30 Old Coins Still Turning Up in Pocket Change
Coin collecting often begins accidentally. Change jingles in your pocket, and a quick glance reveals a coin from decades past.
Most circulating coins are worth face value, but certain dates, mint marks, and varieties can be worth hundreds or thousands. These 30 coins, still occasionally found in everyday transactions, represent opportunities for collectors who know what to look for.
1969-S Penny (Double Die Obverse)
The 1969-S penny with doubled die obverse is one of the most famous error coins, worth $10,000-$50,000 depending on condition. The doubling is visible in the date and “In God We Trust” inscription.
1955 Penny (Double Die Obverse)
The 1955 doubled die penny is worth $500-$5,000, making it one of the most valuable modern pennies still occasionally found in collections.
1943 Copper Penny
Due to a shortage during WWII, most 1943 pennies were made of steel. Legitimate copper 1943 pennies are extremely rare and worth $50,000-$1 million.
1944 Steel Penny
A reverse of the 1943 situation, steel pennies minted in 1944 are rare and worth $1,000-$10,000 depending on condition.
1909-S VDB Penny
Victor David Brenner’s initials on the 1909-S penny caused controversy, making it rare. Specimens are worth $500-$2,000 depending on condition.
1916-D Dime
Denver mint dimes from 1916 are scarce, with specimens worth $200-$1,000 in circulated condition.
1931-S Nickel
The 1931-S Buffalo nickel is among the key dates, worth $30-$200 depending on grade and condition.
1950-D Nickel
Certain Denver mint nickels from 1950 are valuable, worth $100-$500 in higher grades.
1873-CC Dime (Carson City)
While unlikely in everyday circulation, Carson City dimes from the 1870s-1890s are valuable, ranging from $500-$5,000 depending on date and condition.
1913-S Barber Dime
San Francisco mint dimes from 1913 are scarce, worth $50-$500 depending on preservation.
1901-S Quarter
San Francisco mint quarters from 1901 are key dates, worth $50-$300 in circulated condition.
1913-S Quarter
The 1913-S is a scarce quarter, worth $100-$500 depending on grade.
1932-D Washington Quarter
Denver mint quarters from 1932 are valuable, worth $50-$400 depending on condition.
1932-S Washington Quarter
San Francisco mint quarters from 1932 are similarly valuable, worth $50-$350.
1964-D Peace Dollar
While Peace Dollars haven’t circulated much since 1935, the 1964-D minted but never officially released silver dollars are worth $1,000-$15,000.
1921-S Morgan Dollar
San Francisco mint Morgan Dollars from 1921 are common in their year but valuable, worth $20-$100 in circulated condition.
1895-O Morgan Dollar
New Orleans mint Morgans from 1895 are key dates, worth $100-$500 in circulated condition.
1895-S Morgan Dollar
San Francisco mint Morgans from 1895 are even rarer, worth $500-$2,000.
1893-S Morgan Dollar
The 1893-S is scarce, worth $200-$1,000 depending on condition.
1888-S Morgan Dollar
Morgan Dollars from the 1880s-1890s from San Francisco are valuable, worth $50-$400 in circulated grades.
1903-O Morgan Dollar
New Orleans mint Morgans from 1903 are valuable, worth $50-$300.
1794 Silver Dollar (Flowing Hair)
While incredibly rare in circulation, the first US dollar coins are worth $10,000-$10 million+ depending on condition and provenance.
1793 Cent (Chain Cent)
The first US cent is virtually never found in circulation, but if discovered, would be worth $100,000+ depending on variety.
1796 Quarter Dollar
Early US quarters are rarely circulated but extremely valuable, worth $5,000-$50,000+ depending on variety and condition.
1870-CC Half Dollar
Carson City mint half dollars from 1870 are scarce, worth $500-$2,000.
1926-S Standing Liberty Quarter
Standing Liberty quarters from 1926-S are valuable, worth $100-$500 depending on grade.
1923-S Peace Dollar
Peace Dollars from 1923-S are common in their year but worth $20-$100 in circulated condition.
2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf Error)
Certain 2004 Wisconsin quarters show die varieties with extra leaves on the corn, worth $100-$500 to collectors.
1969-D Penny (Doubled Die Reverse)
Some 1969-D pennies show reverse doubling, worth $500-$3,000 depending on severity.
1972 Penny (Doubled Die Obverse)
The 1972 penny with doubled die obverse is worth $50-$500, making it one of the more accessible valuable error coins.
Treasure in Your Pocket
Pocket change often contains overlooked value. Most coins are worth face value, but key dates, mint marks, and error varieties can represent significant numismatic value.
A moment spent checking dates and mint marks before spending loose coins might reveal an unexpected
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