Rare and valuable American coins come in a variety of denominations, designs, and metal compositions and can sell for anywhere from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. While the most expensive coins are owned by dealers or collectors, you can still find rare coins lying around that can have a positive impact on your bank account.
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Coins can be rare for several different reasons. Some items are in short supply due to limited production/distribution, while others have historical value or contain errors that make them unique. If you’re looking for one of the latter, here are some of the most common errors, according to NBC Connecticut.
Double die: A coin with duplicate design elements due to the position of the die engraved with the design being shifted.
Missing Mintmark: A mintmark is a letter that identifies where a coin was manufactured, such as “P” for Philadelphia. If the mint mark is missing, it means the coin is rare and can command a high price on the collector’s market.
Planchet Error: A planchet is a round, blank piece of metal used to make coins. A planchet error means the shape or thickness is wrong, and there may be no engraving at all.
Strike Error: In numismatics, the term “strike” refers to the step in the minting process where a design is stamped onto the coin. Strike errors include a misaligned design or a design being struck on the wrong coin.
A coin’s condition has a huge impact on its value to collectors, with coins in mint condition commanding the highest prices. Most of the values below reflect averages, but some reflect the highest prices paid. Here are nine American coins that are worth a lot of money.
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1969-D Kennedy Half Dollar: $2,640+
This coin, in uncirculated condition, can fetch up to $6,000.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: $2,800+
According to Gainesville Coins, the Standing Liberty Quarter remains “the most collectible old coin ever produced” by the U.S. Mint. The coin’s design debuted in 1916, but it changed soon after, and the 1916 version became popular among collectors.
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1926-D Lincoln Penny: $3,290+
Values for 1926-D wheat pennies range from approximately $900 for the brown variety from the Minto state to $22,000 for the red variety from the Minto state.
1914-D Lincoln Penny: $4,400+
These penny coins sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars on eBay, but one of the more expensive coins in mint condition sold for $159,000.
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1925-D Lincoln Penny: $21,600+
The brown variety of this coin is often more affordable than the red variety. Prices for all varieties range from $2,000 to $75,000.
1969-S Lincoln Cent Double Dice: $25,000
A small percentage of 1969-S penny mints from San Francisco showed double die errors, driving up their value.
1947 Washington Quarter: $32,400
The 1947 Washington Quarter is worth $4.65 to $7.25 in circulating condition. However, those in uncirculated, unused condition typically sell for more than $10,000.
1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny: $2.3 million.
Designed by Victor D. Brenner, it is one of the rarest and most valuable pennies in circulation today. During World War II, pennies were made of steel to save copper for the war effort. However, some are accidentally made of bronze, making them extremely rare and valuable. Made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc alloy, it sold for $1.7 million in 2010, but is worth $2.3 million in uncirculated, new condition.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: $4.2 million
There are only 5 of them, so finding one of these coins in your drawer will make you a millionaire in no time. Sometimes referred to as the “Walton Nickel,” it remains one of the rarest U.S. coins.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Rare American Coins Worth a Lot of Money
