You might not realize it, but some of the old coins tucked away in your junk drawer could be worth a lot more than their face value. Many coins that seem like just spare change are actually rare or have special characteristics collectors look for.
If you take a closer look at the coins you have, you could discover pieces that are surprisingly valuable and in demand. Knowing which coins to watch out for can turn your forgotten drawer into a small treasure trove.
1943 Steel Penny
If you happen to find a 1943 steel penny in your drawer, don’t dismiss it as just another old coin. Most pennies that year were made of steel due to copper shortages during World War II.
Some of these steel pennies have become surprisingly valuable. A few rare versions can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions, especially if they show unusual errors or were accidentally struck on copper.
To spot one, check its color and weight—it’s lighter and silver-toned, unlike normal pennies. Even though many are still around, finding a valuable one is pretty rare.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
If you stumble on a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, consider yourself lucky. Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare finds.
The 1913 date is odd because official records say no Liberty Head Nickels were made that year. Yet somehow, these five coins appeared, sparking mystery and huge value.
Collectors prize them highly, with individual coins selling for over $4 million. If you find one, it could be the crown jewel of your collection.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
If you find a 1955 Lincoln cent, take a closer look at the lettering. The Doubled Die error makes the words and date look like they’re stamped twice, which isn’t supposed to happen.
This mistake happened at the Philadelphia Mint when the die was misaligned during production.
These coins are rare and highly valued by collectors. Some have sold for tens of thousands, even millions, depending on condition. So check your pennies—you might have a small treasure hiding in your drawer.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
If you stumble on a 1937-D Buffalo nickel, take a closer look. Some versions have a weird error where the buffalo’s front leg looks like it’s missing. This oddity makes it the famous “three-legged” variety.
It happened because of a die polishing mistake at the Denver Mint. Collectors really like this coin, especially if it’s in good shape. Keep an eye out—finding one in your drawer could be a neat surprise.
1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdate
If you stumble upon a 1942 Mercury dime, take a closer look at the date. Some of these dimes show a rare overdate where the “2” in 1942 is stamped over a faint “1” from 1941.
This minting mistake is pretty cool and can make your coin worth much more than a regular dime. Finding an authentic 1942/1 overdate can be tricky, though, since fakes exist.
If you do have one, its value can range widely depending on condition, sometimes reaching several thousand dollars. So, it’s definitely worth checking if you find this old dime.
1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Penny
If you stumble across a 1969-S penny with doubled letters, especially in “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST,” you might be holding something rare. This error happened when the coin’s design was stamped twice, creating a clear double image.
These pennies are super collectible and can be worth thousands, even more if in great condition. They’re one of the rarest U.S. coin errors, and only a few dozen exist. So, check your junk drawer—you never know what penny treasure you might find.
1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters
If you happen to find a 1932-D or 1932-S Washington quarter in your drawer, don’t ignore it. These coins were made in very limited numbers—under half a million each. The 1932-D is especially rare, making it a key date for collectors.
The value depends a lot on the condition, but high-grade examples can be worth thousands. Even coins with some wear can still surprise you with decent value today. Keep an eye out for the small mint marks on the back near the wreath.
2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter
If you’ve got a 2004-D Wisconsin quarter tucked away, take a closer look at the corn stalk. Some of these quarters have an “extra leaf” error that makes them stand out.
There are two types: Extra Leaf High and Extra Leaf Low, depending on where the leaf appears. These mistakes aren’t just cool—they can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars if in good condition.
So, next time you dig through your change, keep an eye out for this little coin with a surprising twist.
1944 Steel Lincoln Cent
If you stumble on a 1944 Steel Lincoln Cent, you’ve found a rare mistake. Most 1944 pennies are copper, but some were accidentally struck on leftover steel blanks from 1943.
These coins are super uncommon and can be quite valuable. Even lower-grade examples start around $26,000, and higher-grade ones can fetch much more. It’s definitely worth checking any old pennies you find for this quirky piece of history.
1943 Copper Penny
If you find a 1943 penny in your drawer, check it carefully. Most were made of steel during WWII to save copper for the war effort. But a tiny number were accidentally struck on copper planchets.
These rare copper pennies can be worth thousands, even millions, depending on condition. To spot one, weigh it—copper coins are heavier than the steel ones. If it’s genuine, you could have a valuable piece of history right in your pocket.
1942 Lincoln Penny with Mint Mark Varieties
If you stumble on a 1942 Lincoln penny, check the mint mark carefully. You’ll find options like no mint mark, a “D” for Denver, or an “S” for San Francisco.
Each variety can affect the coin’s value. For instance, the “D” and “S” versions are usually worth more than the no-mint-mark ones, especially if they’re in good condition.
Some rare errors from that year can be surprisingly valuable too. So, take a close look before tossing any old pennies!
1958 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
If you find a 1958 Lincoln cent with doubled lettering, don’t overlook it. This coin is rare because of a striking doubling effect on words like “LIBERTY” and the date. Only a few examples are known to exist.
People have sold these pennies for over a million dollars, but most sit quietly unnoticed in collections or drawers. So, if you come across one, it might be worth getting it checked by a professional. It’s a small coin with a big story.
1960 Small Date Lincoln Cent
If you find a 1960 Small Date Lincoln cent in your coins, it might be worth more than you think. This version has a subtle difference in the date that collectors really like.
Some rare specimens have sold for impressive amounts, even reaching into the millions. Most are still out there in circulation, so keep an eye out. Even coins with errors or unique mint marks can catch a collector’s interest.
Early 1909 VDB Lincoln Cents
If you have a penny from 1909 with the initials “VDB” on the back, you might be sitting on a small treasure. These pennies were only made for a short time, making them pretty rare.
The “S” mint mark means it was made in San Francisco, and those are especially valuable. Even if your penny looks worn, it could still be worth more than you think. Keep an eye out for these in your collection or change jar.
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