The value of a coin is determined by factors including its rarity, condition, demand among collectors, historical significance, and metal content. Certain dates and mintmarks are particularly sought after, especially for specific coin series. Here are some notable examples:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: Values start around $650+, considered a key date due to low mintage (484,000).
- 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Cent: Value at least $175+ (more in higher grades). This coin had one of the lowest mintages in the entire Lincoln Wheat Cent series.
- 1922 “Plain” Lincoln Cent: A 1922-D cent with a grease-filled die obscuring the “D” mint mark, the more valuable variety has a sharply struck reverse and can be worth $500-$1,000+.
- 1943 Copper Lincoln Penny: Extremely rare error coin, mistakenly struck on bronze instead of steel planchets during WWII copper conservation efforts. The most valuable version, the 1943-D, can be worth over $800,000.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: Known for noticeable doubling in the date and lettering, values start around $1,000+.
- 1958 Doubled Die Obverse Cent: An extremely rare variety with strong doubling in the date and lettering, only three are known, with auction records exceeding $300,000.
- 1969-S Double Die Lincoln Cent: Values start at $25,000+, potentially reaching over $126,000 for high-grade specimens.
- 1972 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent: Another notable doubled die error with values starting around $300+.
- [1885 Liberty Nickel]: A scarce key date, even in well-worn condition, worth several hundred dollars, with uncirculated specimens reaching five figures.
- [1886 Liberty Nickel]: The second scarcest date, values can range from $700 to $20,000 or more in uncirculated condition.
- [1912-S Liberty Head Nickel]: The only Liberty Nickel struck at the San Francisco Mint, and the lowest regular-issue mintage in the series (238,000), making it desirable to collectors.
- [1913 Liberty Head Nickel]: Extremely rare, only five are known to exist, with auction prices reaching millions of dollars. Its value comes from its extreme rarity and mysterious origins, as it was minted unofficially after the design was discontinued.
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1885 Liberty Head V Nickel $350.00]
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1886 Liberty Nickel $185.00]
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1912-S Liberty Nickel Original Fine + Details $134.99]
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–1913 Liberty Head ‘v’ Nickel Extremely Fine 5c—$29.98]
- 1916-D Mercury Dime: First year of issue with the lowest mintage in the series (264,000), worth $800+.
- 1901-S Barber Quarter: Values starting around $3,500+.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: First year of issue, valuable due to its collectible design and the controversial exposed breast of Lady Liberty which was later covered.
- 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters: Low mintage dates worth $85+ and $80+ respectively.
- 1893-S Morgan Dollar: Known as the key date in the Morgan series, with a very low mintage of 100,000.
Note: The values provided are approximate and can vary significantly based on the coin’s condition, the market, and other factors. Always consult with a reputable coin dealer or use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC to get an accurate appraisal of your coins.
What date on a coin is rare?
From my experience, One of the easiest ways to tell if a coin is rare is to check the date. If the coin is from before 1800, it’s likely rare. Coins minted in the 19th century are also generally considered rare, with a few exceptions. Coins from the 20th century are less likely to be rare, but there are still some that meet the criteria.
How to know when coins are worth money?
They are no longer being produced and therefore decreasing in circulation.
They are difficult to find.
They have unique marks due to errors or limited editions.
They have some kind of historical significance.