Most coins we see every day are just worth their face value, but some hidden gems could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These coins are valuable because of minting mistakes, limited production, or their unique historical significance. In this article, we’ll explore five coins you might find in your pocket change or piggy bank that could be worth over $500. Keep an eye out – you might be holding onto a treasure!
Table of Hidden Treasures
| Coin Name | Year | Value Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny | 1943 | $100,000 – $200,000 | Non-magnetic, reddish color |
| 1969-S Doubled Die Penny | 1969 | Over $35,000 | Doubled date and lettering |
| 1992 Close AM Penny | 1992 | Over $20,000 | “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” close together |
| 1970-S Small Date Penny | 1970 | Over $3,000 | “7” lower than “0” in date |
| 1999 Wide AM Penny | 1999 | Over $500 | Clear gap between “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” |
1. The 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint started making pennies from zinc-coated steel instead of copper to save resources for World War II. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used, leading to the creation of the rare 1943 copper penny. Only a small number of these pennies exist, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Value: If you find one of these copper pennies, it could be worth between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on its condition. The copper penny will look a bit reddish compared to its steel counterpart.
What to Look For: Use a magnet to test any 1943 pennies you find. Steel pennies will stick to the magnet, while copper ones won’t. If you have a non-magnetic 1943 penny, you might have discovered a small fortune!
2. The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny
One of the most famous mint errors is the 1969-S Lincoln cent with a doubled die. This error happens when the stamping tool shifts slightly between impressions, resulting in a doubled image. In this case, the doubling is clearly visible in the date and the words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Value: A 1969-S Doubled Die penny can be worth over $35,000 in high-grade condition. Even circulated examples can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on how clear the doubling is.
What to Look For: Carefully examine the date and lettering on any 1969-S pennies you possess. The doubling should be visible without a microscope but can be confirmed with a magnifying glass. The “S” mint mark under the date indicates it was struck in San Francisco, which is key to identifying this valuable error.
3. The 1992 Close AM Penny
In 1992, a rare variety of pennies was minted with the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side positioned closer together than usual. This version is known as the “Close AM” variety. Normally, the “A” and “M” should be separated, making the Close AM version an anomaly that collectors eagerly seek.
Value: A 1992 Close AM penny can fetch over $20,000, especially if it’s in excellent condition. Even circulated versions can bring in hundreds or a few thousand dollars.
What to Look For: Check the back of any 1992 pennies you find, particularly the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” If the letters are almost touching, you may have a valuable Close AM penny.
4. The 1970-S Small Date Penny
The 1970-S Small Date penny is another valuable variety minted in limited numbers. The difference lies in how the date looks, where the “7” is slightly lower than the “0.” This “Small Date” version is rarer than the “Large Date” version, making it highly desirable among collectors.
Value: In high grades, the 1970-S Small Date penny can be worth over $3,000. Even circulated examples are known to sell for hundreds of dollars. It’s especially prized by collectors looking to complete their Lincoln penny sets.
What to Look For: Compare the date on any 1970-S pennies you find to pictures of the Small Date and Large Date versions. The “Small Date” version has a more compact look, with the “7” appearing lower than the “0.” The “S” mint mark shows it was minted in San Francisco.
5. The 1999 Wide AM Penny
While the 1992 penny with the Close AM is valuable, the 1999 penny with a “Wide AM” is also worth a small fortune. The “Wide AM” variety has a noticeable gap between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA,” which is opposite from the 1992 Close AM variety.
Value: A 1999 Wide AM penny in mint condition can sell for over $500, with some high-grade examples reaching prices in the thousands. Even circulated coins may still be worth a few hundred dollars, depending on their condition.
What to Look For: To identify a 1999 Wide AM penny, examine the spacing between the “A” and “M” on the reverse side. If there’s a clear separation, you might have found a valuable variety.
Conclusion
Finding coins worth over $500 in your pocket change might seem impossible, but it can happen! Coins like the 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny, 1969-S Doubled Die Penny, 1992 Close AM Penny, 1970-S Small Date Penny, and 1999 Wide AM Penny are valuable and could be hiding in your piggy bank. Always be on the lookout for these hidden treasures, as they can be worth a significant amount of money. With a little attention and knowledge, you might just uncover a coin worth a fortune! Happy hunting!
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a rare 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny?
The 1943 Lincoln Copper Penny will appear non-magnetic and have a reddish copper color, unlike the steel version
What makes the 1969-S Doubled Die Penny so valuable?
The 1969-S Doubled Die Penny is valuable due to a mint error that doubled the date and lettering.
How can I recognize a 1992 Close AM Penny?
Look at the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side.
Is there an easy way to spot the 1970-S Small Date Penny?
Yes, on the 1970-S Small Date Penny, the “7” in the date appears slightly lower than the “0.”