Did you know that certain bills and coins, especially those with printing errors, can be worth a small fortune?
You might just stumble upon one in your everyday change or while reaching for your wallet to pay for a cup of coffee.
However, without knowing what to look for, you could easily overlook these hidden treasures.
It’s important to remember that not every old coin or bill is valuable. Age alone doesn’t guarantee rarity or high worth. Many older coins are quite common and are only worth their face value.
But, there are some rare and unique items that can be worth far more than you might expect. We’re here to guide you on how to spot these valuable finds.
Whether you’re a passionate coin collector or simply curious about the coins in your change, this guide to 24 rare bills and coins will open your eyes to how easily you could find a true gem hiding right under your nose.
So take a closer look at the coins and bills in your pockets or wallet you never know what valuable discoveries you might uncover!
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In 1913, the US Mint intended to transition to the Indian Head design for nickels, but due to an error, five Liberty Head Nickels were minted instead.
This mistake resulted in one of the most coveted coins among collectors worldwide. Only five of these rare nickels are known to exist, and one of them fetched an astounding $4.2 million at auction in 2022.
2. 1983 Penny Without A Mint Mark
The 1983 penny is highly valuable due to a mistake made at the Philadelphia Mint, where a small batch of pennies were struck without the usual “P” mint mark.
In uncirculated condition, these error pennies can be worth anywhere from $7,000 to as much as $15,000 each.
3. 1787 Fugio Cent
The 1787 Fugio Cent, also called the “Franklin Press” penny, is one of the earliest coins produced by the United States government.
On one side, it depicts a sun and sundial, while the reverse features thirteen interconnected rings symbolizing the original thirteen colonies.
4. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny
The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny is highly coveted by collectors due to a unique double imprint on its design.
This error occurred because of a problem with the die used to strike the coins, causing both the date and Lincoln’s profile to appear doubled. In excellent condition, this rare penny can be worth approximately $2,000.
5. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse stands out from other double-die coins because the doubled impression appears only on the “In God We Trust” side of the coin.
Due to its rarity and distinct error, this coin is valued at around $35 to $50 in mint condition.
6. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter features a distinctive error: an extra leaf appears on the ear of corn on the reverse side of the coin.
Some experts believe this mistake was caused by the minting process and affects only certain coins from the Denver Mint, making it a rare find for collectors. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the error, this quarter can be worth up to $300.
7. 1972 Lincoln Cent with Double Die Obverse
The 1972 Lincoln Cent is another valuable coin with a double die error, potentially worth up to $500.
This error is easily noticeable with a magnifying glass, as both the date and the “LIBERTY” inscription are doubled, making it a highly sought-after find for collectors.
8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent features a doubled die error on both the date and the surrounding lettering.
This mistake occurred during the minting process and slipped past quality control, making it a rare and valuable find for coin collectors.
9. 1970-S Memorial Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
The 1970-S Memorial Cent also features a double die error, similar to the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent.
However, this coin has an additional doubled “S” mint mark, which significantly increases its value, with some examples estimated to be worth as much as $14,247.
10. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent
While pennies are typically worth just one cent, some from 1998, 1999, and 2000 can be worth significantly more anywhere from $5 to $600.
This is due to a minting error where the letters “A” and “M” in “America” on the reverse side were spaced too far apart, giving them a wider appearance. The 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent is one of the most valuable of these error pennies.
11. Presidential Dollars
In 2007, the U.S. Mint issued a series of Presidential Dollar coins featuring the first four U.S. presidents. However, some of these coins were struck without the edge inscriptions, including “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and the year.
These rare coins are valued between $50 and $3,000 each, depending on the president featured and the condition of the coin.
12. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, the U.S. Mint made an error by omitting the “P” mint mark on a small number of Roosevelt dimes, making these coins a rare and valuable discovery.
If you happen to find one of these dimes, it could be worth anywhere from $30 to $50.
13. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
The 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent is a rare find that still occasionally surfaces in circulation.
This penny features doubling on the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and it can be worth up to $40 in good condition.
14. $500 Bill
The U.S. Mint ceased printing $500 bills in 1969, which makes them extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Experts estimate that a $500 bill can be worth anywhere from $800 to $4,000, depending on its condition.
15. State Quarters
While state quarters may seem common, an uncirculated one can be worth $50 or more, depending on the state and year it was minted.
To be valuable, the coin must be uncirculated, and you’ll need to keep an eye out for specific states and years. When you find the right one, it could become a valuable addition to your collection.
16. $1,000 Bill
Along with the $500 bill, the U.S. Mint also discontinued printing $1,000 bills in 1969.
These bills are even rarer than the $500 notes, and depending on their condition, they can be worth anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.
17. Silver Half Dollars
The value of silver half dollars is heavily influenced by the year they were minted and their silver content.
Coins minted before 1964 contain 90% silver, while those made after that year only contain 40% silver, making the older coins more valuable.
18. $5,000 Bill
The $5,000 bill, last printed in 1945, is a rare find that stands out due to its high value.
Depending on its condition, the most valuable $5,000 bills can fetch up to $30,000 at auction, making them highly desirable among collectors.
19. $10,000 Bill
The $10,000 bill, last printed in 1945, is an extremely rare find.
One of the most valuable $10,000 bills ever sold fetched a staggering $480,000 at auction. If you ever come across a $5,000 or $10,000 bill, it’s wise to have it appraised by a professional, as its value can vary greatly based on condition and rarity.
20. Indian Head Pennies
Indian Head pennies, minted between 1859 and 1909, are prized by collectors and can sometimes be found when searching through your penny collection.
These historic coins are highly sought after due to their age and rarity.
21. Low Number Bills
Bills with serial numbers under 100 are considered a rare and lucky find for collectors.
Depending on their condition and rarity, these low-numbered bills can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
22. High Number Bills
Similar to low-number bills, high-number bills with serial numbers over 100 can also be valuable to collectors.
Bills with consecutive or patterned serial numbers are especially sought after and can be worth much more than their face value.
23. Lincoln Wheat Pennies
Minted from 1909 to 1958, Lincoln Wheat pennies are highly popular among collectors.
Certain early-year Wheat pennies, particularly those in mint condition, can be worth thousands of dollars.
24. Star Notes
Star notes are rare and highly valued by collectors.
These replacement bills were printed to replace damaged or misprinted notes and feature a star symbol next to the serial number, making them unique and sought-after in the collecting world.
Conclusion
Collecting rare coins and bills can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Whether you stumble upon a valuable coin in your pocket or actively search for rare pieces, knowing what to look for is key. Some of these rare finds, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or Star Notes, can fetch incredible prices. Remember, condition, rarity, and unique features like mint errors all play a role in determining value. So, take a closer look at your change you might just be sitting on a hidden treasure!
FAQs
What makes a coin or bill rare?
A coin or bill is considered rare due to its limited production, minting errors, or historical significance.
Are all old coins valuable?
No, not all old coins are valuable. Only those with rarity, unique features, or historical importance tend to fetch high prices.
How do I identify valuable bills and coins?
Look for minting errors, rare dates, or unique features such as missing mint marks or double die imprints.
Where can I sell rare coins and bills?
Rare coins and bills can be sold through coin shops, auctions, or online marketplaces specializing in collectibles.