Most of us don’t pay much attention to the change in our wallets or coin jars. But what if one of those ordinary-looking coins was actually worth thousands of dollars? It’s true—some rare coins are still floating around today, and you could have one without even knowing it. Here are four valuable coins to watch for that might turn your spare change into serious cash.
1. 1943 Copper Lincoln Wheat Penny – Worth Over $100,000
In 1943, pennies were supposed to be made of steel due to a copper shortage during World War II. But a few copper blanks (called planchets) accidentally made it into the machines. That mistake created one of the rarest coins in U.S. history.
How to spot it:
- Look for a 1943 date.
- If it’s brown or copper-colored, not silver like the common steel version, it might be valuable.
- Try the magnet test—steel sticks to magnets, copper doesn’t.
Only about 20–40 of these are known to exist, and some have sold for over $100,000!
2. 1955 Doubled Die Penny – Worth Up to $15,000
This coin has a clear printing error. The letters and numbers on the front look doubled, especially “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Why it’s valuable:
- The doubling was a mistake at the mint.
- It’s easy to spot with the naked eye.
In good condition, this coin can bring $1,000 to $15,000 depending on how strong the doubling is.
3. 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter – Worth Up to $6,000
This error coin from the state quarter series has an extra leaf on the corn stalk on the back side. There are two versions: “Extra Leaf High” and “Extra Leaf Low.” Both are valuable.
What to look for:
- A 2004 Wisconsin quarter.
- Check the corn leaf carefully—if there’s an extra leaf near the ear of corn, you’ve found something special.
Some have sold for $3,000–$6,000!
4. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – Worth Up to $2,000
Most coins have a small letter under the year that shows where they were made (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco). But some 1982 Roosevelt dimes were made without a mint mark—by accident.
What makes it rare:
- The missing mint mark was an error at the Philadelphia Mint.
- Only a limited number got out before the mistake was noticed.
These dimes can be worth up to $2,000 if they’re in great condition.
Final Tip: Always Check Your Change
These coins prove that hidden treasures might be sitting in your spare change right now. Take a few extra seconds to glance at the dates and details—you never know what you’ll find. Whether it’s a lucky penny or a rare quarter, the next valuable coin could be in your hand today.