Many valuable coins started as everyday pocket change. This guide lists the top 10 rare coins wanted by collectors and shows simple ways to spot them in circulation. Use these practical tips to identify, protect, and possibly sell a discovered treasure.
Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors — Quick List
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- 1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type 1)
- 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar (Pattern/rarity)
- 2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Wide Rim Mule
- 1894-S Barber Dime (San Francisco)
How to read this list
Each coin below includes a brief identification guide, why collectors want it, and what to check if you think you found one. Values change with grade and market demand, so use these as starting points for further research.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the rarest U.S. coins, only five known. Look for the Liberty head design dated 1913; these pieces are well-documented and housed in major collections. If you suspect you have this coin, do not handle it frequently and seek immediate professional authentication.
- Identification: Obverse Liberty head, reverse with the inscription “CENT” inside a large star.
- Why collectors want it: Extreme rarity; historical interest.
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Minted in gold but mostly melted during the gold recall, a few escaped. The coin is large, with a flying eagle on the reverse and high relief on the obverse. Legal status is complicated, so consult an expert before any sale.
- Identification: 22-karat gold, 26.73 grams, high-relief design by Saint-Gaudens.
- Note: Ownership and export restrictions may apply.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
Among the earliest U.S. silver dollars, the Flowing Hair design is prized for age and rarity. Look for a small eagle and flowing hair portrait. High-grade examples are museum pieces.
1804 Silver Dollar (Class I)
Made as presentation pieces rather than circulation issues, these are extremely rare. They are detailed and carry significant historical provenance when genuine.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
Short-lived mintmark and designer initials make this bronze cent collectible. Check the reverse at the base for the initials VDB and the small S mintmark under the date.
- Identification: 1909 date, VDB at reverse bottom, S mintmark on obverse near date.
- Tip: Many counterfeits exist; seek authentication for high-value claims.
1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
One of the most famous modern errors, the doubling appears on the obverse lettering and date. It is a classic pocket-change find that can be very valuable in higher grades.
- Identification: Strong doubling on the words “LIBERTY” and the date; look under magnification.
- Estimated values: Range widely by grade; professional grading improves sale potential.
1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (Type 1)
The Type 1 design shows the figure with an unprotected breast—a design quickly changed. Early strikes and low-mintage varieties are sought by date set collectors.
1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar and Patterns
Certain mint and pattern pieces are scarce due to low mintages and limited survival. Collector interest focuses on condition and documented provenance.
2000-P Sacagawea Dollar Wide Rim Mule
An example of a modern mint error where die pairing produced a distinctive wide rim. Modern errors can still command premium prices to specialist collectors.
1894-S Barber Dime
Extremely rare with very low mintage from the San Francisco Mint. Only a handful are known to exist, and each sale attracts serious collector attention.
How to check your change safely
Start with visual inspection and a magnifier. Look for unusual dates, doubled dies, mintmarks in odd places, or coins that seem unusually heavy or made of different metal.
If you suspect value, do not clean the coin. Cleaning can reduce value dramatically. Instead, photograph both sides on a neutral background and record weight and diameter with a precise scale and calipers.
- Tools: 10x loupe, digital scale (0.01 g), plastic gloves, calipers.
- First steps: Photograph, measure, and then contact a local coin club or reputable dealer for preliminary advice.
Did You Know?
Many famous coin discoveries start as ordinary finds. The 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent, for example, was often found in pocket change and at laundromats.
Case Study: A Pocket Change Discovery
A collector reports finding a 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent mixed with other pennies in a jar. They photographed the coin, avoided cleaning, and contacted a reputable dealer.
After professional grading, the coin sold at auction for several thousand dollars, far above face value. The key actions were immediate documentation and professional verification.
What to do if you find a rare coin
If you think you have one of the top 10 rare coins wanted by collectors, do the following steps: photograph, avoid cleaning, consult a dealer, and consider third-party grading for auction sales.
- Document: Photos, weight, diameter, and where you found it.
- Verify: Contact a local coin club, reputable dealer, or certified grader (PCGS, NGC).
- Decide: Keep, sell privately, or consign to auction depending on value and provenance.
Finding a rare coin in your change is uncommon but possible. With careful handling and the right experts, a surprising discovery can become a meaningful financial and historical asset.