There are several factors that contribute to a coin’s rarity and value, including low mintage figures, design variations, errors during the minting process, historical significance, and a coin’s overall condition.
Here are some of the most sought-after and valuable US coins by type:
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent: This Lincoln cent is rare and expensive due to its low mintage.
- 1914-D Lincoln Wheat Cent: This penny had a low mintage from the Denver Mint.
- 1943 Copper Penny: Only a small number of these coins were produced due to a minting error during World War II.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny: This coin shows noticeable doubling on the front.
- 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die: A small portion of these pennies from San Francisco also had a doubled die error, making them valuable modern coins.
- 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent: An error at the mint resulted in the “AM” in “AMERICA” on the back being separated.
- 1916-D Mercury Dime: This dime, from its first year of production, had a limited mintage.
- 1982 Roosevelt Dime – No Mint Mark: These dimes are missing the mark indicating where they were made.
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare.
- 1937 3-legged Buffalo Nickel: Some Buffalo nickels from 1937 and 1938 have a “missing leg” due to an over-polished die.
- 1942-P Jefferson Silver Nickel: The composition of this nickel changed during World War II to conserve resources, and they contain silver.
- 2005 Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel: This coin has a design error where the bison appears “speared”.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: This quarter is a highly collectible old coin.
- 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters: These quarters from Denver and San Francisco had small mintage totals, making them collectible.
- 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf: Some of these quarters have a die defect that makes it look like there’s an extra leaf on the corn stalk.
- Pre-1964 Half Dollars: These coins are 90% silver.
- 1965-1970 Half Dollars: These coins are 40% silver.
- 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar: This coin had a relatively low mintage.
- 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin: Only one of these coins exists, making it the rarest and most valuable US coin.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar: The first dollar coin issued by the US federal government, only a limited number remain today.
- 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin: Most of these coins were melted down, and fewer than 15 are believed to still exist.
- 1804 Silver Dollar: These coins were created for diplomatic gifts, and only about 15 are believed to exist across three classes.
- 1921 Peace Dollar: This was the first year for the Peace Dollar, and all were produced with a High Relief design.
- 1979 Susan B Anthony Dollar: Some of these dollars were struck with a wide rim.
- Presidential Dollar Edge Lettering Errors: Errors can occur on these coins with missing or doubled inscriptions on the edge.
A coin’s value is influenced by its condition and collector demand. If you think you have a rare coin, it is advisable to seek advice from coin experts or a reputable dealer for an appraisal.
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 is the rarest coin to look for?
From my experience, 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin.
Silver Flowing Hair Dollar. …
1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin. …
1787 Brasher Gold Doubloon. …
2007 ‘Big Maple Leaf’ 100kg Gold Coin. …
1804 Silver Dollar. …
1913 Liberty Head Nickel. …
1822 Half Eagle Gold Coin. …