6 Hidden Treasures in Your Pocket Change Worth Over $ 200,000:- Most people think of pocket change as nothing more than a nuisance or something that accumulates in the bottom of their purse or glove compartment.
6 Hidden Treasures in Your Pocket Change Worth Over $ 200,000
However, some coins circulating in your pocket today are incredibly valuable—worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
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These hidden treasures are often overlooked by the untrained eye, but savvy collectors and coin enthusiasts know exactly what to look for. In this article, we explore six pocket change coins that could be worth over $200,000, detailing what makes them so rare and how to identify them.
1. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Although this coin was not issued for general circulation, it is considered one of the most valuable coins in the world, worth over $200,000 if found in good condition.
Historical Background: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is famous because it was minted illegally. The U.S. Mint had officially replaced the Liberty Head design with the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, but five of the old design coins were secretly struck by a Mint employee, believed to be George T.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is incredibly rare, with only five surviving examples. The coin is sought after by collectors due to its unique design, historical significance, and the fact that it was struck outside official minting procedures. One example of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold at auction for $3.7 million in 2018.
How to Spot One: If you come across a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, chances are it has been well-publicized, but any 1913 Liberty Head nickel would be of extreme rarity and high value. Check if the date is clearly visible and compare the design to official images.
2. The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is one of the most sought-after error coins in the U.S. coin world. While it’s far more common than the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, it can still fetch prices that exceed $200,000, depending on the condition.
Historical Background: The 1969-S Lincoln Cent was struck with a notable minting error—specifically, a “double die” on the obverse. This means that the coin was struck twice by the die, causing the date and the inscriptions on the front (the word “Liberty,” “In God We Trust”) to appear doubled.
Only a handful of these error coins were released into circulation, making them highly collectible.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. numismatics.
The unique design and the rarity of the coin—combined with its error status—make it a highly sought-after piece in coin collecting circles. High-grade examples of this coin can sell for over $200,000 at auction.
How to Spot One: The doubling effect on the coin is the key feature that makes this coin so valuable. You can identify it by closely examining the date and the letters of the word “Liberty.” If they appear doubled, you likely have a valuable 1969-S Double Die Obverse coin on your hands.
3. The 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc for producing pennies to conserve copper for military purposes. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally struck in 1943, making them one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Historical Background: In 1943, the U.S. Mint produced pennies made from steel with a zinc coating to save copper for wartime production. However, a small number of copper planchets (the discs used to make coins) were accidentally left in the Mint’s presses. These copper pennies were struck with the regular 1943 design, and only a few survive today.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1943 Copper Penny is extremely rare, with only a few known to exist. As a result, it is one of the most valuable coins in American history. One example sold for over $1.7 million in 2010. Most 1943 pennies are made of steel, and copper pennies from that year are highly sought after by collectors.
How to Spot One: If you come across a 1943 penny, check its weight and appearance. The copper version will have a reddish color, while the steel version will look more like a dull, grayish coin. Use a magnet to check: a copper penny will not be magnetic, but a steel penny will.
4. The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history, often considered the first major error coin to become widely recognized by collectors.
Historical Background: The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent features a striking error in which the die was improperly aligned, causing the obverse features, such as the date and the inscriptions, to appear doubled. This resulted in one of the most famous varieties of the Lincoln Cent series.
Why It’s Valuable: The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent is valued for its rarity and the uniqueness of the double die error. High-grade specimens of this coin can fetch over $200,000, depending on their condition. The coin remains popular among collectors due to its historical significance and unique design.
How to Spot One: The key feature of the 1955 Double Die is the doubled date. If the date on a 1955 penny looks as though it has been struck twice, you may have found a valuable error coin. Similarly, the word “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” may also appear doubled.
5. The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Variety)
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter is a relatively recent example of a valuable coin hiding in plain sight. This coin, which was part of the 50 State Quarters program, contains a rare variety known as the “Extra Leaf” quarter.
Historical Background: The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter features an image of a cow and a corn stalk. Some of these coins were struck with an error, where an extra leaf is visible on the corn stalk on certain specimens. The error occurred due to an issue with the die used in the minting process.
Why It’s Valuable: The “Extra Leaf” variety is extremely rare, with only a few examples known to exist. While it’s not as valuable as older coins, high-grade examples of the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with the extra leaf can still be worth over $200,000.
How to Spot One: Look for the additional leaf on the corn stalk in the design. If you see an extra leaf just above the corn cob, you’ve found a highly sought-after variety. The error is subtle, so a magnifying glass or loupe can help you identify it.
6. The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous error coins in the United States. This coin became famous due to a mistake during the minting process that caused the buffalo on the reverse of the coin to have only three legs instead of four.
Historical Background: The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a result of an error in the minting process. A worn die caused the front leg of the buffalo to be worn away, making the coin appear to have only three legs. Although only a small number of these error coins were made, they are highly collectible today.
Why It’s Valuable: The rarity of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, combined with its striking error, makes it incredibly valuable. Depending on its condition, this coin can be worth over $200,000, with high-grade examples fetching even more.
How to Spot One: The key feature of the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is the absence of the buffalo’s front leg. The buffalo’s hind legs, however, remain intact. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the buffalo and check for the missing leg.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Treasures in Your Pocket Change
1. How do I know if a coin is valuable? Valuable coins often have rare features, such as minting errors, low mintage, or special designs. Researching specific coins, looking at auction results, and consulting with coin experts can help you determine if a coin is worth more than its face value.
2. Should I get my coins graded? Yes, getting your coins graded by a reputable grading service (like PCGS or NGC) can increase their value. Grading provides an objective assessment of the coin’s condition, which is a major factor in determining its worth.
3. How can I sell my valuable coins? Once you have determined that a coin is valuable, you can sell it through reputable auction houses, coin dealers, or online platforms. Be sure to consult with experts to ensure you are getting the best price for your coin.
4. Are rare coins always valuable? Not necessarily. While rarity is an important factor, a coin’s value also depends on its demand among collectors, its condition, and its historical significance. Even rare coins can be less valuable if they are in poor condition or not in high demand.
5. How do I preserve my rare coins? To preserve rare coins, store them in a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight
