Imagine finding a small, dusty coin in an old box and realizing it’s worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars. Some rare coins have sold for record-breaking amounts, and they might be sitting unnoticed in your attic or coin jar.
Whether due to minting errors, limited production, or historical significance, certain coins are incredibly valuable today. Here are four rare coins you should look out for and how to identify them.
1. The 1909-S V.D.B. Penny: A Collector’s Dream
The 1909-S V.D.B. penny is one of the most famous Lincoln cents ever made. It was the first year of the Lincoln penny series and featured the initials “V.D.B.” for designer Victor David Brenner on the back.
However, after public complaints about the large initials, the U.S. Mint quickly removed them, leaving only 484,000 of these pennies in circulation.
How Much Is It Worth?
A 1909-S V.D.B. penny in circulated condition is worth around $1,000, while a well-preserved coin can sell for over $100,000. In 2010, one of the best examples sold for $1.7 million.
How to Identify It
Check the back of your penny for a small “S” mint mark below the date and the initials “V.D.B.” at the bottom. If both are there, you could have a valuable coin.
2. The 1943 Copper Penny: A Million-Dollar Error
During World War II, pennies were supposed to be made of steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper, making them some of the rarest error coins in existence.
Why It’s Valuable
Only about 20 of these pennies are known to exist, and their value depends on their condition. Even a worn example can be worth $5,000, while high-grade versions have sold for over $1.7 million at auction.
How to Identify It
A real 1943 copper penny has a reddish-brown color and does not stick to a magnet (steel pennies will). If you think you have one, get it checked by a professional.
3. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: A Mysterious Treasure
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most mysterious coins in American history. Only five were made, and they weren’t supposed to exist. It’s believed that a Mint employee secretly struck them, making them an unintentional rarity.
How Much Is It Worth?
These nickels have been sold for as much as $4.5 million. Because only five are known to exist, they are among the most coveted coins in the world.
Can You Find One?
It’s highly unlikely to find a 1913 Liberty Head nickel in your attic, but checking any old nickels from the early 1900s is still a good idea. Some Liberty Head nickels from other years can also be valuable.
4. The 1804 Silver Dollar: The King of American Coins
The 1804 silver dollar is one of the most famous and valuable coins ever made. Despite its 1804 date, these coins were actually minted in 1834 as diplomatic gifts. Only 15 are known to exist today.
Why Is It So Valuable?
Because of its rarity and historical significance, an 1804 silver dollar has sold for up to $4.1 million at auctions. Its impressive design and connection to American history make it highly desirable.
How to Spot One
Check any old silver dollars you have for an 1804 date. While the chances of finding one are extremely low, other early silver dollars can still be valuable.
Rare coins are like hidden treasures, often overlooked in old collections, attic boxes, or coin jars. The coins listed here are some of the most valuable ever found, but they’re not the only ones worth searching for.
Even if you don’t have a million-dollar coin, many older coins are still worth more than face value. Checking your collection could lead to an exciting discovery and possibly a big payday!
Rare Coin Value Chart
| Coin Name | Year | Key Features | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S V.D.B. Penny | 1909 | Low mintage; “V.D.B.” initials | $1,000–$100,000+ |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Error coin made of copper | $5,000–$1.7 million |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Only 5 known; unofficially minted | $4.5 million |
| 1804 Silver Dollar | 1804 | Extremely rare; minted in 1834 | $4.1 million |
