6 Hidden Gem Coins in Your Pocket That Could Be Worth Over $100,000

Some of the coins you have lying in your pocket or change jar may actually be life-changing treasures. Collectors will pay a price beyond compare for rare minting errors, limited mintages, or a variety coin with great features. Here are six submissions that could make loose change your find for life.

1943 Copper Penny

In World War II, the U.S. Mint substituted copper coins with steel coins because of the war need for copper. That year, however, for some reason, copper coins were minted by mistake.

Why it’s valuable: Only a handful of 1943 copper pennies were accidentally minted, making them extremely rare.
Value: Depending on their condition and authenticity, these coins can be worth anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million. One coin sold in 2010 for $1.7 million.
Tip: If you come across such a coin, have it authenticated by a professional before selling.

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1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent

The 1909 S V.D.B. penny is a rare first-year Lincoln cent. The initials ‘VDB’ are retained on the obverse of the coin, standing for Victor David Brenner, its designer, whose initials were printed on the reverse until they were removed.

Why it’s valuable: The rarity of this coin is because it’s been minted in so few quantities. Low-grade examples can sell for thousands, but even high-grade coins (like MS-65 or better) can be worth even more.
Value: The value of this penny ranges from $100,000 to over $1 million depending on condition.

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1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most mysterious and rarest coins in American history. While the latter design retired in 1912, the secret minting took place in 1913.

Why it’s valuable: There are only five of these coins known to exist, and collectors consider them legends.
Value: They’re worth anywhere from $100,000 to more than $3 million, again depending on condition. One coin sold in 2018 for $4.5 million.

2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf

Two minting errors in 2004 caused some Wisconsin quarters to feature an extra leaf in the corn stalk on the reverse side.

Why it’s valuable: It’s extremely rare to have the extra leaf on a coin, and collectors are thrilled when they find one of these minting errors.
Value: This error can make coins command anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000, condition permitting.
Tip: If you have any 2004 Wisconsin quarters in your collection, check them out.

Saint Gaudens Double Eagle, 1927-S

Made of gold with a gilded ribbon across the middle, this gold coin was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, and on the obverse side Lady Liberty, on the reverse side, an eagle soared high in the air.

Why it’s valuable: The 1927-S is the rarest date in the Saint Gaudens series and the rarest of them all in higher grades like MS 65 or better.
Value: They are worth $100,000 to over $1 million, and the highest-priced perfect examples.
Tip: High-end collectors and investors seek such rare gold coins.

1985-D Double Die Obverse Cent

One of the most famous error coins is the 1955 Double Die Obverse penny, which shows a conspicuous doubling of the obverse. It is especially evident on the ‘LIBERTY’ and date.

Why it’s valuable: This error coin is one of the most coveted among the bold and dramatic doubling. The error increased in rarity because so few dies produced it.
Value: Depending on condition, these coins are worth between $100,000 and $500,000.
Tip: High-quality examples of this error for sale can often fetch premium prices at auctions.

Also Read: Discover 5 Rare Dimes in Circulation, Valued at $135 Million Each

Conclusion

Having these six coins gives you an idea as to how minor errors or a lack of minting can make ordinary currency become extraordinary treasures. Even if you just flipped a penny, you may have a rare gold coin upside down. Nothing changes because you will always have change in your pocket and in your coin jar, and the next time you look in it, you might find something incredible.

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FAQs

Q. Why is the 1943 Copper Penny so rare?

A. 1943 copper coins are extremely rare because only a few were made by mistake.

Q. How much is a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent worth?

A. Depending on condition, this penny could be worth anywhere from $100,000 to over $1 million.

Q. Why is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel so famous?

A. Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them legends among collectors.

Q. How to identify a 2004 Wisconsin quarter error?

A. An extra leaf appears in the corn stalk on the reverse side.

Q. What’s special about the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent?

A. This coin has a noticeable doubling effect on the obverse, especially on “LIBERTY” and the date.