It's time to find out how valuable are the modern coins that you can find by chance until now. The table below summarizes the main characteristics and estimated value of the modern coins we mentioned above. Due to this data you can better navigate the world of coins and increase your chances of successful collecting.

If you are serious about becoming a chaser of these coins or have already started your collecting ways, consider using modern tools that simplify your hobby.

Do you really want to know what coins are worth money? Just scan your findings with the Coin ID Scanner app. This app is created for coin identification and will help you quickly identify and study information about modern coins and estimate their value. Besides, you can save information about coins of your collection in the app, which is also very convenient for managing your collection. 

Finally, every time you get your change, remember that there may be real valuables inside. Keep our list of coins that are worth money in mind, and maybe one day you'll be lucky enough to find something to become part of your collection or make a nice profit!

Sources:

1. https://www.wealthysinglemommy.com/coins-worth-money/#sacagawea-cheerios-dollar

2. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/lincoln-bicentennial-one-cent-coins