10 Most Valuable Coins In Circulation 

In most cases, uncirculated coins are worth more money than circulated coins because of their preserved condition. But that’s not to say that there aren’t valuable coins found in circulation.

If you know what characteristics to look for, you’ll be more likely to find one. Most people aren’t taking notice of key dates or mint marks; you never know what you could find in your pocket change.

Here is our list of the ten most valuable coins found in circulation:

Eisenhower 40% Silver Dollars From 1971-76

Eisenhower Silver Dollars are one of only two U.S. coins ever struck with 40% silver content. Eisenhower Dollars were issued by the U.S. Mint from 1971-1978, but only coins from 1971-1976 in BU and Proof versions had 40% silver.

These valuable silver dollars contain .3161 Troy oz. of silver content per coin. The obverse displays a left-profile portrait of President Eisenhower, who served to terms in the 1950s and guided the nation through a very prosperous decade.

The coin’s reverse was a depiction of the bald eagle landing on the moon from 1971 to 1974 and the Liberty Bell during the Bicentennial issue in 1975-1976. Both illustrations incorporated the moon as a nod to the success of Apollo 11 in 1969.

2005 Kansas State Quarters — MS68

The Kansas State Quarters were the 34th coin released in the 50 State Quarters program on August 29, 2005. The coin’s reverse has text that reads “Kansas 1861 - 2005 - E Pluribus Unum,” referencing when the state was admitted into the Union on January 29, 1861.

The image on the reverse is a large American Bison and sunflower motif, both of which are state symbols for Kansas. All of the Statehood Quarters were clad, which means they were 75% to 80% copper, and the rest was composed of nickel. Only silver-proof sets were produced in silver.

A 2005 Kansas State Quarter graded as MS68 is more valuable because it has full original luster, a sharp strike, and no more than four contact marks or flaws. A popular error coin among coin collectors reads, “In God We Rust” instead of “In God We Trust” due to a bad die.

2004 Wisconsin State Quarters — MS67

Wisconsin State Quarters were the 30th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program on October 25, 2004. Wisconsin was admitted into the Union in May of 1848.

The coin’s reverse features a design incorporating the head of a cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn because they’re major producers of this type of agriculture. There is also a banner with the word “Forward,” the state’s motto due to its drive to become a national leader.

A 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter graded MS67 is worth about $20, according to the PCGS Price Guide. Washington quarters in circulation that are certified as MS67 are valuable U.S. coins because they’re rare in that condition. These would only have the slightest distracting marks or imperfections.

2004 Wisconsin State Quarters — MS68

2004 Wisconsin State Quarters in circulation and certified MS68 are worth money because they’re even rarer. Silver coins in circulation endure much more wear and tear, so it’s difficult to find them in mint state.

Coin values for any type of coin in mint state are almost always much higher than face value, especially those in MS66 to MS68. You’re more likely to find these grades in uncirculated coins. However, it’s still possible to find these valuable coins in circulation.

A 2004-P 25C Wisconsin MS68 PCGS sold at Heritage Auctions in 2007 for an auction record of $1,495.

1996 Roosevelt Dimes

Technically, 1996 Roosevelt Dimes were not meant for circulation, but enough of them have been removed from their sets and used for spending, so it is possible to find one in your spare change.

These rare coins were issued in a limited release for coin collecting to recognize the 50th anniversary of the 1946 Roosevelt Dime series. They were actually a free bonus coin sold only with the 1996 U.S. MintUncirculated Sets.

The 1996-W Roosevelt Dime has a “W” mint mark to represent the West Point Mint. The silver coin has a mintage of just 1,457,000 pieces, which makes it scarcer than any other regular-issue business strike ever.

1965 Roosevelt Dimes

1965 is a key date for Roosevelt Dimes because it was the year the Mint stopped making the coinage out of 90% silver content. It’s also the year they stopped placing mint marks on coins to deter hoarding and coin collecting, but they were actually struck at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mint branches.

Due to the rising price of silver, they started making Roosevelt Dimes out of a clad “sandwich” of copper with two layers of an alloy on each side. The composition from there on out would be 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.

During the transition period, some silver dimes struck in 1965 were accidentally made with the wrong materials. This caused some of the 1965 Roosevelt Dimes to be struck on a 90% silver planchet by mistake. These error coins are extremely rare, with only a few known examples.

1982 Roosevelt Dimes (No U.S. Mint Mark)

All 1982 Roosevelt Dimes should have a mint mark to show which Mint branch it was produced at. The letter “P” was stamped on coins struck at the Philadelphia facility, “D” for coins minted in Denver, and “S” on dimes minted at the San Francisco Mint branch.

However, some 1982 Roosevelt Dimes known as the “No-P” were issued from the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark in error. One of the mint workers didn’t realize the dies being used were not punched with the “P” mint mark, but it wasn’t discovered until late in the year after being issued.

These coins are scarce and (at the time) geographically limited to a few isolated locations, mostly in Ohio. Some of these valuable coins were found at the popular amusement park Cedar Point.

1918 Buffalo Nickels

Of all the U.S. nickels, few are more well-known than the Buffalo variety. For old coins like the 1918 Buffalo Nickel, the condition is what sets it apart to coin collectors.

Three different types of Buffalo Nickels were minted every year, which makes them even more appealing when it comes to coin collecting. Finding a Buffalo Nickel in circulation that was produced a century ago in well-preserved condition would be very difficult but not impossible.

Some types are more valuable than others, and the condition is always important, but a 1918 Buffalo Nickel of any kind will be worth well over face value. The age alone makes it one of the most valuable nickels for numismatic purposes.

1969 Double-Die Pennies

The 1969 Lincoln Cent with a doubled die obverse is exceedingly rare. One reason being the Secret Service confiscated the early specimens thinking they were fakes until the U.S. Mint admitted they were genuine error coins.

1969 Double-Die Pennies do have a long history with counterfeits, so it’s crucial to have them certified by a reputable coin grading service. It’s believed that less than a hundred of the authentic 1969 double-die pennies were produced.

1948-63 Ben Franklin Half-Dollar Coins

These coins feature a side profile of Benjamin Franklin and the cracked Liberty bell on the obverse. A complete set of these half-dollar coins from 1948-1963 can be worth well over $1500.

Add Rare U.S. Coins to Your Coin Collection

At Bullion Shark, we offer a constantly evolving inventory of rare U.S. coins that includes everything from the rarestLincoln Penny to stunning gold coins.

As experienced coin dealers, we have the most valuable pennies for your coin collection and thousands of precious metals ranging from ancient coins to historical coins and more.

Source:

50 State Quarters Program | U.S. Mint

2004-D State Quarter Wisconsin PCGS MS-67 - Auction Prices | PCGS

Auction Prices Realized | PCGS

Top 10 Most Valuable U.S. Coins Found in Pocket Change | The Spruce Crafts

The United States 1982-P Roosevelt Dime | CoinWeek