Did you know that some coins in your pocket might be worth a small fortune? Coins that have been in circulation for years could be hiding in plain sight, and their value could surprise you. Coins featuring well-known figures like Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are still being used daily, but certain rare versions of these coins can be worth up to $13,100. In this article, we’ll explore five of the most valuable coins currently in circulation and what makes them so special.
What is a Circulated Coin?
Circulated coins are those that have been used in everyday transactions. They show signs of wear because they were made for regular use by the public. The condition of these coins is graded based on how worn they are, with terms like Very Good (VG), Fine (F), Extremely Fine (XF or EF), and About Uncirculated (AU). On the other hand, uncirculated coins have never been used for transactions and show no signs of wear. While uncirculated coins are typically more valuable, circulated ones can still fetch high prices depending on certain factors.
Factors That Affect Coin Value
A coin’s value often depends on its rarity, condition, and any errors that may have occurred during the minting process. Coins with low mintage (meaning few were made) or those with minting errors are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s look at some of the most valuable coins in circulation today.
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar – $13,100
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the rarest coins you can find. Only 100,000 of these coins were minted in San Francisco, making them incredibly hard to come by. This coin is highly prized by collectors, especially in higher grades. One 1893-S Morgan Dollar sold for more than $13,000 after 113 bids in an auction!
2. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel – $5,600
The Buffalo Nickel, minted between 1913 and 1938, is another valuable coin, especially the 1924-S edition. With only around 1.4 million pieces made, this coin is rare compared to the average Buffalo Nickel mintage of 19 million. One 1924-S Buffalo Nickel sold for $5,600 after a competitive bidding war on eBay.
3. 1916-D Mercury Dime – $3,200
The Mercury Dime was introduced in 1916, replacing the Barber Dime. The rarest Mercury Dimes come from the Denver mint, marked with a “D” under the date. Only 264,000 of these 1916-D dimes were made. Depending on its condition, this dime can be worth between $300 and over $29,000. One recently sold for $3,200 in a Fine 12 grade.
4. 1909-S Lincoln Penny – $2,146
The 1909-S Lincoln Penny is significant for being the first year of the Lincoln penny series and for a controversy involving the coin’s designer, Victor David Brenner (VDB). He placed his initials on the reverse of the coin, which led to public criticism. With only 484,000 of the 1909-S pennies made, they are extremely rare. One 1909-S VDB penny recently sold for over $2,100.
5. 1932 Washington Quarter – $680
Two of the rarest Washington quarters were minted in 1932: the 1932-S and the 1932-D. These quarters are notable because they are the only ones from the Washington series with mintages under 1 million. A 1932-D quarter was sold for $680 after receiving 45 bids.
Table of Most Valuable Coins in Circulation
Coin | Year | Value | Mintage |
---|---|---|---|
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | 1893 | $13,100 | 100,000 |
1924-S Buffalo Nickel | 1924 | $5,600 | 1.4 million |
1916-D Mercury Dime | 1916 | $3,200 | 264,000 |
1909-S Lincoln Penny (VDB) | 1909 | $2,146 | 484,000 |
1932-D Washington Quarter | 1932 | $680 | 408,000 |
Conclusion
You might want to take a second look at the coins lying around your house or in your pocket. Some of them could be worth much more than their face value, with certain rare coins fetching thousands of dollars. Whether it’s a Morgan Silver Dollar or a Lincoln Penny, the value of circulated coins depends on several factors, including rarity, condition, and any errors during minting. Don’t underestimate the potential of your spare change—it could lead to a valuable discovery!
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my coin is valuable?
Look for rare dates, mint marks, and the coin’s condition. The lower the mintage, the more valuable it might be.
Where can I sell my valuable coins?
You can sell valuable coins online through auction sites like eBay or to coin dealers and collectors.
What makes circulated coins valuable?
Coins can become valuable if they have low mintages, minting errors, or are in excellent condition despite being circulated.