When you think of valuable coins, you might picture ancient treasures or coins with major mistakes. But many coins you see every day might be worth a lot more than you think! Some common coins in your pocket can be hidden gems. They don’t look special at first glance, but they can be highly sought after by collectors. In this article, we’ll explore five overlooked coins that might be worth a small fortune and learn what makes them so special.
1. The 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1972 |
| Error | Doubled die (notable doubling in “LIBERTY” and date) |
| Value | $250 – $1,000+ |
| Why Overlooked | Subtle doubling often goes unnoticed. |
| What to Look For | Clear doubling in “LIBERTY” when viewed closely. |
The 1972 Lincoln cent with a doubled die is one of the most overlooked coins. It features clear doubling in the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1972.” This happened because of a minting mistake where the die struck the coin twice but slightly off-center.
2. The 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1982 |
| Error | No mint mark (usually has a “P”) |
| Value | $150 – $300+ |
| Why Overlooked | Lacks visible flaws or errors. |
| What to Look For | Absence of a “P” mint mark above the date. |
Another valuable coin is the 1982 Roosevelt dime without a mint mark. The Philadelphia Mint mistakenly struck a batch of dimes without the usual “P” mark. Since it doesn’t have a glaring error, it often goes unnoticed.
3. The 1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1995 |
| Error | Doubled die (visible doubling in “LIBERTY”) |
| Value | $20 – $100+ |
| Why Overlooked | Less pronounced doubling than older coins. |
| What to Look For | Doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” |
The 1995 Lincoln cent also has a doubled die error. Although the doubling isn’t as obvious as in the 1972 coin, it still holds value. Many people overlook it because they don’t expect recent coins to be valuable.
4. The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Error | Small date (slightly different appearance) |
| Value | $30 – $2,500+ |
| Why Overlooked | Subtle differences in the date can be missed. |
| What to Look For | The “7” in the date looks lower and more curved. |
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln cent is another coin that many collectors want but often gets missed. The key difference is in the appearance of the date; the “7” is lower and rounder than the “7” in the Large Date version.
5. The 1983 Doubled Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year | 1983 |
| Error | Doubled die on reverse (notable doubling in lettering) |
| Value | $50 – $300+ |
| Why Overlooked | Error is on the reverse side, making it less noticeable. |
| What to Look For | Doubling in “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” |
The 1983 doubled die reverse Lincoln cent features a valuable error on the back side. This coin has noticeable doubling in phrases like “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” It’s often missed because the doubling isn’t very pronounced.
Conclusion
These five coins may look ordinary, but they have the potential to be worth a lot more than their face value. The rarity of these coins often comes from minting errors or unique features that aren’t immediately obvious. By taking a closer look at your coins, you could discover hidden treasures worth hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars! So next time you check your pocket change, keep an eye out for these overlooked coins. Understanding their value can turn a casual coin collection into a potentially lucrative hobby.
FAQs
Can I still find valuable coins in circulation today?
Yes! While it’s rare, valuable coins with minting errors or unique features can still be found in circulation.
Do all coins with errors increase in value?
Not all error coins are valuable. The value depends on the type of error, its rarity, and its condition.
How can I tell if my coin is a rare or valuable one?
To identify rare or valuable coins, look for unique features such as minting errors, unusual dates, or missing mint marks.
Where can I sell valuable coins if I find one?
You can sell valuable coins at coin shops, online marketplaces, or auctions that specialize in rare coins.