Coin collecting, often referred to as the “Hobby of Kings,” has long been a pastime for people of all backgrounds, not just the wealthy. While the thought of buying rare coins can sound expensive, it’s possible to start collecting coins for little to no cost. This hobby has become more popular over the past few years, especially among younger people. According to the American Numismatic Association, interest in coin collecting has grown, with many young collectors joining in. If you’re new to coin collecting or just looking for a valuable investment, it’s important to understand which rare coins are expected to increase in value. While it’s unlikely that you will find a million-dollar coin in your pocket, there are still plenty of valuable coins that can be found through lucky discoveries or by purchasing them from dealers and auctions. In this article, we will look at 10 rare coins that are predicted to rise in value in the next five years.
1. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny
Still in Circulation: Yes
Approximate Value: $240,000 to $336,000
The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny is one of the most famous rare coins in the United States. During World War II, there was a shortage of copper and nickel, so most pennies were made from zinc-coated steel. However, a small number of pennies were mistakenly struck with copper, and these rare coins can now fetch between $240,000 and $336,000, depending on their condition. Although the number of these copper pennies is believed to be around 20, they are incredibly valuable if you can find one. If you ever come across a penny that looks different from the others in your collection, it’s worth checking its year and composition.
2. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar
Still in Circulation: No
Approximate Value: $10 million
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar holds a place in U.S. coin history as one of the rarest and most valuable coins. It was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, and only a few are still in existence today. In 2013, one of these rare coins sold for over $10 million, making it one of the most expensive U.S. coins ever. While this coin is no longer in circulation, its high value makes it highly sought after by collectors. If you come across one of these rare dollars, it could be worth a fortune.
3. 1969-S Lincoln Cent With Doubled Die Obverse
Still in Circulation: Yes
Approximate Value: $126,500
The 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse is another coin that has gained significant attention in the coin collecting world. This penny has a unique error in the minting process, where the die was doubled, creating a clear, noticeable duplication of the image. Only a few of these coins are known to exist, and they can be worth up to $126,500 in near-perfect condition. If you find a 1969 penny with a clear doubling of the word “Liberty” or “In God We Trust,” you might have stumbled upon a valuable coin.
4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Still in Circulation: No
Approximate Value: $1.4 million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous error coins in U.S. history. It was never officially issued for circulation, making it a rare find for collectors. Only five of these coins are known to exist, and one of them sold for over $1.4 million at auction. Despite being over 100 years old, this nickel continues to increase in value as collectors chase after these rare pieces of history.
5. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Still in Circulation: No
Approximate Value: $500,000
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors of silver dollars. With a mintage of just over 100,000 coins, it is extremely rare, and the few that still exist in good condition are highly valuable. If you’re lucky enough to come across an 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar, especially in excellent condition, you could be holding a coin worth around $500,000.
6. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Still in Circulation: No
Approximate Value: $20 million
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is considered one of the most famous and valuable gold coins ever struck by the U.S. Mint. Originally minted in 1933, it was never officially released into circulation due to the U.S. government’s decision to remove gold coins from circulation during the Great Depression. Only a few examples of this coin were saved, and one of them sold for $20 million in 2002, making it one of the most expensive coins in history.
7. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
Still in Circulation: Yes
Approximate Value: $1,800
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is another example of a coin with a minting error that makes it highly valuable. In this case, the doubling effect occurred during the engraving process, which led to a noticeable doubling of the image on the front of the penny. In good condition, this coin can be worth up to $1,800, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
8. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter With Extra Leaf
Still in Circulation: Yes
Approximate Value: $500
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter is famous for a rare error in which a leaf was added to the corn stalk in the design. The extra leaf error occurred during the minting process, and although most of these quarters were produced without the extra leaf, some were made with it. This small error can make the quarter worth around $500 if you find one with the extra leaf.
9. 1914-D Lincoln Cent
Still in Circulation: Yes
Approximate Value: $1,900
The 1914-D Lincoln Cent is another valuable penny that’s still in circulation today. It’s highly sought after by collectors due to its low mintage and high demand. The 1914-D penny can be worth up to $1,900 in mint condition, making it a great coin to keep an eye out for if you are a penny collector.
10. 1861 Confederate Half Dollar
Still in Circulation: No
Approximate Value: $150,000
The 1861 Confederate Half Dollar is a rare coin from the Civil War era that was issued by the Confederate States of America. Only a small number of these coins were minted, and today, they are extremely valuable. In excellent condition, an 1861 Confederate Half Dollar can fetch around $150,000, making it one of the most sought-after coins among collectors of U.S. Civil War memorabilia.
Conclusion
Coin collecting is not only a fascinating hobby, but it can also be a rewarding investment if you know what to look for. The rare coins listed above are just a few examples of valuable coins that are expected to increase in worth over the next five years. While finding a million-dollar coin in your pocket is highly unlikely, it’s always worth keeping an eye on your coin collection or checking through old coins for any potential rare finds. Whether you’re just starting out or already an experienced collector, rare coins can add excitement and value to your hobby. By being patient, doing research, and keeping track of valuable coins, you could turn your hobby into a successful investment. Keep in mind that prices and values can fluctuate, so it’s important to stay updated and seek expert advice when purchasing or selling rare coins.
FAQs
1. What makes a coin valuable?
A coin becomes valuable due to several factors, including rarity, demand, age, and condition. Coins that are rare, have historical significance, or feature minting errors tend to be worth more. For example, coins with mistakes during their minting process, like the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse, are highly valuable.
2. How can I tell if a coin is rare?
To determine if a coin is rare, you should check its year, mintmark, and condition. Research the coin’s history, mintage, and demand among collectors. Coins from certain years or with rare features (like an error or unusual metal content) tend to be more valuable. You can also consult a coin expert or refer to online guides and catalogs for more detailed information.
3. Where can I find rare coins?
You can find rare coins through various sources, such as coin shops, antique dealers, estate sales, and even your local bank by purchasing coin rolls. Some collectors also find rare coins through auctions or online marketplaces. Always be cautious and do thorough research when purchasing rare coins to avoid scams.