Discovering a rare coin in your everyday change can be a life-changing event. Certain coins, due to their historical significance, minting errors, or limited production, have appreciated tremendously in value.
Here are four such coins that, if found, could collectively be worth over $1.7 million.
1. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
Minted just four years after the establishment of the U.S. Mint, the 1796 Draped Bust Quarter is a cornerstone for collectors.
- Mintage: Approximately 6,145 coins were produced in 1796.
- Design: Features the “Draped Bust” on the obverse and the “Small Eagle” on the reverse.
- Unique Feature: This design was exclusive to 1796, making it a one-year type coin.
- Notable Sale: A 1796 quarter with a B-2 die pairing and graded MS64 fetched $1.74 million at auction.
2. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
At first glance, the 1969-S Lincoln Cent appears ordinary, but certain specimens possess a valuable error.
- Mint Mark: Produced at the San Francisco Mint, denoted by the “S” mint mark.
- Error Detail: Features a doubled die on the obverse, noticeable in inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
- Rarity: Few of these error coins exist, making them highly sought after.
- Market Value: A 1969-S doubled die obverse penny graded MS64 sold for $126,500.
3. 1975 No S Proof Dime
The 1975 No S Proof Dime stands out due to a significant minting oversight.
- Minting Error: Intended proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint were mistakenly struck without the “S” mint mark.
- Production Quantity: Out of 2.84 million proof sets produced in 1975, only two such error dimes are known to exist.
- Significant Sales: One example sold for $456,000 in 2019, and another fetched $506,250 in a recent auction.
4. 1934-S Peace Silver Dollar
The 1934-S Peace Silver Dollar is notable for its historical context and limited mintage.
- Mintage: Approximately 1,011,000 coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1934.
- Design: Features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a perched eagle on the reverse.
- Collector’s Note: High-grade specimens are rare and command premium prices.
- Auction Record: A 1934-S Peace Silver Dollar graded MS66+ sold for $79,313.
Table of Valuable Coins
| Coin | Year | Mint Mark | Unique Feature | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draped Bust Quarter | 1796 | None | One-year type design | $1.74 million |
| Lincoln Cent | 1969 | S | Doubled die obverse | $126,500 |
| No S Proof Dime | 1975 | None | Missing “S” mint mark | $506,250 |
| Peace Silver Dollar | 1934 | S | Limited mintage, high grade | $79,313 |
Regularly inspecting your change could lead to the discovery of these valuable coins. Awareness of their unique features and historical contexts is essential for identification.
If you believe you’ve found such a coin, consulting with a professional coin appraiser is recommended to ascertain its authenticity and value.
FAQs
What makes a coin valuable?
Factors include rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and condition.
How can I identify a 1969-S doubled die penny?
Look for noticeable doubling in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Why is the 1975 No S Dime so rare?
It’s one of only two known dimes from that year missing the “S” mint mark, due to a minting error.
Where is the mint mark located on the 1934-S Peace Silver Dollar?
The “S” mint mark is on the reverse side, below the word “ONE” and above the eagle’s tail feathers.