US Coins That Are Gaining Value Fast
Posted by Andrew Adamo on Apr 17th 2025
Underrated US Coins That Are Gaining Value Fast
The world of rare coin collecting is full of surprises. While classic key dates and high-grade rarities tend to get the spotlight, there’s a quieter group of US coins steadily climbing in value—many of which have flown under the radar for years. These underrated coins may not have made headlines yet, but savvy collectors are beginning to take notice. Here are some of the most underrated US coins that are gaining value fast:
1. 1983-P Washington Quarter (No Mint Mark) – With Reverse Die Break
1983-P 25C FS-901, "Spitting Eagle" (Regular Strike) - Image Source PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $504 • MS66+ • 03-13-2018
This quarter may look ordinary, but collectors are paying attention to the 1983-P Washington quarter, particularly those with die breaks or other errors. Due to the elimination of mint sets in 1982 and 1983, high-quality uncirculated examples are harder to find than you'd think.
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Why it’s gaining: Scarcity in top condition + rising interest in error coins.
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Value Tip: MS65 examples can fetch $100+, especially with the die break error.
2. 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cents (All Four Designs)
Image source: US Mint
The four reverse designs released in 2009 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday received initial fanfare and now many collectors are starting to realize how undervalued these Lincoln pennies are.
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Why it’s gaining: Low mintage for a modern cent, especially in satin and proof versions.
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Value Tip: Look for the with the “extra finger” doubled die—values can reach several hundred dollars in high grade.
2009-D 1C Lincoln-Formative Years, RD. Image source - PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $1,880 • MS67 • 07-12-2015
2009 1C Lincoln-Early Childhood, RD - Image source PCGS
AUCTION RECORD: $1,203 • MS67 • 03-31-2012
3. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel
1938-D Jefferson Nickel. Image source - PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $5,980 • MS68 • 11-30-2004
This first-year issue of the Jefferson Nickel US Coins is often overlooked, but the 1938-D has one of the lowest mintages in the entire series at just 5.4 million coins.
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Why it’s gaining: Early date, low mintage, and rising demand for full steps varieties.
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Value Tip: Look for Full Steps designation (FS)—these command a major premium.
4. 1971-D Eisenhower Dollar
1971-D $1 "Friendly Eagle" FS-901 Type 1 Eisenhower Dollar Reverse RDV-006. Image source: PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $10,000 • MS66+ • 04-17-2021
Though often dismissed as common, the 1971-D Ike dollar is notoriously difficult to find with a high-grade strike and clean surfaces.
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Why it’s gaining: Increasing interest in the Ike series + PCGS population reports show few MS66+ coins.
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Value Tip: Top-pop coins in MS66 and above can sell for several thousand dollars.
5. 1996-W Roosevelt Dime
Minted only as part of a special proof set, the 1996-W Roosevelt dime marked the 50th anniversary of the design and was never released into circulation.
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Why it’s gaining: It’s the only dime with a “W” mint mark and had a low mintage of just 1.45 million.
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Value Tip: High-grade examples of these US coins in original packaging are especially desirable.
Image source: PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $245 • MS68 • 06-13-2022
6. 1970-D Kennedy Half Dollar
Image source: PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $7,495 • MS67 • 03-10-2023
The last 40% silver half dollar intended for circulation, the 1970-D Kennedy half dollar was released only in mint sets, making it scarcer than most collectors realize.
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Why it’s gaining: Final year of silver + low mintage of just 2.15 million.
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Value Tip: Strong demand from silver stackers and Kennedy collectors alike.
7. 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent. Image source: PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $5,000 • NGC Genuine • 01-21-2022
This error variety, where the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” are very close together, wasn’t meant to be released until 1993—but a few 1992 examples slipped out.
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Why it’s gaining: Incredibly rare and highly sought after US coin.
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Value Tip: One sold for over $25,000—even circulated examples can fetch thousands.
8. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Image source: PCGS.
AUCTION RECORD: $1,499 • MS67FB • 09-10-2018
In 1982, some Roosevelt dimes were struck in Philadelphia without the customary “P” mint mark—making them among the most famous modern errors.
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Why it’s gaining: Few were found, and demand has only increased over time.
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Value Tip: Uncirculated examples can sell for over $300; proof-like examples fetch more.
Why These US Coins Are Heating Up
Several trends are pushing these underrated coins into the spotlight:
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Modern error and variety hunting is booming, especially on YouTube and Instagram.
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Low mintage modern coins are being appreciated.
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Collectors are expanding into complete sets, discovering these “hidden gems” along the way.
These underrated U.S. coins offer a unique opportunity for collectors to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a new hobbyist, keeping an eye on these sleepers could pay off—both in your collection and your portfolio.
Start looking through your change, mint sets, and rolls—you might already have one of these rising stars hiding in plain sight.
*This information is for educational purposes only. Bullion Shark is not responsible for any factual errors that may be contained in this post. This information is not intended for investment purposes. Please consult an investment advisor before investing.
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