There are several coins commonly used today that receive appraisals at much higher amounts compared to their face value. Though these coins may not sell for six- and seven-figures like the most expensive coins in the United States, if you come across one of them, then you may trade it in at Biltmore Loan and Jewelry for much more than its nominal value.
- 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
- Face value: $0.01
- Mint mark: S
- Estimated value: $10,000
Even though copper pennies are the standard today, it was not always the case. The malleable and ductile metal was indispensable during the Second World War. Instead of coins, technicians and mechanics used copper to produce generators, motor windings, and radio circuitry. The majority of pennies during WWII were products of alloys of iron, particularly steel. Despite this, a batch of 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Pennies made it into circulation.
Because very few of these copper pennies left the factories during WWII, the ones that did may command as much as $10,000 today.
- 1955 Doubled Die Penny
- Face value: $0.01
- Mint mark: None
- Estimated value: $1,800
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is a one-of-a-kind coin with a double image due to misalignment in the minting process. Factories released around 20,000 of these pennies to the public in 1955, with most cigarette vending machines distributing them as change. The doubled exposure is more prominent on the letters and numbers featured on the penny, meaning the bust of Lincoln is mostly unaffected.
If you find a 1955 Doubled Die Penny, it could be worth around $1,800. Although more recently, someone bought this famous U.S. error for a whopping $125,000.
- 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse
- Face value: $0.01
- Mint mark: S
- Estimated value: Up to $126,000
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse has an interesting background because the Federal Bureau of Investigation featured the cent on America’s “Most Wanted” list. There came a point when authorities believed this currency was counterfeit because during the time of its release, infamous counterfeiters Morton Goodman and Roy Gray began producing similar coins that caught the attention of FBI agents. Less than 100 authentic pieces became available to the public in 1969, allowing this valuable coin to continue drawing high auction prices in the 21st Century.
- 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
- Face value: $0.10
- Mint mark: None
- Estimated value: $300
Each coin in the United States features a specific letter that represents the mint where the coin was manufactured. In 1982, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally excluded the letter “P” on the Roosevelt dime. There is no estimate of how many of these now-precious dimes were issued to the public. However, numismatics have identified around 10,000 of them today.
If you have a 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime in your possession, you may be able to sell it for nearly $300.
- 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter
- Face value: $0.25
- Mint mark: P
- Estimated value: $25
The 1999-P Connecticut Broadstruck Quarter is one more example of a coin worth more than its face value due to an error during manufacturing. Referred to as a “broadstruck” quarter, this coin references how the Connecticut Mint made the mistake of not placing the quarter properly in the machine during production. Although selling one of these coins will not make you rich, the 1999-P Broadstruck Quarter is worth 100 times more than its face value. Therefore, if you find a handful of these coins in your home, you can still make a decent profit.
- 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter With Extra Leaf
- Face value: $0.25
- Mint mark: D
- Estimated value: $1,499
Moving along to coins made in the 21st Century, the 2004 Wisconsin Quarter is sought-after and in-demand because of an “error” that, according to some, was intentional. If you examine the coin close enough, you will notice an additional ear of corn at the bottom of the cob, which is on the tails side (back) of the currency.
Around 5,000 of these 2004 Wisconsin quarters were found in Tucson, Arizona. These coins can fetch up to $1,499 each depending on the overall condition.
- 2005-P “In God We Rust” Kansas State Quarter
- Face value: $0.25
- Mint mark: P
- Estimated value: $100
Although many avid coin collectors pine for state quarters in general, coins with manufacturing defects — like the ones in this article — often tops the list of particularly interesting and valuable finds. The “In God We Rust” Kansas State Quarter is, once again, another leading example of a production error that helped increase the value of a coin.
New collectors and enthusiasts need to understand that errors do not always raise the value of a coin. However, in the case of the 2005-P “In God We Rust” Kansas State Quarter, the mistake is in such a fascinating place that many connoisseurs want one in their collection.
- 2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
- Face value: $.05
- Mint mark: D
- Estimated value: $1,265
If you stumble upon a 2005 nickel that appears to have an “impaled” buffalo on the back side of the coin, examine it closer. This detail is a result of a deep scratch on the die during the minting process. Although the majority of these coins are not particularly valuable, a 2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel broke records when it sold for $1,265 at an auction in 2010.
If coin collecting is something you wish to pursue, one of the first things you need to understand is that the value of coins can shift over time, and each auction sale determines the newfound value of a specific coin. Furthermore, despite the hundreds of U.S. coins to collect, familiarizing yourself with the most popular varieties will help you build an impressive coin collection.
Where to Sell Coins in Scottsdale and Chandler, AZ
Did you find some valuable U.S. coins in your piggy bank? If you are on the lookout for a trusted coin buyer in Phoenix, Arizona, call Biltmore Loan and Jewelry today at 480-705-5626 (Chandler) or 480-991-5626 (Scottsdale) to schedule an appointment with our appraisal specialist.