15 Valuable American Coins and Which US States You’re Most Likely To Find Them In

In addition to hoarding wealth, privileged classes began collecting coins for their artistic or historical value centuries ago

For centuries, the upper class didn’t just stockpile wealth—they also took interest in coins for their artistry and historical significance. The practice of coin collecting, known as numismatics, has long been a favored activity around the world. Whether drawn to the designs, the history behind each coin, or simply the rarity, collectors have found fascination in currency throughout time.

In America, while many people still collect coins purely for enjoyment, others approach it as a serious investment opportunity. Older coins, especially those with unique features or minting mistakes, can bring in significant profits. Although you’re unlikely to stumble upon coins worth hundreds of thousands or millions in your couch cushions, there’s still a chance of finding valuable change in circulation.

Fortunately, not all valuable coins are long gone. Some rare coins remain in circulation and can still be discovered with a little luck. The five coins listed below are examples of U.S. currency still floating around today. While all of them are rare, the five U.S. state quarters mentioned later in this list are especially likely to be found in the regions where they originated.

The 5 Most Valuable U.S. Coins Still in Circulation

There are numerous coins still in everyday circulation that are surprisingly valuable. While age can play a role, the coins that attract collectors most are typically those produced with unique errors or flaws—such as double strikes or low-mintage batches. These errors can be hard to spot, but when found, they can turn ordinary pocket change into a small fortune.

1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny – This coin is particularly prized because nearly all pennies from 1943 were made from zinc-coated steel, as copper was needed for military supplies during World War II. Only around 40 of the copper versions are believed to still exist. These rare coins can fetch an estimated $10,000, though one famously sold for $82,500 in 1996, according to the U.S. Mint.

1955 Doubled Die Penny – With a production error that caused doubling in the date and lettering, this penny is easily recognizable to trained eyes. Roughly 20,000 of these coins entered circulation—many through cigarette vending machines. One of these could earn you around $1,800 depending on condition.

1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse – Among the rarest modern-era pennies, this coin features doubling on the front design and is considered extremely scarce. Fewer than 100 verified examples exist, and because of their rarity, coins in pristine condition can command over $126,000. However, counterfeits are common, so authentication is key.

1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime – Normally, dimes carry mint marks to indicate where they were produced, but some 1982 dimes from the Philadelphia Mint were mistakenly struck without one. These coins are still circulating and range in value from $30 to $300 based on wear and condition.

2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel – If you find a 2005 nickel showing what looks like a spear piercing through the bison on the reverse, you’ve found a minting error worth holding onto. Depending on the quality, such a coin can fetch around $400, with some high-grade examples selling for over $1,200 at auction.

5 Valuable U.S. State Quarters

Between 1999 and 2008, the U.S. Mint released a special series of state quarters, each featuring a unique design representing one of the 50 states. On the obverse side, all quarters still bore the familiar image of George Washington. While more than 400 million quarters were minted per state, some are considered rarer and more desirable to collectors than others.

Take Virginia, for example—its quarter is among the most common, with over 1.6 billion minted. On the other hand, some states had fewer coins issued, making them harder to find. The most elusive quarters in terms of circulation numbers include Oklahoma (416.6 million), Maine (448.8 million), Wisconsin (453.2 million), Missouri (453.2 million), and Alabama (457.4 million), according to The Hill.

Though the basic versions of these state quarters typically carry little more than their face value, those with minting errors or experimental designs can be worth hundreds or even thousands. The five coins listed below are among the most valuable of the state series, as noted by CoinValueChecker.

1999-P Experimental Delaware State Quarter – In preparation for producing the 2000 Sacagawea dollar, the U.S. Mint tested alternative materials using Delaware quarters. These test coins were minted in limited numbers, making them exceptionally rare. One in pristine condition sold for $4,888 at auction.

2003-D Maine State Quarter – While this coin isn’t particularly rare in general, finding one in top-grade condition is quite difficult. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for flawless examples, and in 2017, Heritage Auctions sold a high-grade Maine quarter for $2,300.

2000-P South Carolina State Quarter – Like the Maine coin, this one’s value lies in its condition. Coins graded MS-69 (meaning near-perfect) are extremely limited. Fewer than 500 have achieved this grading, significantly boosting their market value.

2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter (Extra Leaf Low) – This quarter is famous for its mysterious mint error—a second, low-positioned corn leaf near the ear of corn on the reverse side. Some speculate this was an intentional addition. Coins with this extra leaf have sold for as much as $1,500.

1999-P Connecticut State Quarter – A minting issue called a “broadstrike” resulted in a coin that was struck without the collar that keeps its shape, creating a coin with a flatter, more spread-out appearance. These flawed coins can be worth about $25 each, significantly more than their face value.

The Most Valuable Historic U.S. Coins

If you ever come across an old sofa that’s been in the family for generations, don’t forget to check between the cushions—you might uncover one of America’s most priceless coins. The following historic coins are some of the rarest ever made and, according to Invaluable, are worth millions today.

1794 Flowing Hair Dollar – This was the very first silver dollar minted by the United States and is considered one of the most important coins in American history. In 2013, one of these coins shattered records when it sold for a staggering $10 million.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel – Only five of these coins are confirmed to exist, and all are highly sought after by elite collectors. One of them sold in 2013 for $3.1 million, cementing its status as one of the rarest coins in the world.

1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar – This coin is something of a mystery. Though there is no official Mint documentation of its production, at least 11 have been discovered. The last known sale of one was in 2008 for $1.3 million.

1927-D St. Gaudens Double Eagle – Following a 1933 executive order to recall gold currency, most Double Eagle coins were melted down. Fewer than 20 survived the recall, and examples of this coin can now bring in millions. Around 11 to 15 are known to remain in private collections.

1838-O Capped Bust Half Dollar – This coin is notable for being among the first silver pieces produced by the New Orleans Mint. Only 20 were made, and just nine are believed to still exist today, making it incredibly rare and extremely valuable.

Last Thought

While most of us don’t expect to find a fortune hiding in our pockets, coin collecting offers both an exciting hobby and a potential investment opportunity. Whether it’s a rare state quarter, a minting error, or a centuries-old treasure, the right coin can hold surprising value. So next time you get change at the store or clean out the sofa cushions, take a closer look—you might just be holding a small piece of American history worth far more than its face value.