Top 10 Classic Coins List

The classic U.S. coins that are most worth collecting is a group that could be defined in a variety of ways. Continue reading to learn more about the Top 10 Classic Coins List.

For the purposes of this discussion, those classic coins that are exceptionally rare such as an 1894-S Barber dime or 1804 silver dollar will not be included since the number of collectors who can pursue such multi-million-dollar coins is quite limited.

Instead, the following list of classic coins focuses on those that are most widely traded and the most demanded by collectors whose coin budgets are more limited than those of the very wealthy.

In addition, these coins are pieces that have a long track record of performance and of popularity. They are in most cases the key dates or among the key dates of a particular series but not always.

Specialists from each of the classic coin series represented by these coins will naturally have their own list of top coins and personal favorites.

But for the most part there is widespread agreement that the coins discussed below are ones that will continue to be the most sought after and collected classic coins for many years no matter what happens to the coin market.

Top 10 Classic Coins Worth Collecting

1. 1909-S VDB cent

This is neither the key date of the Lincoln series, nor is it even close to the most valuable issue in the series that includes some coins worth over $1 million. Instead, it is the best-known coin of the series, one that even many non-collectors have heard about. It’s key place in the history of U.S. coinage ensure it is a coin that will remain in demand.

It is one of the lower mintage issues of the series with an original mintage of 484,000. Back when it was issued, it was saved in numbers since its appeal was immediate with the controversy about the inclusion of the coin designer’s initials (“VDB” for Victor David Brenner). Mint state examples are available but higher-end examples can get pricey.

Even in Good-4 the coin is today worth $775, but you probably want to look for a mint state coin if you can afford one (they start at $2,200). The top grade of MS67 sold for a record price of $168,000 in 2022.

2. 1955 double die cent

This is by far the most well-known error coin in the Lincoln penny series and a coin that will remain popular and in demand because it is so recognizable and distinctive with its prominent doubling of the design elements due to a minting error.

Due to a misalignment during the die creation process, around 40,000 1955 Lincoln cents were made that had significant and easily seen doubling on the obverse, especially in the date and inscription on that side. Of those coins, it is believed that 24,000 of them made it into circulation. Today only a few thousand of those still exist, and they are valuable in any grade.

An XF-40 will run you $1800, while the record to date is $114,000 for an Ms-65+ RD that sold in 2018.

3. 1937-D Three Leged Buffalo nickel

This coin is not just the most famous Buffalo error coin but also one of the most well-known and valuable of all U.S. coin errors.

The error was caused by excessive polishing off dies for the Buffalo nickel at the Denver Mint in 1937, which resulted in coins in which a considerable part of the Buffalo’s right foreleg is removed. After the error was discovered, they decided to keep minting the coins because errors were not very important at the time. It is estimated that 1,500 to 2,000 of them exist.

4. 1917-D Standing Liberty Quarter type 1

This is a very popular first year issue of the Standing Liberty series and is also popular as a type coin. Only the type 1 examples of this issue were struck at the Denver Mint. The San Francisco Mint coins are more scarce especially in mint state.

Any 1917 Standing Liberty type 1 quarter that has a full head is especially desirable. The type 1 coin feature an exposed breast that was later covered up with medieval chain main for the rest of the series. They are considered among the best designs of classic U.S. coins and are highly sought after especially in higher mint state preservation.

5. 1932 D Washington Quarter

This coin and the 1932-S quarter (which are also the first year of issue coins) have long been the undisputed keys of the Washington quarter series with the lowest mintages. The lower production levels were due to the economic depression of the time and less need for coins in circulation.

The mintage of the two keys is similar at 436,800 for 1932-D and 408,000 for 1932-S, but in grades of MS-63 and higher, the 1932-D quarter is five to ten times more rare than the 1932-S.

When the coins were struck, there was no effort to handle them carefully, which is why they are hard to find high grade examples. Even circulated ones are worth hundreds of dollars, and there is a strong market for those coins. Better-quality specimens are popular at coin auctions.

6. 1921-D Walking Liberty half dollar

This coin has the lowest mintage for the popular Walking Liberty half dollar series at 208,000 and has long been the key coin.

This coin tends to be struck well with typically 60% or greater detail in the left hand on the obverse and about half of the eagle’s feathers on the reverse. The coin’s low mintage has long made it popular. In lower circulated grades it is the most valuable Walker.

7. 1921-S Walking Liberty half dollar

This coin had a higher mintage than the 1921-D at 548,000 and is less expensive in the lower circulated grades but catches up in the higher circulated grades to that coin. And in the mint state grades, the 1921-S (along with the 1919-D) are the scarcest and most valuable Walkers. The record for a 1921-S is $188,000 for an MS66 in 2016.

The typical 1921-S in mint state has a frosty appearance with a slightly weak strike but not nearly as weak in the details as the S-Mint coins of the 1940s.

8. 1878 Morgan silver dollar

This is the first year of issue for the Morgan dollar series, which remains the most popular large silver coin of the classic era.

One has a number of options here. One could pick the 1878-CC, the always popular first year of the Carson City Morgan silver dollars. Or one could go with the 1878-S or one the various feather varieties from 1878 (or coins with the reverse from 1879). The latter are usually better for more experienced collectors.

All the 1878-CC coins have the reverse of 1878 and 7 tail feathers. 60,993 of these coins were found in the Treasury vaults that were used for the famous GSA sales of the 1970s. Prior to the GSA release, mint state examples of the 1878-CC were scarce.

Today this (and all the 1878 Morgans) remain popular with collectors and should continue to do so.

9. 1921 Peace dollar

The 1921 Peace dollar is a special coin that holds a unique place in American coinage as a the only high relief classic silver coin and the first year of issue of the popular Peace dollar series.

It was issued in December of 1921 as a tribute to the desire for peace after World War I. Just over a million coins were struck after extensive issues with striking the design because the intricate details of the design required the coin to be struck in high relief.

That is a two-step process in which coins are struck multiple times with higher pressure, and that leads to die wear and broken dies. Eventually, the Mint decided to lower the relief so that larger numbers of coins could be made in future years, as they were.

Examples of this issue in great condition are scarce and valuable. They also got a boost from the revival of the Peace dollar in 2021. The 1921 Peace dollar is a true classic that will always be in demand.

10. 1934-S Peace dollar

With an original mintage that is very similar to the 1921 Peace dollar also a little over a million coins, the key date 1934-S Peace dollar is the rarest coin of the series in mint state.

However, that is the case only through grades of MS63-64. Above that level, there are rarer coins in this series, including the 1923-S, 1925-S and 1928-S that are all more valuable at the MS65 or higher level.

Compared this coin with the Morgan dollar series, where the key date coins of 1893-S and 1895 proof are much more expensive than the 1934-S Peace dollar. The lowest graded proof 1895s are $70,000 and any 1893-S better than XF-40 is at least $48,000.

The record for the 1934-S Peace is a PCGS MS-66+ that sold for $79,313 in 2019.

FAQ

1. What coins are included in the top 10 classic U.S. coins list? The list often includes iconic pieces like the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent, the 1916-D Mercury Dime, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar, the 1932-D Washington Quarter, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, the 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar, the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent, and the 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar.
2. Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent considered a classic U.S. coin? This coin is renowned for its rarity and the public intrigue surrounding its designer's initials (V.D.B. for Victor David Brenner), which were prominently placed on the reverse in its initial release and quickly removed, creating a highly sought-after rarity.
3. What makes the 1916-D Mercury Dime a top classic coin? The 1916-D Mercury Dime is the key date of the series due to its extremely low mintage of just 264,000 pieces, making it the rarest and most valuable Mercury Dime.
4. How valuable is the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar? Known as the "King of the Morgan Dollars," the 1893-S has a very low mintage of only 100,000 coins. High-grade examples can sell for well over $100,000, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after coins in American numismatics.
5. What is special about the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar? This coin is significant as it is generally considered to be among the first silver dollars struck by the U.S. Mint. Its rarity and the historical significance of representing the new nation’s first dollar make it exceptionally valuable.
6. What rarity factors affect the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar? The 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar, known as the "King of American Coins," was actually struck in 1834 as a diplomatic gift and not in 1804. Its extreme rarity and the fascinating history behind its production contribute to its legendary status among collectors.
7. Why is the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent considered a classic? The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent was a pattern coin, and with an estimated mintage of only about 2,000 pieces, it is highly prized among collectors. It was one of the first small cents produced by the U.S. Mint, marking a significant transition in U.S. coinage.
8. What historical significance does the 1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar hold? This coin is noteworthy due to its being one of the first coins struck at the New Orleans Mint and for its very low mintage. Only about 20 specimens are known to exist, adding to its allure as a classic U.S. coin.
9. How does the condition of these classic coins affect their value? Condition or grade is critical in determining the value of classic coins. Coins in higher grades (e.g., Mint State) are exceptionally rare and command premium prices, especially if they retain their original luster and show few signs of wear.
10. Where can collectors find these top classic U.S. coins? These coins can be found through reputable coin dealers, major numismatic auctions, and sometimes at coin shows. Due to their value and rarity, potential buyers should ensure they deal with trustworthy sources and consider certified coins graded by recognized services like PCGS or NGC.

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