We all have that one change jar tucked away in the kitchen, filled to the brim with coins that seem to have taken on a life of their own. You might think it’s just a collection of pennies, nickels, and dimes, but what if I told you there could be some hidden treasures in there? That’s right! Some coins that look like everyday pocket change might actually be worth a pretty penny—pun totally intended. Let’s take a look at five coins that collectors actually want, and who knows, you might just strike gold (or at least silver) in your own home!
1. 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny
Starting off strong with a classic: the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. If you happen to stumble upon one of these beauties, you might just want to do a little happy dance. Only about 484,000 of these coins were minted, making them incredibly rare. The “V.D.B.” stands for the designer Victor David Brenner, whose initials were stamped on the reverse side. If you’ve got one, it could be worth anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on its condition. So, before you toss that penny into the jar, check to see if it’s got the magic initials!
2. 1943 Copper Penny
Next up is the infamous 1943 copper penny. Now, you might be wondering, “Isn’t all 1943 pennies made of zinc-coated steel?” Well, yes, but a small number were accidentally minted in copper, and these little guys are a collector’s dream. If you find one of these in your change, congratulations! You’ve got something that could be worth upwards of $100,000! It’s like finding a needle in a haystack—so be sure to inspect those pennies closely!
3. 1970-S Lincoln Penny (Small Date)
Ah, the 1970-S Lincoln penny. This one’s a little tricky because it’s all about the date! There are two varieties from this year: the large date and the small date. The small date version is the one collectors are after, and it’s rarer than you might think. If you find one, it could be worth anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on its condition. So, don’t just toss that penny aside; take a second look! Who knows, you might just be sitting on a small fortune!
4. 1995 Doubled Die Penny
Now, let’s talk about the 1995 doubled die penny. This coin is a classic case of a minting error, and it’s one that collectors go wild for. If you examine the front of the penny and notice that the date or the word “Liberty” appears to be doubled, you’ve hit the jackpot! These coins can sell for hundreds of dollars, especially if they’re in good condition. Just think: you could be sipping your coffee, casually flipping through your change, and suddenly find a rare piece of history. How cool is that?
5. State Quarters with Errors
Finally, let’s not forget about the state quarters! These beauties were released in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and while most of them are pretty common, some have fascinating errors that collectors are eager to get their hands on. Look out for quarters with misprints, wrong mint marks, or any other quirky mistakes. For example, a 2004 Wisconsin quarter with an extra leaf can be worth quite a bit. So, next time you’re sorting through your change, keep your eyes peeled for those little imperfections—they might just be worth more than a regular quarter!
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it! Five coins that might be lurking in your change jar, just waiting for their moment to shine. It’s amazing how something that seems so ordinary can actually be quite valuable. Before you head off to spend that spare change on coffee or snacks, take a few moments to sift through your collection. You never know what you might find! And who knows? You might just uncover a little piece of history that could make you a few bucks or, at the very least, a great story to share with friends over coffee. Happy hunting!
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