Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors You Might Have One in Your Change
Many valuable coins were once everyday pocket change. This guide lists the top 10 rare coins wanted by collectors, how to spot them, and practical steps if you find one.
Why collectors want these rare coins
Collectors prize rarity, historical importance, and minting errors. Condition and documented provenance also drive market value.
Knowing what to look for can help you spot a valuable coin before it leaves your hands.
Quick list: Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (USA)
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
- 1916-D Mercury Dime
- 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
- 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
- 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
- 1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (error)
Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors — Brief descriptions
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Minted in gold but mostly melted after the 1933 recall, a few specimens escaped. They are among the most valuable American coins due to extreme rarity and legal history.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five examples are known, making this nickel legendary. When one appears at auction it draws intense interest and high prices.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
As one of the first U.S. silver dollars, this coin is prized for historical significance and low surviving population.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This mint error shows strong doubling on Lincoln’s date and motto. It is fairly famous and can be identified with visible duplicated letters on the obverse.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Issued with the designer’s initials (VDB) on the reverse, this low-mintage San Francisco coin is sought for its scarcity among early Lincoln cents.
1916-D Mercury Dime
Minted in Denver with a low output, the 1916-D Mercury dime is a cornerstone of many circulated-date collections.
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
Very few were struck and survivors are rare; collectors target this date for high-grade type sets.
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
One of the lowest mintage Morgan dates, the 1893-S is prized especially in higher grades.
1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
Only a handful exist and they were actually struck later as diplomatic pieces. Their rarity and story make them museum-quality collectibles.
1943 Copper Lincoln Cent (error)
Most 1943 cents were steel due to wartime copper needs. A few copper-struck 1943 cents are rare and valuable when genuine and properly authenticated.
How to inspect coins you find in your change
Start with basic visual checks and a loupe. Look for date, mint mark, unusual doubling, or metal color that doesn’t match the denomination.
Use these quick tips to evaluate a possible rare coin:
- Check the date and mint mark against rarity guides.
- Look for doubling, off-center strikes, or wrong-metal strikes.
- Compare weight and diameter to standard specs if you suspect a metal error.
- Photograph the coin clearly and note how you found it.
Grading, authentication, and selling
High-value coins should be graded and authenticated by reputable services (e.g., PCGS, NGC). Grading adds market trust and can significantly affect value.
When selling, choose established auction houses or dealers and get multiple opinions. Avoid quick private sales until you know a realistic value.
Storage and care for rare coins
Store coins in inert holders, avoid cleaning, and keep them in a stable, low-humidity environment. Handling with gloves or by the edges prevents surface damage.
- Use coin flips, capsules, or archival-quality holders.
- Keep documentation and provenance with each coin.
- Consider insurance for high-value items.
The 1955 doubled die cent shows such obvious doubling that it was once common to spot in circulation. Authentic examples graded by major services can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on condition.
Real-world example: A coin found in a pocket
A collector once found a worn 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent in a roll of pennies bought from a bank. After authentication and grading, the coin sold for several hundred dollars at auction, far above face value.
This case shows small chances in everyday transactions; careful inspection and knowing key dates can pay off.
Practical checklist if you find a suspected rare coin
- Do not clean or alter the coin.
- Take clear photos of both sides under good light.
- Note weight and diameter if you have a precise scale and calipers.
- Compare to trusted coin guides or websites.
- If promising, seek professional authentication before selling.
Final thoughts on Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
Rare coins range from historically significant early issues to modern mint errors. With a bit of knowledge and care, you could spot a valuable coin in everyday change.
Keep this guide handy, inspect unusual coins gently, and consult experts when a find looks genuine — you might be holding more than pocket change.
