Coins Worth Money in Pocket Change
Coins Worth Money in Pocket Change
Many valuable coins are still hiding in everyday pocket change. Some pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are worth far more than their face value due to low mintages, minting errors, or collector demand.
Below are some of the most famous coins you should look for in circulation.
Valuable Pennies to Look For
Lincoln cents are one of the most widely collected coins in the United States, and several rare varieties can still be worth significant money. Many of these valuable pennies were created because of low mintages, minting mistakes, or unique design features.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous rare pennies. In good condition it can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Estimated Value: $700 – $3,000+ depending on condition
1914-D Lincoln Cent
A key date for Lincoln cent collectors and very difficult to find in circulation.
Estimated Value: $200 – $5,000+
1922 No D Lincoln Cent
A famous mint error where the Denver mintmark is missing.
Estimated Value: $500 – $10,000+
1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
One of the rarest pennies ever produced. These were accidentally struck in bronze instead of steel.
Estimated Value: $100,000+
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
A dramatic error coin where the date and lettering appear doubled.
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $15,000+
Valuable Nickels to Look For
Several rare U.S. nickels are highly sought after by collectors. Some of these coins were produced in very small numbers, while others became valuable because of minting errors or unique historical circumstances.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the most famous and mysterious coins in American numismatics. Only five examples are known to exist.
Estimated Value: $3,000,000+
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
A famous Buffalo nickel variety caused by over-polishing of the die, which removed one of the buffalo's legs.
Estimated Value: $500 – $5,000+
1950-D Jefferson Nickel
A key date in the Jefferson nickel series. Because very few were minted in Denver that year, collectors actively search for this coin.
Estimated Value: $20 – $500+
Valuable Dimes to Look For
Several rare dimes have become extremely valuable due to minting errors, low mintages, or unique historical circumstances. While most dimes in circulation are common, a few rare varieties are worth far more than their face value.
1894-S Barber Dime
One of the rarest and most legendary U.S. coins ever produced. Only 24 were struck at the San Francisco Mint, and very few are known to survive today.
Estimated Value: $1,000,000+
1916-D Mercury Dime
A key date in the Mercury dime series. Very few were minted in Denver in 1916, making it one of the most valuable Mercury dimes.
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $15,000+
Valuable Quarters to Look For
Several rare U.S. quarters have become extremely valuable due to minting errors, low mintage's, or historical significance. While most quarters in circulation are common, a few rare varieties can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
1932-D Washington Quarter
A key date in the Washington quarter series. Because so few were minted in Denver in 1932, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
Estimated Value: $150 – $10,000+
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
A famous state quarter error where an extra leaf appears on the ear of corn on the reverse design. Two varieties exist, known as the High Leaf and Low Leaf errors.
Estimated Value: $200 – $1,500+
Explore More U.S. Coins
If you enjoy learning about valuable coins found in circulation, explore our Coin Vault where we break down U.S. coins by denomination and series. You can research Lincoln cents, Jefferson nickels, Roosevelt dimes, Washington quarters, and many other classic American coins.