You Might Have a $1.7 Million Coin in Your Pocket – Here’s How to Find It

Many people think that valuable coins only exist in museums or collector showcases, but the truth is that rare and extremely valuable coins can still be found in everyday circulation.

Some of these coins are worth upwards of $1.7 million, making it crucial to check your change carefully. Here are four of the most valuable coins that could be hiding in your pocket or coin jar.

1. 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny

• Why It’s Valuable: During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel pennies to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of bronze pennies were accidentally minted in 1943, making them one of the rarest coins in American history.
• Estimated Worth: One of these coins sold for $2.3 million at auction.
• How to Identify:
  • Check if your 1943 penny is copper-colored instead of steel.
  • Use a magnet – steel pennies will stick, but the rare bronze ones will not.
  • Look for the “D” mint mark below the date, indicating it was minted in Denver.

2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

• Why It’s Valuable: Only five of these nickels were ever produced, making them among the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins.
• Estimated Worth: One example of this coin sold for $3.7 million.
• How to Identify:
  • Look for a Liberty Head design on a nickel with the year 1913.
  • This coin is known for its mysterious origins, as it was never officially authorized for minting.
  • Due to counterfeits, it’s recommended to have any suspected finds authenticated by a professional numismatist.

3. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

• Why It’s Valuable: This $20 gold coin was never officially released into circulation due to the U.S. abandoning the gold standard in the early 1930s. Most were melted down, making any surviving coins extraordinarily rare.
• Estimated Worth: One coin set a record by selling for $18.9 million in 2021.
• How to Identify:
  • This coin features Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch on the front and a flying eagle on the reverse.
  • The date on the coin will be 1933.
  • If found, it must be authenticated by experts, as it is illegal to privately own without special permission from the U.S. government.

4. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter

• Why It’s Valuable: This quarter was among the first quarters ever produced by the U.S. Mint, with only 6,145 minted that year. Surviving examples are extremely rare.
• Estimated Worth: One of these coins recently sold for $1.74 million at auction.
• How to Identify:
  • The coin features the Draped Bust design with the year 1796.
  • The reverse side depicts an eagle surrounded by a wreath.
  • Due to its age, most surviving examples will show wear, but even lower-quality specimens hold significant value.

How to Identify Valuable Coins in Your Change

If you suspect you’ve found a valuable coin, follow these steps:

1. Check the Mint Marks and Dates – Certain mint years and missing or unique mint marks make coins more valuable.
2. Look for Doubling or Errors – Coins with misprints, double dies, or missing elements can command high prices.
3. Use a Magnet Test – Rare 1943 Bronze Pennies should not be magnetic.
4. Weigh the Coin – Some valuable coins have slight weight differences compared to their standard versions.
5. Get a Professional Appraisal – Consult with a numismatist or a certified coin grading service to determine authenticity.

Where to Sell Rare Coins

If you believe you have discovered one of these valuable coins, consider selling 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

Millions of coins are exchanged daily, but a rare find in your spare change could change your life. Whether it’s a 1943-D Bronze Penny, a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, or another high-value coin, taking a closer look at your change could lead to a million-dollar discovery.

The next time you receive pocket change, take a moment to inspect each coin. You never know—you might just be holding a coin worth over $1.7 million!

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.