Ever toss a penny in a wishing well and secretly hope you get a lucky one? Some coins really are lucky charms, but not for the reason you might think! Hidden among the sea of common coins are rare gems that could transform your life. Based on figures from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), here are 15 coins that are better kept in your wallet—at least for a few years.
1944 Steel Wheat Penny
World War II brought shortages of everything, even copper for pennies! A 1944 steel penny is a precious find. Experts believe that an astonishingly low number of 1944 steel wheat pennies were minted, with estimates going from 20 to 40. Even well-worn steel ones can fetch a staggering $35,000 or more.
1943 Copper Wheat Penny
To conserve copper for the war effort, the United States Mint switched from copper to steel pennies in 1943. However, an atypical production error resulted in a few copper pennies being struck that year. The oversight transformed the 1943 penny into one of the most coveted coins, with rough values ranging from $100,000 to a mind-boggling $900,000.
1856 Flying Eagle Penny
The 1856 Flying Eagle cent is a curious anomaly: its worth far surpasses its rarity. Even if it looks new, it costs $2,000 when sold, capturing the attention of collectors beyond penny enthusiasts. This enduring appeal is a testament to its historical significance. Remarkably, they were already prized in the late 1850s, commanding a premium even then.
1877 Indian Head Penny
For those who collect Indian Heads, the 1877 penny is considered the holy grail. Its elusiveness is legendary, and finding a pristine one is akin to discovering buried treasure. Unlike coins that often possess unique attributes, the 1877 penny’s value is purely derived from scarcity.
1857 Flying Eagle Penny
Coinage in the United States reached a key milestone when the Flying Eagle cent of 1857 became the first to reach 10 million. Due to strong interest, many were saved, making them somehow common these days. While circulated examples are affordable, typically around $30, uncirculated ones can command prices starting at $225, reflecting their superior condition.
1909-S VDB Wheat Penny
Marking the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth was the 1909 cent, and it was eagerly anticipated. Yet, its production was abruptly halted after only three days. Apparently, the designer Victor D. Brenner added his initials to the coin’s back, causing public outrage. Authentic specimens can have astronomical sums today, reaching as high as $175,000.
1914 D Lincoln Wheat Penny
Less than 350 confirmed copies of the 1914-D Lincoln cent make it the rarest early Mint State Lincoln dime. Most surviving examples show the wear and tear from decades of use as commonplace filler coins in albums and money boards. If you have one lying around at home, you can sell it for at least $175 a piece!
2004 Wisconsin State Fair Quarter
Who would have thought a humble quarter could be worth a small fortune? A 2004 Wisconsin quarter sporting an extra, errant leaf on its corn design stunned the coin world when it was sold for a jaw-dropping $6,000 at auction in January 2020.
1969 Abraham Lincoln Penny
A design mishap snuck a few pennies through with the wrong year for the former President’s birth. Too bad for them, but a happy snag for you! It also means that a potentially major payday is on the way since it’s reportedly worth thousands of dollars. A Texas woman chanced upon one in her house appraised at $24,000!
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The most extravagant coin ever sold is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, often hailed as the first coin struck by the United States Mint. It emerged during a pivotal time in American history, as the young nation established its currency and economic independence. To date, less than 130 coins exist, with one coin fetching an impressive $12 million at an auction.
2000-P Sacagawea Dollar and Statehood Quarter Mule
This distinct 2000 mule presents an interesting blend of Washington’s portrait and the Sacagawea eagle print. In its gold hue, this error resembles a standard Sacagawea dollar. Still, it is relatively less rare as only 18 coins were found so far. Nevertheless, its fascination commanded a whopping $144,000 at a Heritage Auctions sale in May 2022.
2005-D Speared Bison Nickel
The 2005 Jefferson nickel brought back the bison design. That same year, a striking blunder occurred: a large die gouge resembling a spear piercing the bison. These “Speared Bison” nickels are highly sought-after, instantly faring prices well over $100.
2005 Kansas State Quarter
Kansas quarters can be quite valuable if they contain errors. Two common mistakes are the “In God We Rust” quarter, where the die was damaged, and the “Humpback Bison” quarter, showing an abnormal bump on the bison’s back. The first flaw is more common, while the second is rarer. Both can be priced up to $100.
Morgan Silver Dollar (1878-1921)
Collectors ultimately desire to find a coin that is kept in good condition. Locating an undamaged Morgan Silver Dollar is an achievement, as many of these are more than a century old. Should you manage to secure an early Morgan in excellent shape, you’ll be a $100 richer.
Double Die Abraham Lincoln Penny (Various Years)
Keep an eye out for a Lincoln penny where the lettering seems doubled. The “double die” issue happens when a planchet gets struck multiple times with slightly shifted dies. Contingent on the severity of the doubling and the year of the coin, a double-die can have a market price of up to a thousand.
