5 Coins People Nearly Spend Without Realizing Their Value

Have you ever reached into your pocket, pulled out a handful of coins, and thought, “What on earth are these doing here?” We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s a couple of shiny quarters and a nickel, or perhaps a few odd-looking coins that make you question if you’ve got the remnants of a long-lost treasure. But here’s the kicker: some of those coins could be worth a lot more than you think! Let’s chat about five coins that people often overlook and end up spending without realizing their true value.

gold round coin on white surface — Photo by Derrick Treadwell

1. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny

This little guy is a legend in the world of coin collecting. The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is one of the most sought-after coins out there. Why? Well, for starters, it’s the first year the Lincoln penny was minted, and it has the famous “V.D.B.” initials of designer Victor David Brenner on the reverse. If you happen to find one in decent condition, you could be looking at a value of several thousand dollars! So, before you toss that penny into the fountain wishing for a miracle, check to see if it’s one of these beauties.

2. The 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar

Ah, the Kennedy half dollar—an iconic piece of American history. Most people see it as just another half dollar, but it can be worth a pretty penny (pun intended) if you’ve got a 1964 version. Why the fuss? Well, this particular year was the only one that was minted with 90% silver. If you stumble upon one in your coin jar, you could be sitting on a small fortune, especially if it’s in great condition. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little silver in your pocket, right?

3. The 1970-S Lincoln Penny

You might think a penny is just a penny, but the 1970-S Lincoln penny is a bit of an anomaly. Here’s the scoop: the mint produced very few of these coins, which makes them quite rare. If you’ve got a 1970-S lying around, it could be worth a few hundred bucks, depending on its condition. So, before you give it to the kid at the candy store, take a moment to check its mintmark. You never know what treasure you might have on your hands!

4. The 1982-D Small Date Lincoln Penny

Now, let’s talk about the elusive 1982-D Small Date Lincoln penny. You might be thinking, “Really? A penny from the ‘80s?” But hold on! This specific penny has an interesting story. In 1982, the U.S. Mint produced both large and small date versions of the Lincoln penny, and the small date variety is actually quite rare. If you find one, it could be worth anywhere from a couple of bucks to a few thousand, depending on its condition. So, check those dates before you decide it’s just pocket change!

5. The 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar

Last but definitely not least, let’s shine a light on the 2000-P Sacagawea dollar. Most people think of these coins as just another dollar, but there are certain varieties that can fetch a pretty penny at auction. If you happen to have one with the “cheerful” design or, better yet, a “golden” dollar that has a unique edge or minting error, you might just have a hidden gem. It’s worth a closer look before you decide to spend it on that overpriced coffee!

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the takeaway here? Coins that seem ordinary on the surface can actually hold significant value. Before you treat them like pocket lint, take a moment to investigate what you’ve got. It’s a fun little treasure hunt, and who knows? You might just uncover a valuable piece of history hiding in your change jar. Plus, it gives you a great story to share over coffee with your friends. “Oh, this? Just a rare coin I found laying around. No biggie!” Happy hunting!

Willow and Hearth