Most people hardly notice spare change, but some coins hold immense value. A few rare dimes and quarters, including a 1990 Bicentennial Quarter, have sold for millions. These coins are still potentially in circulation, waiting to be discovered. If you’ve ever wanted to turn pennies into gold, here are some coins you should look out for in your change jar.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber Dime is one of the most elusive and valuable coins in U.S. history. With only 24 minted, it has become a legendary piece for collectors. Interestingly, it was produced at the San Francisco Mint during an era when dimes weren’t often minted there, which adds to its rarity. In 2005, an 1894-S Barber Dime fetched $1.9 million at auction, proving its immense value.
Collectors are captivated by this coin for its scarcity and historical allure, making it a true treasure among rare U.S. coins.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is another prize in American coinage, valued highly by collectors for its unique design history. The “VDB” initials on the coin, belonging to its designer, Victor David Brenner, faced public backlash and were quickly removed from subsequent coins. Only 484,000 of these special coins were minted in San Francisco, turning them into highly valuable collectibles.
In 2010, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent was auctioned for a remarkable $1.7 million. This penny serves as a fascinating reminder of design controversies that left a lasting impact on numismatics.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is rare, with only five ever minted, allegedly by a rogue mint employee. This secretive creation turned it into a collector’s dream. Each coin from this batch has its own ownership story, adding mystique and value to its appeal. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold at auction for $3.7 million in 2007, making it one of the priciest coins in the world.
The story of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel speaks to the allure of numismatics—it’s a coin with mystery, value, and a highly selective history, appealing to those who seek more than metal.
1990 Bicentennial Quarter
Although relatively recent, the 1990 Bicentennial Quarter has gained incredible value due to an unusual production error. This coin was accidentally struck on a blank meant for a foreign currency, resulting in an anomaly that’s highly prized. Only a few of these coins are known to exist, and each one is valued at around $1 million, making this quarter worth far more than its original face value.
The 1990 Bicentennial Quarter demonstrates that even modern coins can become valuable rarities, sometimes from something as simple as a mistake.
| Rare Coin | Year | Notable Price | Reason for Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1894-S Barber Dime | 1894 | $1.9 million | Only 24 minted |
| 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent | 1909 | $1.7 million | Limited mintage with controversial initials |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $3.7 million | Only 5 minted, created unofficially |
| 1990 Bicentennial Quarter | 1990 | $1 million | Struck on a foreign blank, rare occurrence |
Each of these coins highlights how historical context, mintage numbers, and even simple minting errors can transform pocket change into collectible treasures. Rare coins like these not only carry high monetary value but also serve as unique pieces of American history.
If you find yourself staring at spare change, take a closer look—you may just uncover a piece of U.S. minting history worth a fortune.
FAQs
How many 1894-S Barber Dimes exist today?
Only 24 were ever minted, making them extremely rare.
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent valuable?
It has low mintage and unique design initials, VDB, that were later removed.
How many 1913 Liberty Head Nickels were made?
Only five were produced, allegedly by a rogue mint employee.
What makes the 1990 Bicentennial Quarter rare?
It was mistakenly struck on a blank meant for a foreign coin.
Is it possible to find these coins in circulation today?
Yes, but it’s extremely rare due to their high value.
