5 Hidden Treasures: Discover Coins in Your Pocket Worth Over $500!:- While most coins we handle daily hold only face value, there are hidden gems among them that could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
5 Hidden Treasures: Discover Coins in Your Pocket Worth Over $500!
Whether due to minting errors, limited production, or unique historical significance, some coins in circulation today are considered highly valuable by collectors.
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Here’s a look at five coins you might find in your pocket change or piggy bank that could be worth over $500. Keep an eye out – you might be holding onto a treasure!
1. The 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched to using zinc-coated steel for pennies to save copper for wartime supplies.
However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used that year, resulting in the rare 1943 copper penny. Only a handful of these pennies exist, making them some of the most sought-after coins in U.S. history.
Value:
If you find one of these copper pennies, it could be worth between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on its condition. While it’s a rare find, checking any 1943 pennies you come across is worth the effort. The copper penny will appear a bit reddish compared to its steel counterpart.
What to Look For:
Use a magnet to test any 1943 pennies you encounter. Steel pennies will stick to the magnet, while copper ones won’t. If you’ve got a non-magnetic 1943 penny, you may have just found a small fortune.
2. The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
One of the most famous modern mint errors is the 1969-S Lincoln cent with a doubled die. A doubled die occurs when the die, or stamping tool, shifts slightly between impressions, resulting in a doubled image.
In this case, the doubling is clearly visible in the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Value:
A 1969-S Doubled Die penny can be worth over $35,000 in high-grade condition. Even circulated examples can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the visibility of the doubling.
What to Look For:
Carefully examine the date and lettering on any 1969-S pennies in your possession. The doubling should be visible without a microscope but can be confirmed with a magnifying glass. The “S” mint mark under the date indicates it was struck in San Francisco, which is key to identifying this valuable error.
3. The 1992 Close AM Penny
In 1992, a rare variety of pennies was minted with the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side positioned closer together than usual, known as the “Close AM” variety.
Normally, the “A” and “M” should be separated on pennies from that period, making the Close AM version an anomaly that collectors eagerly seek.
Value:
A 1992 Close AM penny can fetch over $20,000, especially if it’s in excellent condition. Even circulated versions can bring in several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
What to Look For:
Examine the back of any 1992 pennies you find, particularly the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” If the letters are almost touching, you may have a valuable Close AM penny. This variety exists for both the Philadelphia (no mint mark) and Denver (D mint mark) versions.
4. The 1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S Small Date penny is another valuable variety that was minted in limited numbers. The difference lies in the date’s appearance, where the “7” is slightly lower than the “0.” This “Small Date” version is rarer than the “Large Date” version, making it highly desirable among collectors.
Value:
In high grades, the 1970-S Small Date penny can be worth over $3,000. Even circulated examples are known to sell for hundreds of dollars. It’s especially prized by collectors looking to complete their Lincoln penny sets.
What to Look For:
Compare the date on any 1970-S pennies you find to pictures of the Small Date and Large Date versions. The “Small Date” version has a more compact look, with the “7” appearing lower in alignment compared to the “0.” The “S” mint mark indicates that it was minted in San Francisco.
5. The 1999 Wide AM Penny
While the 1992 penny with the Close AM is valuable, the 1999 penny with a “Wide AM” is also worth a small fortune. The “Wide AM” variety has a noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side, which is opposite from the 1992 Close AM variety.
Value:
A 1999 Wide AM penny in mint condition can sell for over $500, with some high-grade examples reaching prices in the thousands. Even circulated coins may still be worth a few hundred dollars, depending on their condition.
What to Look For:
To identify a 1999 Wide AM penny, examine the spacing between the “A” and “M” on the reverse side. If there’s a clear separation, you might have found a valuable variety. The Wide AM also exists for the 1998 and 2000 pennies, but the 1999 version is the most valuable.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions on Finding Valuable Coins
1. How can I increase my chances of finding valuable coins in my pocket change?
Checking your change regularly and becoming familiar with valuable varieties is a good start. Look for pennies, nickels, and dimes, as these are more likely to feature errors or valuable varieties.
You can also purchase coin rolls from banks and search through them for rare coins, a practice known as “coin roll hunting.”
2. How do I determine if a coin I’ve found is valuable?
Once you find a coin that matches the features of a known valuable variety, use a magnifying glass to check the details carefully.
You can compare it to images from reliable numismatic resources, like the PCGS or NGC websites, to confirm. If you’re still unsure, you may consider having the coin professionally graded.
3. Should I clean my coins to improve their value?
Never clean valuable coins, as doing so can decrease their value. Collectors and grading services prefer coins with their natural patina.
Cleaning can leave microscopic scratches and reduce the appeal, making the coin worth less on the market.
4. Can I sell my valuable coin immediately? Where should I go?
Yes, you can sell valuable coins immediately if you wish. Consider reputable coin dealers, auction houses, or online marketplaces like eBay. For high-value coins, it’s worth getting a professional appraisal or authentication to maximize your selling price.
5. What is “coin roll hunting,” and how does it work?
Coin roll hunting involves buying rolls of coins from banks, which you then search for valuable coins.
Many collectors find older or valuable varieties this way, as these rolls are often unsorted. Once you finish searching, you can return or exchange the coins, making it a low-cost way to hunt for valuable finds.
6. How can I protect valuable coins I find?
To preserve your coin’s value, store it in a protective holder, such as a plastic coin flip or a coin capsule. Avoid touching the coin’s surface directly, as oils from your skin can damage it. For high-value coins, consider storing them in a safe or a bank safety deposit box.
7. Are valuable error coins common in modern currency?
While error coins are not common, they still appear occasionally in modern currency due to the high-speed production process used by mints. Collectors value these mistakes, which can range from doubled dies to incorrect metal compositions, as they make each coin unique and rare.
Conclusion
Valuable coins aren’t limited to ancient hoards or rare collectibles. Many can be found in everyday circulation, hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or just curious about your pocket change, knowing what to look for can turn an ordinary penny into a small fortune.
Keep an eye out for these five coins, and you just might find yourself holding a hidden treasure worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars!
