Coin collecting has always been a fascinating hobby, but did you know that some coins currently in circulation could be worth a small fortune? One standout is the Bicentennial Quarter, which has fetched over $50,000 at auction. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this rare coin and five more that could be hiding in your pocket change, just waiting to change your life.
Bicentennial Quarter
The Bicentennial Quarter, minted in 1976, is unique due to its commemorative design celebrating the 200th anniversary of the United States. While millions of these coins were produced, some special versions, such as the silver proof coins and error coins, have skyrocketed in value. Depending on their condition and rarity, these quarters have sold for over $50,000.
1969-S Lincoln Cent
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent is another coin that has caught the attention of collectors. What makes this penny valuable is a rare doubling error on the obverse side, which features President Lincoln’s portrait. This doubling, called a “double die,” can make the coin worth tens of thousands of dollars, with some reaching prices upwards of $70,000.
1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent
The 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent is an extraordinary coin that can often go unnoticed. In this version, the letters “A” and “M” in the word “AMERICA” on the reverse side are closer together than usual, an anomaly that has turned a common penny into a prized collector’s item. Some have sold for over $20,000, making this cent a potential jackpot.
1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
Most coins feature a mint mark that identifies where they were produced. However, the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is missing this critical identifier, which has led to its increased value. Collectors seek out these dimes, and a well-preserved example can easily be worth several hundred dollars or more.
1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent is another coin with a subtle difference that significantly impacts its value. The small date version of this penny, minted in San Francisco, is worth a lot more than its large date counterpart. Collectors have paid over $3,000 for pennies in excellent condition, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for this variant.
1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent
Similar to the 1969-S Lincoln Cent, the 1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent features a significant minting error. In this case, the doubling appears on the reverse side, where “ONE CENT” and other details are clearly duplicated. This mistake has made the coin highly sought after, with prices for high-grade versions reaching up to $10,000.
| Coin | Mint Year | Error/Unique Feature | Estimated Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicentennial Quarter | 1976 | Commemorative, errors | $50,000+ | Rare |
| 1969-S Lincoln Cent | 1969 | Double die obverse | $70,000+ | Very rare |
| 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent | 1992 | Close AM on reverse | $20,000+ | Scarce |
| 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime | 1982 | Missing mint mark | $500+ | Uncommon |
| 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent | 1970 | Small date version | $3,000+ | Scarce |
| 1983 Double Die Reverse Lincoln Cent | 1983 | Doubling on reverse | $10,000+ | Rare |
These rare coins serve as a reminder that sometimes, extraordinary value can be found in the most ordinary places. Keep an eye out when sorting through your change—you might just find a hidden treasure that could change your life.
FAQs
What makes Bicentennial Quarters valuable?
Some Bicentennial Quarters are valuable due to their limited-edition designs, minting errors, or silver composition, particularly the proofs and uncirculated versions that can fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
How can I tell if I have a 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent?
To identify a 1992 Close AM Lincoln Cent, examine the reverse of the penny under magnification. The “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” should be almost touching, unlike the typical gap seen on most pennies.
Why is the 1969-S Lincoln Cent so expensive?
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent is valuable because of a minting error known as the “double die” on the obverse side. Coins with this error are extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Are 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dimes common?
No, the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is not common. It was an accidental omission, and while some were released into circulation, they are relatively rare compared to other dimes.
How do I determine if I have a 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent?
The key difference in the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent is in the size of the date. The small date version has a more compact, less elongated appearance compared to the large date.
READ MORE: From $40,000 to $500,000: The 5 Most Sought-After Bicentennial Quarters