Now let’s be honest: nobody gets excited about reading up on million-dollar ancient coins, but at the same time, how exciting it is to find a real treasure in your pocket. Here’s the list of the most valuable coins around that’ll help you out quite a lot while sorting through change before feeding it into the vending machines. All of these recent, real, and pretty much more than their face value coins.
Six Valuable Coins in Circulation Right Now
Many very valuable coins circulate. That does not mean, however, that you’re likely to encounter them. But the coins on this list exist in quantities sufficient to mean that you may actually find one.
| Valuable Coin in Circulation | Price Range in Good Condition |
|---|---|
| 1995 Doubled die Lincoln penny | $60 to $115 |
| Pre-1965 Washington quarter | $16 to $165 |
| 1976-S Bicentennial Washington quarter | $12 to $400 |
| 2004 Wisconsin quarter with extra leaf | up to $6,000 |
| 1996-W Roosevelt time | up to $412 |
| 1982 No-mint-mark Roosevelt dime | up to $2,185 |
1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
A Lincoln penny has probably crossed your path sometime in anyone’s pocket. There is, however a special 1995 coin you should look for. In 1995 nearly 500,000 coins were minted with a mistake. The die doubled struck the penny, imparting an echo to some of the design on the obverse. It is highly noticeable on the word “Liberty.” In about very good circulated condition they can be worth $60 to $115, and one in gem sold for $5,052.
Pre-1965 Washington Quarter
Check your change for 1964 and before quarters. Since they are made of 90% silver, they will always bring more than 25 cents. In fact, it is not uncommon for 1964 quarters to sell anywhere from $16 to as much as $165. If the coin is in good condition and is older, it is likely to be worth much more.
1976-S Bicentennial Washington Quarter
In 1976, the United States was marking its bicentennial, and a special design of the Washington quarter helped celebrate the event. A quarter is pretty pedestrian when it comes to circulated grades, but this one is worth more than a quarter. This shows the profile of Washington, while 1776-1976 adorns the front and back, a picture of a drummer boy. These could be worth in good grade anywhere from around $12 to $400.
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter With Extra Leaf
One of the rarest quarters in the statehood series, some 2004-D Wisconsin quarters have an error where there is an extra leaf on the ear of corn. The extra leaf may appear in any place. In circulated condition, they are still really valuable, like $300 valuable. In pristine shape, they can be worth up to $6,000.
1996-W Roosevelt Dime
Roosevelt dimes from 1996 are very common, but there is one variation that is special. The 1996-W was a special edition made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the design. They were never supposed to be released into circulation, but there were about 1.5 million made as part of a proof set. Those proof coins, of course, find their way into pocket change in people’s pockets; it can be worth at least $10 in most cases. One in proof is sold for about $412.
1982 No-Mint-Mark Roosevelt Dime
The Philadelphia Mint began using a “P.” on dimes in 1980 but mistakenly omitted it on 75,000 coins when this marking was required during the early part of the run. Extremely rare and even hard to find for this level of rarity as to sometimes show up in spare change someone has sat themselves down and dug into -those nice ones top prices-they brought in over $2,100 apiece when one went as high as very fine in that auction.
How to Spot a Valuable Coin in Your Change
Knowing what to look for regarding the highest-valued coins in circulation will help keep an eye out for some of those superstars. Beyond searching for particular coins are a few factors that could make a coin worth something.
- Errors – Error coins are worth more than most regular strikes because a mint makes so few mistakes. Anything odd on a coin deserves closer inspection.
- Historical significance – If any historic event occurred the year it was minted, it may make it valuable.
- Mint condition- we do know that you want circulating coins, but a near perfect one that happens to be older might even exceed face value.
Check the Details for the Most Valuable Coins in Circulation
Take a second to inspect coins before you pay for parking or pull yourself out of the gumball machine. Among the most valuable coins in circulation look exactly like regular money, so inspect those details before you spend.
Conclusion
With a little attention to detail, pocket change may bring some surprising treasures. These six valuable coins show that sometimes, even the smallest currency can carry big rewards. Whether you are starting a collection or hoping to find a hidden gem, keeping an eye out for these coins may lead to exciting discoveries. Happy hunting, and may your next find be worth its weight in gold!
FAQs
What makes a coin valuable?
Rare mint errors, limited production, and unique historical factors can make certain coins valuable.
Are valuable coins still in circulation?
Yes, valuable coins can occasionally be found in everyday circulation, though they’re rare.
How can I identify a valuable coin?
Check for unusual features, mint marks, or dates and consult a coin value guide for specifics.
Where can I sell valuable coins I find?
You can sell valuable coins to collectors, at coin shops, or through online marketplaces.