6 Hidden Gems: Undervalued Coins You Should Add to Your Collection Now:- The world of coin collecting is vast, with thousands of coins representing different cultures, time periods, and events. While many collectors focus on famous and highly sought-after coins, there are hidden gems—undervalued coins that present excellent.
6 Hidden Gems: Undervalued Coins You Should Add to Your Collection Now
Opportunities for growth in both historical significance and financial value. In this article, we’ll explore six such coins, shedding light on their history, unique features, and why they might be excellent additions to your collection today.
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1. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous U.S. coins among collectors, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is often overlooked by those who focus solely on the high-end rarities like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or the 1933 Double Eagle. However, the 1909-S VDB offers significant potential for appreciation.
Historical Background: The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday, and it was the first U.S. coin to feature a portrait of a real person.
The “VDB” on the reverse stands for Victor David Brenner, the artist who designed the coin’s obverse. Initially, the mint mark “S” and the designer’s initials “VDB” caused controversy, leading to the initial release being withdrawn from circulation after only a small number of coins were minted.
Why It’s Undervalued: Although the 1909-S VDB is well-known among collectors, its market price is still relatively low compared to other rare coins of similar age.
Despite this, its historical significance as the first U.S. coin to feature a real person and its relatively low mintage make it a prime candidate for future growth. High-grade examples, especially those in mint state or with full steps (a reference to the quality of the reverse design), are particularly valuable.
Recommendation: Look for 1909-S VDB pennies in higher grades (graded by services like PCGS or NGC), especially those in XF (Extremely Fine) to AU (About Uncirculated). As the coin continues to gain recognition, its value is likely to increase over time.
2. The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and valuable error coins in American numismatics, and yet, it remains somewhat undervalued compared to similar rarities like the 1916-D Mercury Dime.
Historical Background: The 1955 Double Die Obverse is a famous minting error that occurred when the die was misaligned during the coin’s production. This led to a doubling effect on the date and inscriptions on the obverse of the coin. Although it was initially a mistake, the resulting error coin became a favorite among collectors.
Why It’s Undervalued: Although well-known in numismatic circles, the 1955 Double Die Obverse is still not as widely recognized by the general public as some other error coins, meaning it remains somewhat undervalued.
Prices for high-grade examples can fetch significant sums, but more common grades still offer an opportunity for value growth. The scarcity of high-quality examples means they often appreciate more than other, more easily found coins.
Recommendation: Seek out examples in higher grades like MS-63 or higher. These will likely see the most appreciation as the coin continues to gain recognition. Additionally, the coin’s fame among error collectors ensures its place in the spotlight, making it a safe bet for long-term growth.
3. The 1932-D Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter debuted in 1932 to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday, and it remains a staple of American coinage. While most collectors focus on early-date quarters, the 1932-D Washington Quarter offers a unique opportunity for future growth.
Historical Background: The 1932-D is one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series, with a relatively low mintage of just over 1.5 million coins. The coin’s design was the result of a public competition, and it featured John Flanagan’s portrait of Washington, which remains on the quarter to this day.
Why It’s Undervalued: While the 1932-D is a key date in the series, it is not as widely recognized as other rarities in the U.S. coin world. As a result, it is still somewhat undervalued compared to its true rarity. The scarcity of this coin in high grades, especially in MS-65 and above, makes it an excellent target for long-term investors.
Recommendation: If you’re able to find this coin in higher grades, especially in MS-65 or better, it is likely to show steady appreciation. Look for coins with clean surfaces and good eye appeal—these often command a premium over lower-grade examples.
4. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is an iconic error coin, and while it has grown in popularity in recent years, its prices are still relatively modest compared to its rarity and unique design.
Historical Background: The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coin errors. The “three-legged” effect occurred when the die used to strike the coin wore down, causing the front leg of the buffalo to appear to be missing. The result is one of the most famous and visually striking errors in U.S. numismatics.
Why It’s Undervalued: Despite its fame, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is still relatively affordable for collectors in lower grades.
However, high-grade examples (especially those in AU-58 and MS-60) are much rarer and offer great potential for future growth. Because the coin is a favorite among error collectors, its value could increase significantly as the interest in the series continues to grow.
Recommendation: Focus on obtaining well-preserved examples, particularly those with minimal wear. Higher-grade coins (MS-63 and higher) will likely see a significant increase in value as more collectors begin to recognize their rarity and historical importance.
5. The 1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is another key date in U.S. coinage that is still somewhat undervalued, especially when compared to its contemporaries. This coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its historical significance and rarity.
Historical Background: The Indian Head Cent series was introduced in 1859, and the 1877 issue stands out as one of the key dates due to its low mintage. At just over 852,000 coins produced, the 1877 Indian Head Cent is one of the scarcest and most valuable coins in the series.
Why It’s Undervalued: Despite its rarity, the 1877 Indian Head Cent has not yet reached the price levels of similar key dates in other series. This makes it an excellent investment opportunity for collectors who are looking for undervalued coins. Its status as a key date ensures that it will always be in demand.
Recommendation: As with other key date coins, high-grade examples are particularly valuable. Look for coins with original surfaces and minimal wear, as these will yield the best returns over time.
6. The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is an often-overlooked coin that has the potential for significant appreciation in the coming years. Most people are familiar with the 1982 D and S-mintmarked Roosevelt Dimes, but the No Mintmark variety is much rarer and more valuable.
Historical Background: In 1982, the U.S. Mint struck a limited number of Roosevelt Dimes without mintmarks, creating a scarcity of these coins. While the coins were never officially acknowledged by the Mint, they are considered to be an anomaly that collectors cherish today.
Why It’s Undervalued: The 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is still largely underappreciated by many collectors, despite its rarity. Because many collectors are unaware of the coin’s significance, its value is still low, but the rarity of this coin, coupled with its connection to modern error coinage, makes it an excellent candidate for future growth.
Recommendation: Keep an eye out for high-quality, uncirculated examples of this coin. As more collectors become aware of its rarity, the 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime may see a significant price increase.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Undervalued Coins
1. How do I know if a coin is undervalued? Undervalued coins are typically those with low mintage, historical significance, and strong demand, but which have not yet seen a corresponding rise in market value. Researching trends, consulting with experts, and studying auction results can help identify undervalued coins.
2. Should I buy raw coins or graded coins? For long-term value, it’s generally recommended to purchase graded coins, as their condition and authenticity are verified by third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC. This helps protect your investment and ensures that the coin is genuine.
3. How can I store my coins to protect their value? Coins should be stored in acid-free holders, such as 2×2 holders, capsules, or slabs from grading services. Avoid touching the coins with bare hands, as oils and dirt can damage them. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
4. Are there risks associated with investing in coins? Like any investment, coin collecting carries risks, especially if you’re investing in rare or undervalued coins. Market trends can fluctuate, and a coin’s value can change based on supply and demand. However, investing in coins with strong historical significance and rarity can minimize risk
