These 12 Coins May Be Extinct, but They Are Worth Thousands Now

Coins, unlike living creatures or trends, don’t disappear because of environmental changes, predators, or loss of popularity. Instead, they become “extinct” when the U.S. Mint stops producing them, moving them into a historical category. This has happened repeatedly in the U.S. over the past 250 years, with various coins being issued and then discontinued, sometimes within just a few years. For collectors, these discontinued coins often increase significantly in value, sometimes reaching prices in the thousands or even millions of dollars.

A 2018 blog post on the Numismatic Guaranty Company website suggested that all coins could eventually disappear as digital payments and wallets become increasingly common in the economy. Among the first U.S. coins likely to phase out are the penny and nickel, primarily because their production costs exceed their face value. However, even if this shift does happen, it may take many years to fully occur.

For now, coins remain a part of everyday transactions. The penny, nickel, dime, and quarter are still widely circulated, while the half-dollar and $1 coins are produced primarily as collectibles. However, these coins can still be ordered by the Federal Reserve for circulation and used as legal tender, according to the U.S. Mint.

Even some relatively recent currency has become collectible, such as bicentennial quarters, which can now sell for nearly $20,000 in the collectibles market.

If you’re fortunate enough to find U.S. coins from the 18th or 19th centuries, you might be holding a small fortune. Here’s a list of now-extinct U.S. coin denominations, as referenced by NGC:

• Half-cent: 1793-1857
• Two-cent: 1864-1873
• Three-cent nickels: 1865-1889
• Three-cent silvers: 1851-1873
• 20-cent: 1875-1878
• $1 gold: 1849-1889
• Two-and-a-half-dollar gold: 1796-1929
• $3 gold: 1854-1889
• $4 gold (patterns): 1879-1880
• $5 gold: 1795-1929
• $10 gold: 1795-1933
• $20 gold: 1849-1933

Depending on their condition, these coins could be valued anywhere from less than $100 to over $2 million. Coins in perfect condition are incredibly rare, with owners often reluctant to part with them. More worn examples, which show signs of use, are easier to find on the market and can be more affordably priced.

Here’s a look at 12 extinct coins that can fetch thousands of dollars, with top prices reported by NGC and other coin sources. Remember, these high-value coins are extremely rare, and most examples are valued much lower.

• 1793 Liberty Cap Half Cent: Up to $35,000
• Shield Two-Cent (1864-1873): $58,500
• 1865 Three-Cent Nickel: $10,000
• Silver Three-Cent (1851-1873): $60,000
• 20-Cent Piece (1875-1878): $70,000
• Gold Dollar (1849-1889): $170,000
• Indian Head $2.50 (1908-1929): $100,000
• $3 Gold (1854-1889): $192,500
• $4 Stella (1879-1880): $2.75 million
• Indian Head $5 (1908-1929): $235,000
• Indian Head $10 (1907-1933): $2 million
• Liberty Head $20 (1850-1907): $385,000

These prices reflect coins in exceptional condition, which are exceedingly rare. Most available coins are valued much lower than these peak prices.

Conclusion

Collecting extinct coins offers a unique connection to history and, for many, can be highly rewarding. These 12 Coins May Be Extinct, but They Are Worth Thousands Now, showing that their rarity has only enhanced their value over the years. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning, keeping an eye out for these remarkable pieces can lead to a valuable and fulfilling pursuit.

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