Valuable Coins

Valuable coins are often determined by factors such as rarity, historical significance, and condition. Some of the most sought-after coins include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, valued at over $18 million, the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, and the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Collectors also prize rare minting errors and coins with low production numbers. Coin value can fluctuate based on market demand and the intrinsic value of metals like gold and silver. Continue reading to learn more about valuable coins.

Many coins currently in circulation are only worth their listed value. For example, a US nickel is typically worth $0.05, while a US quarter is worth $0.25, and these are the values printed on their faces.

But some coins are worth far more than their initial listed value—the 1933 double eagle $20 gold coin sold for almost $19 million in 2021!

This guide will explore coin values and help you understand why some coins are more valuable than others. We'll also review the value of some of the most popular and rare US coins, including the Lincoln cent.

What Makes Some Coins Valuable?

The coins in your pocket or piggy bank tend to be worth their value. That means that the average penny is worth 1¢ (also denoted as $0.01). However, some coins are worth far more than their printed value.

Understanding why some coins are so valuable starts with understanding two essential economic principles:

• Supply
• Demand

These two forces significantly affect the value of any given coin. So, let's take a moment to address what they mean and how they work.

Coin Supply

Coin supply refers to the number of coins created. For example, in 2020, the US produced more than 14 billion one-cent pennies. This means that there are about 23 brand-new pennies per person in the US.

As such, 2020 pennies aren't precious. They're readily available, and billions of them are in circulation. In contrast, there's the 1861 Confederate half dollar. Only four of these coins exist.

This supply limitation is partially responsible for this coin's high value. Of course, demand is just as crucial as supply. After all, if there's no one looking to purchase a particular coin, its value can plummet.

Coin Demand

Coin demand refers to the number of investors looking to purchase a particular coin. A coin that is in high demand has a more significant number of potential investors than a coin in low demand.

Typically, demand fluctuates as supply either increases or decreases.

That said, many rare historical coins are always in high demand. Consequently, these coins are excellent investments that tend to appreciate over time.

Still, supply (the quantity of a specific coin) and demand (the number of people looking to purchase that coin) aren't the only two forces contributing to a coin's total value.

Factors That Contribute to Coin Value

Supply and demand can inform a coin's general value. But several other factors also impact a coin's value. Some of the most crucial of these aspects include:

• Condition
• Age
• Historical Significance
• Minting Mistakes
• Material

Understanding these factors (and how they influence coin values) is crucial to choosing the most valuable coins for your collection.

Condition

One of the most significant factors that determine a coin's value is its condition. Mint-condition coins (no signs of wear) are more valuable than coins covered in oil, dirt, or rust.

Coins that have never entered circulation tend to be some of the most valuable options for investors and collectors. However, there are a few exceptions to this unwritten rule.

For example, an old circulated coin dating back to 1600 to 1800 may be worth more than an uncirculated coin made today. That's because a coin's age can also influence its value.

Age

US currency has changed quite a lot since 1776, especially since the creation and adoption of the Federal Reserve.

For example, the government released the first widespread paper currency in the US, colloquially called 'greenbacks,' in 1862. Before this type of paper currency entered circulation, many early Americans used coins.

During this period, each state (or colony) minted its own coins. The value of these coins varied from state to state, making it challenging for people to determine a set value for their coins.

Coins that date back to these early days tend to be extremely valuable due to their age and historical significance. As a result, collectors, museums, and investors tend to snap them up as soon as they're available.

Historical Significance

US history is also a factor that can raise or lower a coin's value. Typically, coins minted during the most volatile historical periods are worth more than coins created during times of peace and prosperity.

For example, the 1943 copper Lincoln penny is one of the most valuable US coins, even though its immediate worth was only $0.01.

In 1943, US soldiers were busy fighting in World War II. The war effort required a massive allocation of various metals, including copper. As such, the metal became scarce.

Because of this, US mints produced very few copper pennies in 1943.

In fact, less than 50 exist today. This scarcity, low supply, and historical significance contribute to the 1943 copper penny's astoundingly high value.

Coins minted in 1776 (the birth of the US) or during the early 1930s (during the Great Depression) are also worth far more than their weight in metal.

Minting Mistakes

Even the best coin smiths occasionally make mistakes when minting coins. But, counterintuitively, these mistakes can increase a coin's value.

After all, when a coin maker realizes that they've made a mistake, they tend to destroy the coins that show this mistake.

Thus, any remaining mistake-ridden coins that enter circulation are highly treasured due to their scarcity.

Material

Minters make modern coins using several different types of metals, including zinc, copper, and nickel. But many rare historic coins are made of precious metals like gold and silver.

As you might expect, coins that contain precious metals are naturally more valuable than those made of common metals. Still, most coins that enter circulation don't contain precious metals.

The Brasher Doubloon, one of the first gold coins ever struck and minted in the US, is a rare exception. However, because it contains a relatively high percentage of gold, few of these coins were made.

Consequently, the Brasher Doubloon's value stems from a combination of its material worth, historical significance, limited supply, and high demand.

What Are the Highest-Valued US Coins?

The law of supply and demand significantly impacts a coin's value, and so any given coin can experience an increase or decrease in valuation over the passing months and years.

That said, some US coins tend to hold their value or appreciate over time. These are the best options for those looking to make a solid investment.

For example, some of the highest-value US coins include the following:

• Lincoln Cent
• Indian Head Penny
• Flying Eagle Cent
• US Large Cent
• Kennedy Half Dollar
• Peace Dollar
• Jefferson Nickel
• Roosevelt Dime
• Washington Quarter

Let's explore these coins in more detail to understand what qualities make them valuable. Remember, you can use this information to discover the best coins for your collection or investment portfolio.

Lincoln Cent

If you've ever lived in the US or dealt with US currency, you're likely familiar with the Lincoln cent (also called the Lincoln penny). This coin has an immediate value of $0.01.

The first Lincoln cents were minted in 1909, but they're still in production today. That said, today's pennies are far different from the ones created during the 20th century.

The first of these coins featured a raised profile portrait of President Abraham Lincoln's face on the obverse (front or heads) portion of the coin. And on the reverse (back or tails) side, there were two wreaths of wheat.

These wheat symbols give early pennies their common nickname, 'wheat pennies.'

The reverse side also often featured the designer's (Victor David Brenner) signature marking, the initials VDB. However, later coins lack this signature.

As a result, the earliest Lincoln pennies are often called VDB pennies.

Why Is It Valuable?

For the most part, Lincoln pennies aren't worth much more than $0.01. However, some can sell for as much as $1.7 million.

The most valuable Lincoln cents tend to be scarce and historically significant.

For example, the 1943 copper Lincoln penny is valuable because few of them exist. Additionally, copper was in limited supply (during World War II) when these pennies were created.

Pennies that feature the original designer's initials (the VDB penny) are also quite valuable. That's because they were only minted in 1909.

A particular mint's production rate also affects the value of any given penny. For example, most US pennies created during the first half of the 20th century were minted at one of two facilities:

• The San Francisco Mint, and
• The Denver Mint

These coins feature a minor marking denoting where they were created. They either have an S (representing San Francisco) or a D (indicating Denver). Notably, these facilities occasionally had low-yield years.

As such, pennies with either of these mint marks could be valuable, depending on the year they were minted. A great example is the 1914 Lincoln cent.

A 1914 Lincoln penny with a 'D' mint mark is one of less than 500,000 made during that year. Because this yield is relatively low, the penny is scarce, driving its value ever upward.

Highest Coin Value: Sold for$1.7 million in 2010

Indian Head Penny

The Indian Head Penny coin was created in 1859, and its production lasted until 1909. Like the Lincoln coin, the Indian Head penny has an initial value of $0.01. It was replaced by the Lincoln coin in 1909.

The obverse side of this coin shows a raised profile of a woman wearing a headdress. The reverse side either shows a laurel wreath (the 1958 Indian Head penny) or an oak wreath (the revised design).

As you might have guessed, the 1858 Indian Head coin is one of the most valuable of this coin type due to the limited nature of its design. And despite the listed date on these pennies, they were likely struck in 1859.

Several millions of these pennies entered circulation during the later 1800s and early 1900s. As such, there's a massive supply of Indian Head pennies available to investors and coin collectors.

This supply abundance makes the Indian Head coin one of the most affordable high-value coins.

Why Is It Valuable?

In addition to being historically significant, the Indian Head coin is treasured due to the variety of metal materials used to make it. For example, many of these coins contain a comparatively high amount of nickel and copper.

During the Civil War (1861 to 1865), many people began saving their Indian Head pennies, hoarding them in safe locations.

That's because the government had begun to issue paper currency (including Confederate States notes), which many saw as more volatile and untrustworthy than coins.

Worryingly, this type of currency had no immediate transferable gold or silver value. As such, those using greenbacks couldn't visit their bank to exchange the bills for precious metals, a standard up until the late 1800s.

Fearful of inflation and economic collapse, the Indian Head coin became a precious resource for many during this period. As such, coins that date back to the Civil War period tend to be some of the most valuable.

However, the 1888 and 1873 Indian Head cents might be the most valuable options. That's because a handful of these coins feature noticeable minting mistakes, making them incredibly rare.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $3,000

Flying Eagle Cent

The Flying Eagle penny had a limited run that lasted from 1856 to 1858. As such, they're some of the rarest US pennies ever made.

The name of this coin stems from its design. The obverse side shows the profile of a flying eagle, while the reverse side shows a wreath. Like the other pennies we've discussed, this coin's initial worth was $0.01.

However, the actual value of the Flying Eagle cent is far higher.

Why Is It Valuable?

The primary reason why the Flying Eagle penny is so valuable is that they're so few available. Unlike other obsolete US pennies, the Flying Eagle was only in production for three years.

Proof coins belonging to this limited design set can easily fetch upwards of $20,000. However, circulated coins showing some wear and tear also tend to be worth thousands of dollars.

Unlike the Lincoln penny or Indian Head cent, the Flying Eagle penny was minted in only one location: The Philadelphia mint. It's one of the only US pennies to have only one minting location.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $25,000

US Large Cent

Before the 1790s, the bulk of US citizens used state-produced currency and the Spanish dollar. However, this trend wouldn't last, as the newly created United States of America desired its own official currency.

The Coinage Act of 1792 helped establish the first US currencies, including the US Large cent. This was the first official US penny ever made and held a value of 1/100th of a dollar (or $0.01).

In 1793, the first US mint (the Philadelphia mint) produced about 11,000 flat, large pennies. However, many people were displeased with the design, prompting a re-release several months later.

Why Is It Valuable?

The US Large cent is valuable for a wide variety of reasons. Firstly, it was the first widespread type of coin produced in the US. Collectors that prefer older, historically significant coins will want to own one of these.

Secondly, less than 40,000 of these coins were made between 1793 and 1856. That's because the price of copper rose steadily throughout this period, and the fledgling US nation struggled to afford it.

For example, in 1815, the Philadelphia mint didn't produce any US Large cent pennies.

The average US Large cent is worth between $5 and $50, depending on its condition and year. However, buyers often spend upwards of $500,000 on mint-condition or high-quality US Large pennies.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $860,000

Kennedy Half Dollar

The Kennedy half dollar was made to commemorate the death of US President John F. Kennedy. It featured a profile image of Kennedy on the obverse face and a presidential seal on the reverse side.

The only exceptions to this design are the Kennedy half dollars produced in 1975 and 1976. These show a stylized relief of Independence Hall on the reverse face.

The initial 1964 Kennedy half dollar was 90% silver. As such, coin collectors and precious metal investors bought them up en masse upon their release.

Unfortunately, further releases contained less than half this amount of silver.

Why Is It Valuable?

The Kennedy half dollar's value comes from its silver content and its relative rarity. As mentioned above, the 1964 mint of this coin was 90% silver.

Consequently, the highest-value Kennedy half dollars are 1964 releases.

Additionally, the Kennedy half dollar was never a popularly circulated coin.

As a result, most of these coins are either in mint or excellent condition, making them an ideal choice for coin collectors.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $100,000

Peace Dollar

The US Peace dollar is a large silver coin that entered circulation in 1921. Its design was meant to commemorate the peace that followed the First World War.

Somewhat ironically, the US mint released a secondary release of the Peace dollar in 1934 and 1935, just a few years before World War II.

Why Is It Valuable?

These coins feature a comparatively high silver content and are also prized for their relative rarity. The initial value of these coins was $1, but the average Peace dollar from the 1920s or 1930s is worth far more nowadays.

This coin's value varies from about $30 to $60 per coin, but uncirculated and proof coins are typically worth thousands of dollars. Notably, it's illegal to own a 1964 Peace dollar.

If you ever spot one of these rare peace dollars, PCGS will give you a $10,000 reward.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $15,000

Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson nickel has an initial value of $0.05 and is still in production today. It has a silver-colored cupronickel finish and features a stylized profile portrait of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse face.

Because this is one of the most common (and still-used) coins in the US, the appreciated value of any individual coin varies. That said, the highest-value Jefferson nickels tend to be those that were minted before 1964.

Why Is It Valuable?

High-value Jefferson nickels tend to feature mistakes. However, these minting errors are what give these coins their increased value.

Coins produced between 1942 and 1945 are also valuable, but more so for their high silver content.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $10,000

Roosevelt Dime

The Roosevelt dime is the smallest in-circulation US coin still being produced today. However, it has a higher initial value than the larger Jefferson nickel, with an immediate value of $0.10.

Additionally, this is one of the most recently created common coins. It was first released in 1946.

Why Is It Valuable?

The most valuable of these coins are those that feature minting errors or unnaturally high silver content.

For example, an unknown number of 1965 Roosevelt dimes contain several troy ounces of silver, far more than they were intended to have.

This minting mistake has earned them a unique nickname: 90% Silver Roosevelt dimes. These dimes are valuable both for the minting error and high silver content.

Roosevelt dimes produced in 1982 and 1983 are also quite precious. These years heralded an economic recession, leading to coin hoarding among the general public.

As a result, these coins are still considered scarce. Coins that lack mint marks can also fetch several thousands of dollars. Be sure to give your dimes a quick look over to discover whether you have any high-value coins!

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $10,000

Washington Quarter

The Washington quarter is a type of coin that's still in circulation today. It's the largest in-circulation US coin, and it features a silver finish made of cupronickel. However, modern quarters don't contain any silver.

Worth $0.25, Washington quarters are some of the highest-value coins still being produced throughout the US. Retailers all across the country continue to accept these coins, making them easier to spend than dollar coins.

The obverse face of the Washington quarter features an image of President George Washington's face in profile. The reverse side shows a large bald eagle with spread wings.

These coins were first released in 1932. Back then, they were made of silver. However, in the 1960s, the rising price of silver forced the US mint to switch to a different mix of metals.

Why Is It Valuable?

Washington quarters made between 1932 and 1964 tend to be the most valuable. This is because the bulk of their value derives from their high silver content.

However, slight design changes also contribute to a quarter's value.

For example, the 1976 Washington quarter featured unique obverse and reverse designs that commemorated the bicentennial anniversary of the US's founding.

Highest Coin Value: Approximately $100 to $200

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a few of the most frequently asked questions concerning valuable coins. If you have any lingering questions or are curious to learn more about valuable coins, check out these questions and their answers.

What Penny Is Most Valuable?

It's challenging to determine which US penny is the most valuable, as prices fluctuate depending on demand. That said, some of the highest-value pennies include the following:

• 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent
• 1943 Copper Wheat Penny
• 1877 Indian Head Penny
• 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

Are Wheat Pennies Valuable?

Wheat pennies (so-called because of the two sheaths of wheat displayed on their reverse sides) can be pretty valuable. However, they can also be worth as little as about $0.03.

The value of any given wheat penny depends on its material, condition, and mint date. Minting mistakes can also significantly increase a wheat penny's worth.

If you have a collection of wheat pennies, be sure to have them valued by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). You may find that some of your pennies are worth far more than $0.01!

Where Can I Find Valuable Coins?

You can find valuable coins in a variety of places, from your own home to online dealers. If you have a coin collection or large coin jar, you may want to peruse those coins to see if you have any rare ones.

Of course, you can also choose to invest in graded, certified high-value coins by choosing an online dealer. After all, some online retailers offer fantastic money-saving deals on valuable coins.

Find Valuable Coins Today

Supply and demand are two of the most significant forces that impact coin values. However, coin condition, material, and historical significance also influence values.

Whether you're looking for a Lincoln cent or a Washington quarter, you'll want to consider these factors before investing. It's also crucial to choose a reputable dealer with a diverse inventory.

Bullion Shark offers both modern and classic high-value coins. If you're eager to learn more about valuable coins, be sure to reach out and contact us today!

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