When determining if a coin is rare and potentially valuable, the date of minting is a crucial factor . While older coins from before 1800 are generally considered rare, there are many exceptions across different eras and denominations.
Here are some examples of dates or date ranges commonly associated with rare coins, especially within U.S. coinage:
- Flowing Hair Half Dollar: 1794, 1795 Small Head, 1795 Silver Plug.
- Early Eagles: 1795-1797 and 1797-1804 are rare date ranges.
- Early Half Dimes: 1794-1795 (all are rare).
- Indian Head Cents: 1877, 1908-S, 1909-S.
- Liberty Head Nickels: 1885, 1886, 1912-S.
- Morgan Dollars: 1885-CC, 1889-CC, 1893-S, 1894, 1895, 1895-S, 1903-O.
- Lincoln Cents: 1909-S V.D.B., 1909-S, 1914-D, 1922 (no mint mark), 1931-S, 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.
- Mercury Dimes: 1916-D.
- Standing Liberty Quarters: 1916, 1918/7-S, 1927-S.
- Washington Quarters: 1932-D, 1932-S.
It’s important to remember that the date is not the sole determinant of a coin’s value. Other factors include:
- Mintage: The number of coins initially produced.
- Survival Rate: How many of the original coins are still in existence.
- Condition/Grade: The state of preservation of the coin.
- Errors: Minting mistakes like doubled dies or overdates can increase rarity.
- Demand: The popularity of the coin among collectors.
- Mint Mark: In some cases, the location where the coin was minted can impact its rarity.
To learn more about the specific value of your coins, you should consult a reputable coin dealer or research recent auction results for similar coins.
What date on a coin is rare?
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.
Why is the 1984 $1 coin rare?
From my experience, Importantly, with the Maklouf portrait of the Queen introduced in 1985, the 1984 $1 is the only issued $1 bearing the Machin portrait. Thus, it is an utterly unique type in the Australian decimal series!
What coin is worth $40,000?
PCGS values a 1966 Jefferson Nickel in MS66 FS as worth $40,000 and the reason is the grade (MS66) and the striking designation “Full Steps” or “FS”. The 1966 nickel is extremely rare when the steps are fully struck and in the grade MS66 it’s a registry quality coin.