You Could Make Bank With These Rare Coins
You never know what treasure might be hiding in your pocket change. Some coins—whether created by accident or released in limited numbers—have become incredibly valuable while still slipping through the fingers of everyday people. Here are 20 fascinating coins still in circulation today—ranked from the most modest values to the eye-popping—and what they could be worth if you’re lucky enough to find one.
1995 Double Die Lincoln Cent (USA)
With doubling visible in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” this 1995 penny is an affordable and accessible variety for collectors just getting into error coins. You can expect to get between $20 and $50, or more for a high-grade example.
1995 US Lincoln Cent - Look For Rare Doubled Dies - United States Penny, DC Coin World
1998, 1999, 2000 Wide AM Cents (USA)
These three years saw a small number of pennies accidentally struck with the Wide AM reverse used for proof coins, creating a collector’s trio that spans a millennium change. These coins can bring in $20 to over $500, depending on the year and condition.
$100 US 1999 Lincoln Penny - Up to $1500 For Wide AM Coins, DC Coin World
2002 No “In God We Trust” Pledge Penny (USA)
Some 2002 Lincoln cents have surfaced missing the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” possibly due to grease-filled dies or a minor minting error. These unusual omissions intrigue collectors looking for anything out of the ordinary. While not as rare as others, these coins still command $50 to over $100.
US 2002 Penny Worth $6,600 - United States Lincoln One Cent Coin, DC Coin World
2007 Presidential Dollar with Missing Edge Lettering (USA)
Presidential dollars were meant to have the year, motto, and mint mark inscribed along the edge of the coin, but some 2007 issues missed this step entirely. These error coins were nicknamed “Godless Dollars,” and can earn you between $50 and $1,500.
Presidential Dollar Coin Errors- What To Look For In 2007-2016 Series, BigDCoins
1999 Wide AM Penny (USA)
This penny might look ordinary at first glance, but on the reverse side, a wider-than-usual space between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” gives away its identity as a rare variety. Intended only for proof coins, the Wide AM design mistakenly appeared on a few business-strike coins in 1999. Collectors will pay up to $600 for this little spacing error.
2005 “Speared Bison” Nickel (USA)
Part of the Westward Journey series honoring the Lewis and Clark expedition, this nickel features a bison on the reverse that appears to be pierced by a die crack—a flaw that gives it the nickname “Speared Bison.” In the right condition, this animal mishap can be worth between $100 and $1,500.
This Common 2005 Nickel Could Make You Rich | Check Your Change for This RARE Coin!, Worth Coins
2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter (USA)
Issued as part of the popular 50 State Quarters program, the Wisconsin quarter gained notoriety when collectors discovered a variety with an extra leaf on the corn stalk, which was likely the result of a die gouge. Two versions exist—“Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low”—and both have become desirable collector’s items. Depending on the version and condition, this quirky coin can sell for $200 to over $1,500.
Wisconsin State Quarters Extra Leaf High & Extra Leaf Low Varieties - Coin Roll Hunting, TheCoinGeek
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime (USA)
In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint made an error on some Roosevelt dimes by omitting the “P” mint mark, which had been introduced just two years prior. The missing mark turns this ordinary dime into a sought-after oddity, especially since it was never meant to be released that way. Today, a no-mint-mark 1982 Roosevelt dime in good condition can fetch $200 to $1,000.
1982 US Dimes No Mint Mark, BigDCoins
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar Accented Hair (USA)
This variation of the Kennedy half dollar was part of a short-lived proof run in 1964 and shows additional hair detail on Kennedy’s head, likely part of an early design tweak. Though most were intended for collectors, it’s rumored that some may have entered circulation by accident. If you happen to spot one, its value can range from $100 to $1,000.
1964 KENNEDY ACCENTED HAIR PROOF HALF DOLLAR, ProofAndPlanchet
1983 Double Die Reverse Penny (USA)
At first glance, this 1983 penny might seem normal, but turn it over and you might see doubled letters on the reverse, especially in “ONE CENT” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This doubling was caused by a misaligned die and can be clearly seen without magnification. If you're lucky enough to find one, its value can soar to as much as $1,500.
1983 US Lincoln Penny Worth Money - Doubled Die Obverse One Cent Coins, DC Coin World
Canadian 2000 “P” Mule Quarter (Canada)
Canada isn’t left out of the rare coin party—this 2000 quarter mistakenly combines a reverse that wasn’t supposed to have the new “P” mint mark with one that did. This unexpected combo makes for one of Canada’s most famous modern mule coins. If you come across one, it could be worth $1,000 to $3,000.
SUPER RARE TOP 10 CANADA 25 cents coins worth big money -Coins Worth money!, COLLECTABLE COINS
1972 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny (USA)
A closer look at Lincoln’s face and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” might reveal a doubled appearance, which is a result of a famous error in 1972. This variety, particularly the Type 1 version, is one of the most collected double dies of the modern era. Depending on condition, this penny can be worth as much as $500 or more.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny (USA)
With subtle differences in font size and alignment, the 1970-S Small Date penny is a collector’s favorite among modern rarities. The “7” in the date sits higher than usual, and the “LIBERTY” inscription often appears weakly struck, which helps with identification. If you spot one in decent shape, it could be worth anywhere from $500 to over $3,000.
1970 US One Cent - Large and Small Date S - United States Penny, BigDCoins
1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent (USA)
In 1992, the design intended for proof coins featuring a tightly spaced “AM” in “AMERICA” accidentally made it into regular circulation. This subtle detail makes it one of the more difficult modern rarities to spot. A confirmed Close AM penny in great shape could sell for $1,000 to $25,000.
US 1992-1993 Close AM Lincoln $26,000 Transitional Penny, DC Coin World
1982-D Small Date Copper Penny (USA)
Most 1982-D pennies were made of zinc, but a few were mistakenly struck using the older, heavier copper composition. These rare variants can be distinguished by weight, as copper versions weigh 3.1 grams while zinc ones are lighter. If yours turns out to be copper, you could be holding a coin worth up to $10,000.
1982-D Penny Worth Money - How Much Is It Worth and Why?, Treasure Town
1955 Double Die Penny (USA)
One of the most famous errors in U.S. coinage, the 1955 doubled die penny features strong doubling on all the obverse lettering, making it highly noticeable. The mistake was caught too late to pull from circulation, and collectors have been chasing it ever since. Depending on condition, this iconic penny can fetch $1,000 to $15,000.
1965 Silver Roosevelt Dime (USA)
In 1965, the U.S. transitioned from silver to clad coinage, but a few silver planchets from 1964 accidentally made their way into the presses. If you come across a 1965 dime that appears too shiny and weighs slightly more than average, it might be silver. One of these dimes in excellent condition could be worth between $3,000 and $9,000.
1965 Roosevelt Dime - No Mint Mark Coins, BigDCoins
1969-S Double Die Obverse Penny (USA)
Among the most prized doubled die coins, the 1969-S shows strong doubling on the obverse, especially in the date and inscriptions. Many fakes exist, but authentic versions are few and far between and were aggressively removed from circulation by the Secret Service in the 1970s. If you find the real deal, it could bring in $25,000 to $75,000.
1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny- A Valuable Error Coin, BigDCoins
2000 Sacagawea Dollar with Washington Quarter Mule (USA)
This coin is one of the most dramatic minting errors ever made: a Sacagawea dollar struck with a Washington quarter obverse, becoming known as a "mule". Never intended to exist, a few are still in circulation and can fetch between $200,000 and $250,000.
2000 Sacagawea/Quarter Dollar Mule (11 Verified Examples), BigDCoins
1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny (USA)
Most 1943 pennies were made of steel due to wartime copper shortages, but a few were mistakenly struck using leftover bronze blanks from the previous year. The coin looks similar to a regular penny, but if you see a 1943 penny that doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might be looking at one of the most valuable errors in U.S. history. If confirmed, this unassuming penny could be worth as much as $250,000.
1943 Steel and Bronze US Pennies Worth Money, BigDCoins
Keep an Eye on Your Change!
The next time you get coins back from the grocery store, don’t just toss them in a jar—check them. These rare and valuable coins are still floating around in circulation, waiting to be found by a sharp-eyed collector or lucky shopper. Who knows? Your next handful of change could be worth thousands.
1943 Steel and Bronze US Pennies Worth Money, BigDCoins
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