News & Trending Collectibles

9 Coins From the 1990s That Are Worth Way More Than Face Value

You may have a penny worth several thousand dollars to collectors.

By Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated March 8, 2026

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Believe it or not, some of the change you have lying around in an old coin jar or piggy bank could help you boost your bank account quite a bit. While it's rare to find a coin worth thousands of dollars, unless you happen to be a very "in the know" collector, it has been known to happen. There are several coins from the 1990s in particular that could net you hundreds or even thousands on the resale market.

Check your change jar for these nine coins from the '90s that are worth way more than face value.

Editor's note: Market values were sourced from eBay unless otherwise noted.

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1992-D close AM Lincoln penny

Market value: $1,000

In 1992, some Lincoln pennies minted in Denver were struck with a reverse design that was meant for the next year. The mistake can be seen in the distance between the A and M in America on the coin's reverse. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), only about a dozen or so are known to exist.

PCGS puts the auction record for one of these rarities at more than $3,500 — and the coins attract plenty of attention on the resale market when they do pop up, even with steep starting prices.

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1995-W Silver Eagle proof

Market value: $3,000

It is unlikely that you'll have a 1995 Silver Eagle dollar coin lying around the house, as the West Point minted coins were rare even back in 1995. These coins have the lowest mintage in the entire Silver Eagle proof series.

The auction record exceeds $86,000, according to PCGS. While value has gone down, these are still a hot commodity for collectors, and several are listed for more than $3,000 on eBay currently.

1999 wide AM Lincoln penny

Market value: $640

Even in low grades, the 1999 wide AM Lincoln penny could net you more than $100 on the resale market. PCGS reports that there are pennies from 1998, 1999, and 2000 where the reverse has a mistake that makes the A and M in America appear further apart, but the 1999 pennies are considered the rarest.

A coin with a moderate MS66 grade is currently listed on eBay for $640, and any higher grades could be worth thousands.

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1997-W Jackie Robinson $5 coin

Market value: $1,500

Just over 5,000 Jackie Robinson commemorative coins were minted at West Point in 1997, and that low mintage has translated to high value in the years since. The coins were never circulated, so collectors expect excellent condition. One with a perfect MS70 grade sold for more than $6,000 in 2010.

At lower grades, like MS69, you can occasionally find the coins on the resale market for around $1,500.

1995 double die Lincoln penny

Market value: $195

While the 1995 double-die Lincoln penny obverse is considered a rarity, it's much more likely that you actually have this one than many other coins on this list. The double die can be seen with the naked eye, and the coins are regularly listed for a few hundred dollars on the resale market.

The auction record surpassed $5,000 for one of these coins in excellent MS69 condition, PCGS reports.

1996-W Olympic cauldron $5 coin

Market value: $1,500

To commemorate the United States hosting the 100th anniversary of the Olympic Games back in 1996, the U.S. Mint released a series of Olympic coins. A golden $5 coin, known as the "cauldron" coin, shows an Olympic athlete lighting the torch on the obverse.

Due to low mintage, these coins can be seriously valuable and could earn $1,500 or more on the resale market.

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1998-S close AM Lincoln penny proof

Market value: $200

The 1998 Lincoln penny minted in San Francisco is yet another example of a coin whose value lies in the appearance of the A and M in America on the coin's reverse.

Proof pennies from 1998 with the A and M close together, where they appear to be almost touching, are worth hundreds, even in lesser grades, according to PCGS sales records.

The auction record for a perfectly PR70 graded penny is $4,500.

1997-P special mint Jefferson nickel

Market value: $490

Due to low minting, 1997 Jefferson nickels that were part of a special Botanic Garden Coin set and have a satin finish can be worth a few hundred dollars. Because they were initially uncirculated, most are in very good or even perfect condition.

The auction record is just over $1,000, according to PCGS.

1990 No-S Lincoln penny proof

Market value: $2,800

According to PCGS, these pennies, which are missing an S to indicate minting in San Francisco, are so valuable since fewer than 200 of them exist. Even in lower grades, the grading service reports that these coins have sold for more than $2,000.

The auction record for a coin graded PR69 is more than $20,000.

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Bottom line

Taking valuable items you already have in your home to the resale market can be a simple way to supplement your income. However, before trying to peddle coins to collectors, it's important to get a good idea of their real value. Even if you have one of the coins listed above, getting it professionally assessed and graded could be the difference between a $50 payday and a $500 one.

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