8 Pocket Change Coins That Are Worth Over $1,000

Those nickels, dimes, and even pennies in your coat pocket, purse, or change jar may be worth much more than you think, and could even be the key to help pay for your bills or reduce some other financial stressors. Collectors have been known to shell out thousands for common coins that have spiked in value due to unique features or mistakes made during the minting process.

The key is being able to tell the difference between a penny worth one cent and one worth thousands. Keep an eye out for these eight highly valuable coins that have been known to pop up in pocket change.

Editor's note: All auction record data is from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), unless otherwise stated.

1969-S double die obverse Lincoln penny

Auction record: $54,625

The double die error on the 1969-S penny can clearly be seen on the coin's front, with the doubling particularly obvious in the year and the word "Liberty." However, the coin is still valuable to this day for another reason. It was at the center of a major coin counterfeiting operation.

Only about 15 examples of the authentic double die obverse penny are known to exist, according to PCGS, and while there are theories that more may eventually appear, the few known examples remain extremely valuable, even in lower grades.

The coin that sold for more than $50,000 had an AU grade, which indicates some visible wear.

1968 'no S' Roosevelt dime proof

Auction record: $40,250

There are only about a dozen known examples of 1968 Roosevelt proof dimes that are missing their "S" mintmark, an incredibly valuable mistake. According to PCGS, a die that was supposed to include the "S" mintmark, but did not, was mistakenly created in Philadelphia and sent to San Francisco.

It's widely believed that the San Francisco mint caught the error early on, which is why so few examples of these dimes exist. Still, they have been known to appear and always sell for serious cash when they do.

Record sale prices range from around $10,000 to the auction record, which exceeds $40,000.

1990 'no S' Lincoln penny proof

Auction record: $20,700

Only a few hundred examples of the "no S" Lincoln penny proofs from 1990 are known to exist, which makes them rare and quite valuable. A proof coin will appear sharper, more polished, and sometimes shinier because of the way these coins are made.

The "S" mintmark was mistakenly left off around 200 pennies minted in San Francisco that year, and the flub has made these coins into quite a lucrative collectors' item.

The record sale, which exceeded $20,000, was for a coin in near-perfect condition with a grade of PR69.

1992-D 'close AM' Lincoln penny

Auction record: $14,100

"Close AM" pennies were created in 1992 when dies intended for 1993 were accidentally used for 1992 coins in both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. The result may be hard to see at first glance, but the "A" and "M" in America on the reverse appear closer together than they do on normal coins.

PCGS reports that these coins are valuable in any condition, and though only about 20 are thought to exist, they have been known to pop up randomly in circulation.

The auction record coin was graded MS65, but coins with lower grades have sold for thousands as well.

1984 double die obverse Lincoln penny

Auction record: $3,910

A valuable 1984 Lincoln penny is another that you might happen upon while out and about, or even while sifting through your old change jar. Several thousand examples of a double die obverse mistake are thought to exist.

According to PCGS, the doubling is clearly visible on the coin's obverse on Lincoln's ear, beard, and bowtie. For those of us with untrained eyes, it may be helpful to consult an expert for this one, though.

The auction record sale, which was nearly $4,000, was for a coin graded MS68.

1970-S double die obverse Lincoln penny

Auction record: $3,675

Only a few dozen examples of 1970-S Lincoln pennies with double die obverse errors have been found, with PCGS estimating that about 50 of these coins exist. When looking at the front of these pennies, the doubling is most obvious in the words "In God We Trust" and can typically be seen with the naked eye.

The doubling is not as prominent, but can be seen in the year as well.

Finding one of these coins in a high grade is incredibly rare. In fact, the penny that holds the auction record with a sale exceeding $3,600 was graded MS64.

2004-D 'extra leaf' Wisconsin quarter

Auction record: $2,530

Most coins released as part of the U.S. Mint's state quarters program are worth exactly 25 cents. However, there are some varieties that have sold for thousands, with "extra leaf" Wisconsin quarters holding particular value.

There are two versions of these quarters, but both feature an extra husk on the left side of a piece of corn on the coin's reverse. They are further classified as "high leaf" or "low leaf" based on where that husk appears. In grades MS65 or less, the coin may be worth a few hundred dollars.

The auction record $2,530 sale was for a coin graded MS66.

1982 no mintmark Jefferson dime

Auction record: $2,185

By 1982, dimes minted in Philadelphia were supposed to have a "P" mintmark on the obverse. However, due to an issue with dies, thousands were struck without it, and it is estimated that around 10,000 (perhaps more) of those coins were released.

Though the 1982 no mintmark dime is considered a rarity, true value lies in the grade. Coins graded between MS64 and MS67 have sold for $100 to $500 in the past.

The $2,185 auction record was for a coin graded MS68.

Bottom line

Reselling valuable coins could be a legit way to make extra money on the side, but it is important to understand what makes a coin valuable. Most circulating coins are worth their face value and nothing more. Unique features, like minting mistakes or rare releases, separate ordinary from extraordinarily valuable.

Even if you have one of the coins listed here, grade will play a large role in its value. Consider getting coins with potential graded by a professional service like PCGS to get a better idea of a fair listing price.

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