Collectable Coins
Take a closer look before you dump that handful of pennies and nickels into the tip jar — you don't need to find a Revolutionary War-era coin to make a fortune from your change.
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The modern coin era began in America in 1965, the first year the U.S. Mint produced copper-nickel 'clad' coins as replacement for silver coins, ending an unbroken, 173 year tradition. For many collectors, this was the death-knell for collecting, as the coins would no longer have any intrinsic value and mintages would be huge. In 1948, the U.S. Mint began circulating half-dollar coins with images of Ben Franklin and an eagle — which is funny, considering Franklin opposed the bald eagle's nomination as the nation's. Coin values depend upon condition and rarity. Rare dates are worth far more than the prices listed. Coins that are damaged, cleaned, polished or very worn are worth less than the listed prices. For information about specific coin types, click a link below or see FAQ About Coins. For information about grading U.S.
They're harder to find each year, but there are several valuable coins floating around that aren't all that old. They're often valuable for vastly different reasons — like the World War II-era coins minted from atypical metals, or double-printed pennies — but each one is easy to miss if you're not paying attention.
See also: Californian Couple Finds $10 Million Worth of Gold Coins in Tin Can
Check out these eight coins that are worth a lot more than their intended value.
1. 2004 Wisconsin state quarter with extra leaf
Value: Up to $300
Find an average Wisconsin state quarter from 2004, and that will get you one-fourth of a bag of chips. Find one with either the high or low leaf error, and you can get a whole lot more.
The 50 State Quarters series ran from 1999 until 2008, with special designs representing each state. Wisconsin's quarter came out in 2004; the reverse design features a cow, a wheel of cheese and a partially husked ear of corn lurking in the back.
However, some the coins have an extra line below the front left leaf, which looks like another leaf entirely. There are two varieties you should be looking out for: the high leaf and low leaf.
2. 1995 double die penny
Value: $20 - $50
This penny has a double-printed obverse (heads side) that makes the 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' look blurry. The error has happened before, in 1969 and 1972, and those versions of the coins are much more valuable.
3. 1942-1945 silver nickel
Value: 56 cents - $12.25
During World War II, the United States needed to save as much nickel as possible for military uses. Consequently, it started minting nickels made of 35% silver. Melting down pennies and nickels is a federal offense, but the coin might still fetch you enough for a decent lunch, if it's in good condition.
4. 1943 steel penny
Value: 45 cents - $10
Pennies were made from steel during wartime, for the same reasons nickels were made partially from silver — steel pennies helped preserve copper for World War II. However, the switch only lasted one year.
5. Ben Franklin half-dollar
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Value: $12 - $125
In 1948, the U.S. mint began circulating half-dollar coins with images of Ben Franklin and an eagle — which is funny, considering Franklin opposed the bald eagle's nomination as the nation's bird, in favor of a wild turkey.
Franklin's portrait on the coin was replaced by John F. Kennedy in 1964, following the president's 1963 assassination.
6. 1932-1964 silver quarter
Value: $7 - $65
Between 1932 and 1964, quarters were 90% silver and 10% copper. These silver quarters look like any pre-state quarter 25-cent piece, but are worth a lot more if they're in the right condition.
7. 'In God We Rust' 2005 Kansas state quarter
Value: Up to $100
While it might seem like a mint employee's rogue political statement, these coins are actually just the result of grease preventing a clean pressing.
8. Presidential dollar coin with lettering errors
Value: $20 - $45
In 2007, the U.S. Mint began printing a series of dollar coins featuring presidents. Many of the early coins, especially those with George Washington, have errant or missing lettering along the edge of the coin.
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Austin Rare Coins & Bullion features the finest in U.S. and Ancient rare coins with a strict emphasis on eye appeal, value, and rarity. Our experts can assist you in building a world class collection or locating the key coin you’ve been looking for. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we carry the highest rating a business can get with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just call or email and we can help. All sales are backed with a 14-day, money-back guarantee.
Browse our updated inventory online for a great selection of certified early-date U.S. gold and silver coins. You will find the Liberty Head coin, St. Gaudens coin, Morgan Silver Dollar, gold Indian Head coin, and rare gold coins from the Charlotte Mint, Dahlonega Mint, Carson City Mint, and San Francisco Mint. We also offer a top selection of certified ancient coins graded by NGC Ancients, the top grading company in the business. If you are looking to sell your holdings or would like an appraisal, just call 1-800-928-6468, or go to our We Buy Gold, Silver, and Rare Coins page.
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