Collecting coins is more than just a hobby—it’s an opportunity to make money. While most of us handle change without a second thought, certain coins still in circulation are actually worth much more than their face value. Whether you’re a casual collector or just curious, there’s always a chance that a valuable coin could pop up in your pocket.
While you won’t stumble upon coins worth millions in your daily life, there are still valuable coins that are surprisingly easy to find. Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after coins still in circulation today.
The 5 Most Valuable U.S. Coins Still Circulating
These coins may seem ordinary, but their value skyrockets due to minting errors, rarity, or unusual features. Here are five coins you might want to keep an eye out for:
1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
This coin is a real gem for collectors, not just for its rarity but also for its historical significance. During World War II, most pennies were made of steel coated with zinc due to copper shortages. However, a few copper pennies from 1943 are still floating around. Only about 40 are known to exist, and the value? Well, one sold for a whopping $82,500 back in 1996. So, if you ever come across one of these pennies, you might want to hold on to it.
1955 Doubled Die Penny
Back in 1955, an unusual error occurred in minting, causing the text and numbers on the pennies to appear doubled. These “doubled die” pennies are incredibly valuable, with prices starting at $1,800 and going up depending on their condition. Many of these pennies were once given out as change in cigarette vending machines, so they may still be in circulation today.
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1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
This is another coin with a doubling error, but this one is even more valuable. A pristine example of this 1969-S penny can sell for upwards of $126,000. There are fewer than 100 authentic examples of this coin, so finding one is like striking gold—literally.
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
The U.S. Mint typically marks coins with a letter to indicate where they were made, such as a “P” for Philadelphia or a “D” for Denver. But in 1982, some Roosevelt dimes were produced without a mint mark, making them quite valuable. Depending on the condition, these dimes can be worth anywhere from $30 to $300, which is quite a jump from the usual 10 cents.
2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
This one is a little different, and if you find it, you’re in luck. The 2005 Jefferson nickel with a bison on the back sometimes appears to have a “spear” running through the animal’s side due to a minting error. This “speared bison” nickel can fetch around $400, but one sold for $1,265 at auction in 2010.
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Valuable U.S. State Quarters
From 1999 to 2008, the U.S. Mint issued special state quarters to honor each state, and many collectors seek out these unique coins. While most of these state quarters are worth no more than their face value, a few are worth much more due to minting errors or low circulation. Here are five of the most valuable state quarters:
1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter
This quarter is special because it was part of an experiment by the U.S. Mint, making it extremely rare. One of these coins sold for $4,888 at auction, so if you have one in your collection, you might want to get it checked out.
2003-D Maine State Quarter
While it’s not difficult to find this quarter, finding one in mint condition is rare. A top-graded Maine state quarter sold for $2,300 in 2017, proving that condition is everything when it comes to valuable coins.
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2000-P South Carolina State Quarter
This quarter is tough to find in near-perfect condition, which makes it valuable. Less than 500 have been graded at the highest level, making it worth a lot more than your average quarter.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Low)
An error on the Wisconsin state quarter resulted in an extra leaf on the design, making it highly sought after by collectors. This error could fetch you up to $1,500.
1999-P Connecticut State Quarter
Another factory error makes this Connecticut state quarter valuable, worth around $25. Not bad for a coin with a face value of 25 cents!
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Final Thoughts
While the odds of finding a coin worth millions are slim, you never know what treasures might be hidden in your spare change. Checking your coins carefully could uncover some valuable finds that may be worth more than you expect!