Coins can hold immense value for various reasons, from their intriguing historical significance to the precious metal content they possess. Yet, in many instances, the most valuable coins are those that are the rarest. Some of these rare gems have gained a certain level of fame due to their fascinating backstories.
Consider the legendary 1943 copper Lincoln penny, a coin born out of a World War II copper shortage. This penny was accidentally minted and, today, can be valued at an astonishing $1 million. Yet, beyond the well-known tales, there are numerous lesser-known coins that also hold significant worth in the collector’s market.
These Coins Could Get You Big Cash
Many of these are Lincoln pennies—coins you might not give a second thought to if you stumbled upon one in your loose change. However, it’s essential to remember that only coins in the best condition will command the highest prices. So, if you happen to come across one of these treasures, take a closer look—it might just be a hidden fortune!
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Discover the hidden treasures among coins with our exploration of four lesser-known coins that are valued at thousands of dollars.
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1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny with Doubled Die Obverse
The intriguing world of coin collecting offers surprises like the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny, notable for its doubled die obverse. Such errors occur when a coin’s metal is struck multiple times by the die or design stamp, affecting the front (obverse), reverse, or both sides. Coins exhibiting these double die mistakes in mint or near-mint condition often fetch significant prices.
In this particular version of the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny, the word “LIBERTY” appears less sharp and pronounced than in other versions, as reported by Spruce Crafts. This unique feature gives the coin an estimated value of $3,500.
1999 Wide ‘AM’ Reverse Lincoln Penny
Another fascinating find is the 1999 Wide ‘AM’ Reverse Lincoln Penny, a variety produced from 1998 to 2000, with 1999 being the rarest year. According to Spruce Crafts, the U.S. Mint mistakenly utilized a proof die for coins that were meant for general circulation, creating a rare and valuable anomaly.
In the wide version of this coin, the letters “AM” in “America” are distinctly separated, unlike the standard versions where the letters are much closer. One such unique coin fetched an impressive $3,960 at an auction in November 2020, as reported by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
1972 Lincoln Penny: Double Die Obverse
This is another fascinating double-die obverse Lincoln cent that has captured the attention of collectors since the early 1970s. According to a blog by Liberation of Sound, the doubling effect on the phrases “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the coin’s front are particularly notable examples.
The high value of this penny is primarily due to the rarity of specimens exhibiting this specific doubling. According to PCGS, a remarkable auction record for this coin was set in 2019, reaching a total of $14,400.
1969-S Lincoln Penny: Doubled Die Obverse
Spruce Crafts describes this specific coin as “exceedingly rare.” In an intriguing twist of history, the U.S. Secret Service initially confiscated early specimens until the Mint confirmed their authenticity.