Hidden in your pocket change or old collections, these rare coins could be worth a fortune.
Most people think of coins as nothing more than small change, but some rare pieces can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Whether it’s a misprinted penny, an old silver dollar, or a limited-edition release, certain coins skyrocket in value over time. If you’ve got a jar of old coins lying around, you might want to check it carefully—you could be sitting on a hidden goldmine.
Collectors and investors alike are always hunting for rare and valuable coins, and as demand rises, so do prices. Some of these coins are already fetching impressive sums, while others are expected to explode in value in the near future.
Knowing what to look for can help you cash in big, turning what seems like spare change into serious money. Here are some of the most valuable coins you should keep an eye out for before their worth skyrockets even more.
The 1943 copper penny is worth thousands because it was never supposed to exist.
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for pennies to save metal for the war effort, according to the U.S. Mint. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were accidentally struck in copper, making them incredibly rare and valuable. These coins can fetch anywhere from $100,000 to over a million dollars at auction.
The easiest way to check if you have one is to use a magnet—steel pennies will stick, but copper ones won’t. If you find a 1943 copper penny, it’s worth getting authenticated by a professional coin grading service. With collectors constantly on the lookout for these rare mistakes, owning one could mean a life-changing payday.
The 2000 Sacagawea “Cheerios” dollar has a secret design detail that makes it rare.
When the U.S. Mint released the Sacagawea dollar in 2000, some early promotional coins were placed in Cheerios cereal boxes, as reported by Coin Value Checker. These special versions have a unique, detailed tail feather design on the eagle that isn’t found on regular Sacagawea dollars.
Only a few of these Cheerios dollars have been discovered, making them highly valuable. In top condition, they’ve sold for over $5,000. If you have an old Sacagawea dollar, take a close look at the eagle’s feathers on the reverse side—it could be worth way more than just a dollar.
The 1955 doubled-die penny features a major minting error that collectors love.
One of the most famous error coins in U.S. history, the 1955 doubled-die penny has a dramatic misprint that makes it extremely valuable, as stated by Littleton Coin. Due to a mistake during the minting process, the letters and numbers on the front appear doubled, creating an unmistakable and highly sought-after effect.
These coins can sell for thousands of dollars, even in circulated condition. If you come across a 1955 penny, check the date and lettering for any clear doubling. Because this error is so distinct, it’s one of the easiest rare coins to identify—and one of the most profitable to own.
The 1932-D Washington quarter is a key collector’s piece due to low mintage numbers.
Washington quarters have been around for decades, but the 1932-D edition is one of the rarest. This quarter was struck in low numbers at the Denver Mint, making it incredibly difficult to find in good condition today.
Because it was the first year of the Washington quarter series, collectors are always searching for this particular coin. A well-preserved 1932-D quarter can easily sell for $5,000 or more, depending on its grade. If you have any old quarters, it’s worth checking the date and mintmark—this one could be a hidden jackpot.
The 1969-S doubled-die penny is an easy-to-spot mistake that’s worth big money.
Another valuable doubled-die error coin, the 1969-S penny has a noticeable misalignment in its lettering and date. The doubling is particularly obvious on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” making it a favorite among collectors.
Only a handful of these coins have been found, and they’ve sold for as much as $100,000 at auction. Many people don’t realize they have one because they mistake it for common wear-and-tear. Taking a closer look at your old pennies could uncover a serious financial windfall.
The 1879 $4 Stella gold coin is a rare collector’s dream.
This coin wasn’t widely circulated, but it has become one of the most sought-after U.S. coins in history. The 1879 $4 Stella gold coin was originally created as a proposed international trade currency, but only a limited number were minted.
Because of its rarity and historical significance, these coins can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you ever come across one—whether inherited or in an old collection—it’s worth getting it appraised immediately.
The 1992 close “AM” Lincoln penny is a modern rarity hiding in plain sight.
Most pennies from the early 1990s have a small space between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side. However, some 1992 pennies were mistakenly struck with a closer spacing, making them incredibly rare.
Collectors are willing to pay thousands for this tiny difference. Checking your old pennies for this subtle detail might take some time, but finding one could be well worth the effort.
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous coins in history.
Only five examples of this coin are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel was never officially released, leading to endless speculation about how they made their way into circulation.
Each time one of these coins appears at auction, it sells for millions. While it’s unlikely to find one casually, if you come across an old Liberty Head nickel, it’s worth verifying its date—just in case you’ve stumbled onto a fortune.
The 1804 silver dollar is a legendary coin that commands astronomical prices.
Known as the “King of American Coins,” the 1804 silver dollar is one of the rarest and most famous coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Although dated 1804, most of these coins were actually struck decades later for diplomatic gifts, making them incredibly unique.
Because only a handful exist, they have sold for upwards of $4 million. While finding one outside of an auction house is nearly impossible, knowing its history makes it clear why rare coins can hold such extreme value.