There is always a chance to discover a really valuable piece worth collecting among the seemingly ordinary coins. When talking about unique creations, they mostly refer to old coins, like American half dimes. Meanwhile, some new US coins can also become a great addition to the collection for anyone who knows what to look for.
What are the most valuable modern coins to look for? How to define if it is in circulation or not? And how much do they cost? So, let us check coin value and explore the list of coins worth money below.
New Coins Worth Money: An Overview
2017 1 BTC BTCC Mint S Series Silver Physical Bitcoin
Auction Record: $2,272.00+
Issued by: BTCC Mint (Shanghai, China)
Composition: 1 oz .999 Fine Silver with Bitcoin private key embedded under hologram
Design: Features the Bitcoin “₿” logo on one side, and intricate circuit-like details with a motto “IN CRYPTO WE TRUST” on the reverse, with a tamper-evident hologram covering the key.
Although it is not a traditional government-issued currency, the 2017 physical Bitcoin is a peculiar instance of how modern technologies may enter the sphere of classic numismatics. However, one should note that its price may fluctuate significantly, just like its digital version does on the trading market. Its investment potential is high, but cannot be predicted anyway.
2017-W Gold $100 American Liberty High Relief – 225th Anniversary Edition
Auction Record: $2,000.00
Issued by: United States Mint (West Point Mint)
Composition: 1 oz .9999 Fine Gold (24-karat)
Design: The obverse features a forward-facing Liberty with braided hair and a crown of stars, while the reverse shows a powerful bald eagle in flight
Issued to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Mint, this groundbreaking coin marks the first time Liberty was depicted as an African-American woman, which was an empowering shift toward inclusivity and modern representation in U.S. coinage.
2020-W $50 One-Ounce Gold American Eagle V75 Privy
Auction Record: $21,000.00
Issued by: United States Mint (West Point Mint)
Composition: 1 oz .9167 Fine Gold (22-karat)
Design: Classic American Eagle design with a DCAM designation and a special “V75” privy mark honoring the 75th anniversary of WWII’s end, issued in an extremely limited mintage.
This coin is a modern icon of scarcity and symbolism. The 2020-W Gold Eagle with the V75 privy mark honors the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and was struck at the West Point Mint in a strictly limited quantity (only 1,945 pieces were released).
2021-W $100 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin
Auction Record: $5,250.00
Issued by: United States Mint (West Point Mint)
Composition: 1 oz .9999 Fine Gold (24-karat)
Design: A bold reinterpretation of a wild American Mustang horse bucking off a western-style saddle; high-relief strike.
The 2021 American Liberty series features Liberty not as a person but as a wild mustang throwing off a saddle. It is a powerful departure from traditional designs, appealing to collectors who appreciate both classic designs and innovations.
2024 U.S. Mint Medal – Flowing Hair Silver with 230th Anniversary Privy
Auction Record: $3,995.00
Issued by: United States Mint
Composition: 1 oz .999 Fine Silver
Design: Inspired by the original 1794 Flowing Hair dollar, enhanced with a unique “230” privy mark commemorating the Mint’s 230th anniversary
Sometimes, coins may be commemorated with the use of closely related creations, i.e., medals. This official U.S. Mint silver medal celebrates the 230th anniversary of the Mint’s founding in 1794, with a respectful nod to the earliest Flowing Hair dollar design.
2011-W $50 One-Ounce Gold American Buffalo
Auction Record: $3,030.00
Issued by: United States Mint (West Point Mint)
Composition: 1 oz .9999 Fine Gold (24-karat)
Design: Features James Earle Fraser’s iconic Buffalo Nickel design, with a Native American profile on the obverse and American bison on the reverse
Launched in 2006, the Gold Buffalo was the first .9999 fine gold coin ever struck by the U.S. Mint, and the 2011-W edition is a great example of how this new tradition may live long. It is a true gold standard that may grow in popularity and value over time.
To see these rare modern coins, it might be reasonable to visit coin shows and exhibitions, e.g., the Long Beach Convention. Dealers and reputable auction houses may display them there at times.
Coins with Potential: Evaluating Modern Valuable Finds
It's time to find out how worthy new rare coins are. The table below summarizes the main characteristics and estimated value of the modern coins that have not been included in the list above but still may be found in your pocket change. Not every instance should be overly expensive. After all, it is always important to start small, though.
Coin | Main Characteristics | Estimated Value |
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny | Denomination: 1 cent Material: copper-zinc alloy (97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper) Diameter: 19 mm Weight: 2.5 g Obverse: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln Reverse: Four different designs reflecting the stages of Lincoln's life (early years, youth, professional career, and presidency). | $0,50 – $10 |
2004 Wisconsin Quarter "Extra Leaf" Error | Denomination: 25 cents Material: copper with nickel plating Diameter: 24.26 mm Weight: 5.67 g Obverse: Profile of George Washington Reverse: Image of a cow, cheese, and a corn cob | $100 – $300 |
2000 Sacagawea Dollar Mule Error | Denomination: 1 dollar Material: copper with nickel plating Diameter: 26.49 mm Weight: 8.1 g Obverse: Sacagawea with a child on her back Reverse: Eagle in flight (error: some coins are minted with the reverse from the quarter) | $5,000 – $20,000 |
2009 District of Columbia Quarter with Double Die Error | Nominal value: 25 cents Material: copper with nickel plating Diameter: 24.26 mm Weight: 5.67 g Obverse: George Washington Reverse: Duke Ellington at the piano | $75 – $400 |
2020 National Park Quarter (And Example with "Blind Bat" Error | Denomination: 25 cents Material: copper with nickel plating Diameter: 24.26 mm Weight: 5.67 g Obverse: George Washington Reverse: Two bats | $50 – $150 (in the case of special minting errors like Blind Bat, the cost can go up to $1400) |
2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel | Denomination: 5 cents Material: copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel) Diameter: 21.2 mm Weight: 5.0 g Obverse: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson Reverse: Image of a bison with the error “Speared Bison” (punching a line through the body of the bison). | $200 – $1,200 |
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 issues and estimate their value. Besides, you can save information about coins right 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. What if you are lucky enough to find something to become part of your collection or make a nice profit one day?
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