Turn Spare Change into Big Money with These 5 Coins

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If you’ve ever discovered spare change while tidying up around the house, don’t rush to deposit it. There might be some coins amongst them that could bring you a significant return—comparable to a hefty boost to your retirement savings! Certain coins, previously circulating in the U.S., have surged in value and could potentially be worth more than you’d anticipate.

Now, you may not need a sunken treasure to discover valuable coins in your collection. Many of the most valuable coins today were once just ordinary currency. Keep your eyes peeled when you next sort through your pocket change; some coins could indeed be worth a small fortune.

Remarkable Finds: The 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

Often, familiarity with old sayings proves beneficial, like “Find a penny, pick it up; all day you’ll have good luck.” Should you encounter a 1969-S Lincoln doubled die penny, that luck could extend far beyond a single day!

Back in January 2008, one of these coins fetched $126,500 at an auction. Similarly, in 2018, another instance secured $126,000. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) suggests fewer than 50 of these exist today. Though rare, finding one isn’t entirely beyond imagination.

There’s a recount of a collector finding these doubled die Lincolns in rolls of the 1969-S cents in 2007. In 2010, a military veteran discovered a perfectly preserved example. New finds continue to surface, as mentioned by PCGS, so perhaps one day you might be among the lucky discoverers!

The Elusive 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel

This coin emerged when the Denver Mint mistakenly created a nickel missing one leg on the buffalo, making it highly sought after. Known as one of the most well-known errors from the 20th century, it’s possible you could still find a three-legged Buffalo nickel among your loose change.

Despite less common conditions, the notoriety of these coins means that even those that have seen some wear can still fetch over $1,000. Of course, the best-preserved coins often sell for much more, sometimes even reaching five-figure sums at auctions.

The Rare 1901-S Barber Quarter

If you’ve ever stumbled upon silver quarters, it might be interesting to note about the 1901-S Barber Quarter. With only 72,664 minted, it’s among the rarest silver coins to be issued in the 20th century. A pristine example could earn you a significant windfall at auction, possibly running into six figures.

Renowned coin expert Jaime Hernandez explains each coin in this series holds significant value, even in lower grades, still commanding thousands of dollars. According to PCGS, sales from the past year ranged from $3,360 to upwards of $10,250, varying with each coin’s condition.

The Coveted 1893-S Morgan Dollar

Dubbed the “true king of the Morgan dollar series,” the 1893-S $1 coin stands out considerably. Those lucky enough to have a mint condition coin could be looking at a potential $1.86 million, as one was sold for that much in 2021.

It is rare to find such coins, and it’s estimated that less than 10,000 exist today, with few retaining their original mint state. These particular coins, initially held in banks and discovered later, represent a small fraction of the original minting, further driving their value up.

A Unique Find: The 2000-P ‘Cheerios’ Dollar

In a General Mills promotion, the Philadelphia Mint placed 5,500 Sacagawea Dollars in Cheerios boxes in 1999. It was later found that some coins featured extra details in the eagle’s tail feathers. These 2000-P ‘Cheerios’ Dollars have become rare collector’s items, fetching up to $10,200 at auctions.

Jami Farkas contributed to the research for this article.

From historical auctions and mint errors to rare promotional coins, these examples illustrate how common change can hold exceptional value. The next time you happen upon some spare change, take a closer look; you might just hit the jackpot. Click Here For More Personal Finance tips and strategies.