Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby that has been around for centuries, and while most people associate valuable coins with ancient currency, modern coins can also be worth a significant sum. Some coins have become highly sought after due to minting errors, limited production, or historical significance. Here are five rare modern collector coins found in North America that you should keep an eye out for.
1. 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
Why It’s Valuable:
In 1975, the San Francisco Mint produced special proof sets, but a few dimes were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark. This rare error makes it one of the most valuable modern coins.
Rarity:
Only two examples of the 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime are known to exist, making it incredibly rare.
Estimated Value:
One of these dimes sold for $506,250 at auction in 2024, making it one of the most expensive dimes ever sold.
2. 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent
Why It’s Valuable:
Due to rising production costs, the U.S. Mint experimented with making pennies out of aluminum in 1974. About 1.5 million aluminum cents were produced, but they were never officially released.
Rarity:
Most were recalled and destroyed, with only a few surviving today.
Estimated Value:
A surviving 1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent can fetch up to six figures at auction.
3. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
Why It’s Valuable:
A minting error resulted in a noticeable doubling of the inscriptions on the obverse side, making this coin one of the most famous error pennies.
Rarity:
A limited number of these error coins were produced, with only a handful still known to exist today.
Estimated Value:
Depending on condition, this coin can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction.
4. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent
Why It’s Valuable:
In 1999, a small batch of Lincoln cents was struck with a proof reverse die, creating a noticeable space between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.”
Rarity:
While not as rare as some of the others on this list, this coin is still highly sought after by collectors.
Estimated Value:
These coins have been known to sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition.
5. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
Why It’s Valuable:
Some 2004 Wisconsin state quarters were minted with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, believed to be the result of a die error.
Rarity:
The exact number of these error coins is unknown, but they are considered rare finds in circulation.
Estimated Value:
These quarters have been sold for as much as $1,000 or more, making them highly valuable for a 25-cent piece.
How to Identify Rare Coins
If you suspect you have found a valuable coin, here are some tips to verify its rarity:
- Check the Mint Mark and Year – Some coins are only valuable if they were produced at a specific mint.
- Look for Errors or Unusual Features – Doubling, missing letters, or misaligned images can indicate a rare minting mistake.
- Weigh the Coin – Some rare coins have a slightly different weight than their standard counterparts.
- Consult a Professional – A numismatist or certified coin grading service can authenticate and appraise your coin.
Where to Sell Rare Coins
If you believe you’ve found a rare collector’s coin, consider selling it through these trusted sources:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS): https://www.pcgs.com/
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC): https://www.ngccoin.com/
- Heritage Auctions: https://www.ha.com/
- eBay (Certified Coin Listings): https://www.ebay.com/
- American Numismatic Association: https://www.money.org/
Conclusion
While rare coins might seem like a thing of the past, modern collector coins continue to capture the attention of numismatists and investors alike.
Whether it’s a 1975 No S Roosevelt Dime or a 2004 Wisconsin Quarter with an Extra Leaf, these coins have become valuable due to errors, limited production, or unique historical significance.
If you enjoy collecting coins or simply want to check your pocket change for hidden treasures, these five rare coins are definitely worth looking out for. Who knows—you might be holding onto a small fortune without even realizing it!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for The Octant, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin