13 Valuable Coins to Look for in Your Pocket Change

Imagine this: you're about to toss your pocket change into a jar, only to discover that among the usual dimes and nickels, there's a rare gem worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Sound like a long shot? It’s not as far-fetched as you might think. While most of us might overlook the coins we encounter daily, some of these pieces of metal could be surprisingly valuable. In this guide, we'll explore 13 specific coins you should keep an eye out for. Each one of these has historical significance, rarity, or unique features that can dramatically increase its value. From old pennies to elusive quarters, your spare change might be hiding a fortune. So, let’s dive in and discover what to look for when sifting through those coins!

1. 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. Minted in San Francisco, this coin was produced in a limited number due to controversy over the designer’s initials (V.D.B. stands for Victor David Brenner) being too prominently displayed on the coin. The 1909-S V.D.B. penny is notable not just for its rarity but also for its historical context, making it a prized item among collectors.

2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist, making this coin one of the rarest and most valuable in American history. These coins were produced secretly and outside of the regular minting process. If you happen to find one, you're holding a piece of history worth millions.

3. 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
This penny features a distinctive double die error on the obverse side, where the date and inscriptions are doubled. The 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny is highly collectible due to this minting flaw, which occurred in only a small number of coins. If you find one, it's worth getting it appraised!

4. 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
Similar to the 1955 error, the 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln penny features a striking double image on the obverse side. However, this coin is even rarer because fewer examples are in circulation today. This coin is a must-check for any serious collector.

5. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
In 1970, the U.S. Mint produced two different types of pennies: a large date and a small date version. The 1970-S Small Date penny is much rarer and more valuable than its large date counterpart. This subtle variation can make a significant difference in the coin’s worth.

6. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
The 2004-D Wisconsin state quarter is known for its "extra leaf" error on the corn stalk, which can make it significantly more valuable. This minting error is rare, and finding one could add a surprising amount of value to your coin collection.

7. 2005-P Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf
Similar to the 2004-D variant, the 2005-P Wisconsin state quarter with an extra leaf is a notable error. This coin features a small but visible extra leaf on the corn stalk, making it a valuable piece for collectors.

8. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel is a famous error coin where the buffalo on the reverse side appears to be missing one of its legs. This error happened due to a problem with the die used to mint the coin. If you find one, it's a rare and valuable addition to any collection.

9. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, pennies were primarily made from zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. However, a few copper pennies were mistakenly minted in 1943. These copper pennies are incredibly rare and valuable, with prices reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

10. 1885 Liberty Head $5 Gold Coin
The 1885 Liberty Head $5 gold coin is rare due to its limited mintage and high demand among collectors. If you come across one, it's likely worth a significant amount of money.

11. 1927-D St. Gaudens Double Eagle
Known for its beautiful design and rarity, the 1927-D St. Gaudens Double Eagle is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. The 'D' mint mark indicates it was produced in Denver, and its rarity makes it a valuable find.

12. 1907 Indian Head $10 Gold Coin
The 1907 Indian Head $10 gold coin is prized for its unique design and historical significance. The coin features a Native American chief and an eagle, and it's valuable both for its gold content and its numismatic importance.

13. 1879 Flowing Hair $4 Gold Coin
The 1879 Flowing Hair $4 gold coin, also known as the "Stella," is an extremely rare piece. It was produced as a pattern coin for a proposed $4 denomination, and only a few examples are known to exist. This coin can fetch a staggering price at auction.

Conclusion
Keep in mind that the value of these coins can vary greatly depending on their condition, rarity, and current market demand. It's always a good idea to have your coins professionally appraised if you suspect they might be valuable. Next time you handle your pocket change, remember: your spare change could be worth a small fortune. Happy coin hunting!