Which U.S. Coins Are Rare and Valuable? 9 Worth Money in Your Pocket Change

Finding a rare and valuable coin in your pocket change might seem like a long shot, but it happens more often than you’d think. While most U.S. coins in circulation are worth only their face value, a select few can fetch thousands—or even millions—of dollars. These rare coins are often the result of minting errors, limited production runs, or historical significance.

If you’re lucky enough to find one of these coins, it could be a valuable discovery. Below are nine U.S. coins that have been found in circulation and are worth much more than their face value.

1. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny

During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to conserve copper. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck on bronze planchets. These coins are exceptionally rare, with some selling for up to $2.3 million at auction. To verify authenticity, use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel; if not, you might have a valuable coin.

2. 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die

This penny is famous for its doubling effect, where the design appears slightly offset. The U.S. government initially mistook these for counterfeits, but they are legitimate minting errors. A well-preserved 1969-S doubled die cent can sell for over $25,000.

3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

The 1955 penny features one of the most dramatic doubled die errors, with the date and lettering clearly duplicated. A good-condition coin can be worth over $1,000. The error resulted from a misalignment during the minting process.

4. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent

This rare variety of the 1970-S penny has a distinctively small date. Only a few exist, making them highly sought after by collectors. Prices can vary, but well-preserved examples have sold for significant sums.

5. 1992 Close AM Penny

Most Lincoln pennies from 1992 have a noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” However, a rare error resulted in a close spacing, making these pennies highly valuable. One sold for over $25,000 in 2017.

6. 1965 Silver Dime

In 1965, the U.S. Mint transitioned from 90% silver dimes to copper-nickel clad versions. However, a few dimes were mistakenly struck on silver planchets. These coins are rare and can be worth $5,000 or more.

7. 1932-D Washington Quarter

The 1932-D quarter is a key date in the Washington Quarter series. With a low mintage of just 436,800, these coins are hard to find. A high-grade version can sell for over $74,000 at auction.

8. 1916-D Mercury Dime

This dime, minted in Denver in 1916, is one of the most valuable Mercury dimes. Because of its low production numbers, it is highly sought after by collectors. In excellent condition, it can sell for thousands.

9. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

A minting error caused some 1937 Buffalo Nickels from the Denver Mint to appear as though they only have three legs. This mistake makes them rare and highly collectible, with values ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, depending on condition.

How to Spot and Verify Valuable Coins?

If you think you’ve found one of these valuable coins, follow these steps:

• Use a magnifying glass: Look for small details like date variations or doubling effects.
• Weigh your coin: Some errors, like the 1965 silver dime, have a different weight than regular coins.
• Check mint marks: Certain mint marks (or the absence of one) can significantly impact a coin’s value.
• Consult a professional: If you’re unsure, take your coin to a reputable coin dealer or grading service like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC).

Final Thoughts

Rare coins are still out there, hiding in plain sight in everyday transactions. Checking your pocket change could lead to a surprising and valuable discovery. While finding one of these coins may be rare, the possibility adds an exciting layer to collecting and handling U.S. currency.

Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just someone with a keen eye for detail, keeping an eye out for these rare coins could lead to a remarkable find—and maybe even a financial windfall.

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.