If you’re just starting out with coin collecting, knowing which coins to look for can feel a bit overwhelming. There are countless types of coins, but some stand out because they’re rare, valuable, and meaningful to collectors.
This article will help you spot 12 rare coins that beginners should keep an eye on, making your coin hunting more focused and rewarding. Whether you’re interested in the history, the potential investment, or just building a cool collection, these coins are a great place to start.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny
If you’re starting your coin collection, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat Penny is a must-watch. It’s one of the rarest and most valuable pennies out there.
This penny features the initials of its designer, Victor D. Brenner, on the back, which were quickly removed after its release, making the “VDB” versions quite rare. Even worn examples can be worth a good amount.
Finding one could be a great addition to your collection, especially if it’s in decent condition. Keep an eye out for the small “S” mintmark, as that’s key to its rarity.
1932-D Washington Quarter
If you’re starting a coin collection, the 1932-D Washington Quarter is a cool piece to keep an eye on. It was made at the Denver Mint, with fewer than half a million minted, making it a key date for collectors.
Its value depends a lot on condition. Uncirculated versions can be worth thousands, so if you find one in good shape, it’s definitely worth checking out. Even worn examples are interesting since this coin is pretty scarce.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter
If you’re starting your collection, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is a cool coin to keep an eye out for. It was the very first year this design came out, making it pretty special.
Only about 50,000 were ever minted, and many have been melted down since then. This means finding one can be a bit tricky, but that also makes it exciting for collectors like you.
The coin features a unique design, with Liberty standing tall and an eagle on the back. Just remember, because it’s rare, you’ll want to watch out for replicas.
1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
If you’re starting a collection, keep an eye out for the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. It’s one of the rarer coins minted during a tough economic time in the U.S., which limited how many were made.
Because of its scarcity, even circulated examples can be worth thousands. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth a lot more. This coin is a solid choice if you want something with history and value.
1877 Indian Head Cent
If you’re starting out, the 1877 Indian Head Cent is a key coin to keep an eye on. It’s famous for being super rare, thanks to its low mintage that year.
Even well-worn examples can hold good value, but if you find one in great shape, it could be worth thousands. Make sure you check its condition carefully—small details matter a lot with this coin. It’s a classic for a reason and a smart addition to a beginner’s collection.
1943 Copper Penny
If you stumble across a 1943 copper penny, you’re holding something super rare. Most pennies from that year were made of steel because copper was used for the war effort.
Only about 10 to 20 copper pennies from 1943 are known to exist, making them highly sought after.
If you think you have one, it’s worth getting it checked by a professional since fakes are common. Some genuine ones have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Keep an eye out, you might have a hidden treasure!
1856 Flying Eagle Cent
If you’re starting out, the 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is a cool piece to look for. It’s one of the first small cents, making it a neat switch from the bigger coins before it.
Only about 1,000 of these were made, so it’s pretty rare. You won’t find them everywhere, and even worn examples sell for thousands. Plus, its unique copper-nickel mix gives it a different look compared to older pennies.
Adding this to your collection means owning a bit of coin history.
1921 Peace Silver Dollar
If you’re starting out, the 1921 Peace Silver Dollar is a great coin to watch for. It’s special because it was the first year this design was made, right after World War I.
Only about a million were minted, which makes it rarer than most silver dollars from that time. You’ll notice it has a high-relief design, giving the details a sharp look.
Collectors love it not just for its history, but because in higher grades, it can be pretty valuable. Keep an eye out and judge its condition carefully.
1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
If you’re starting a collection, the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar is a real conversation starter. It’s the very first silver dollar the U.S. Mint made, so it’s packed with history.
This coin is super rare, with fewer than 2,000 known to exist. Its value can be pretty high, especially if it’s in good shape. Adding one to your collection means owning a piece of early American history.
1804 Silver Dollar
If you’re starting out, the 1804 Silver Dollar is a coin worth knowing about. Despite its date, it wasn’t actually made in 1804. Instead, these coins were struck later, mostly around the 1830s, mainly for diplomatic gifts.
These coins are incredibly rare — only about 15 genuine ones are known to exist. If you ever come across one, it could be worth millions depending on its condition and class.
Watch out for details like sharp eagle feathers and correct weight to spot a real one. It’s a fascinating piece of history and a prized collectible.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
If you’re starting your coin collection, the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar is a great find. It’s the first year this coin was issued, and it’s made of 90% silver, which adds real value.
Most 1964 halves are worth around $12 because of the silver, but some rare variations and errors can be worth much more. Keep an eye out for proof versions or coins with unusual mint marks—they can be quite valuable to collectors.
1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
If you’re starting a collection, the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a must-see. It’s famous for its stunning design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, showing Liberty with a torch and olive branch.
This coin originally had a high-relief version, which looks amazing but was tough to produce because the dies wore out quickly. That makes the 1907 version extra interesting to collectors like you.
Prices tend to be higher than just the gold value, especially if the coin has a good pedigree or CAC approval.
More from Vinyl and Velvet:
Leave a Reply