Many rare coins are still hiding in circulation and household change. This guide lists the top 10 rare coins wanted by collectors and gives practical tips to spot and handle them.
Top 10 Rare Coins Wanted by Collectors
The coins below are highly desired because of rarity, mint errors, or historical importance. For each coin you will find quick identification tips and typical value ranges to help decide whether to keep, grade, or sell.
1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
This coin is prized as one of the first U.S. silver dollars. Surviving examples are extremely rare and often fetch high prices at auction.
- How to spot: Look for Flowing Hair obverse and small eagle reverse details.
- Value: From tens of thousands to millions depending on condition.
2. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S with designer initials VDB on the reverse is a key date for Lincoln cents. Mintages were low, and many collectors seek certified examples.
- How to spot: Check the reverse at the bottom for VDB initials.
- Value: A few hundred to several thousand dollars for high-grade pieces.
3. 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent
This error coin shows pronounced doubling on Lincoln’s date and the words IN GOD WE TRUST. It’s a classic find for collectors of mint errors.
- How to spot: Strong doubling on date and lettering—use a magnifier.
- Value: Typically a few thousand dollars for clear examples.
4. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five known examples exist of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins. Ownership is mostly limited to museums and top collectors.
- How to spot: Extremely rare; authenticate through professional grading.
- Value: Millions at auction for genuine pieces.
5. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan is a key date in the Morgan dollar series because of its low mintage. Collectors prize higher grades in particular.
- How to spot: Look for sharp eagle details and the S mintmark on the reverse.
- Value: From hundreds to tens of thousands depending on condition.
6. 1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D is the major date in the Mercury dime series. Many collectors seek it to complete sets.
- How to spot: Check for the D mintmark near the fasces on the reverse.
- Value: Several hundred to thousands for nicer grades.
7. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This famous error shows the buffalo with only three legs due to excessive die polishing. It’s a favorite among error-coin collectors.
- How to spot: Buffalo appears to have three legs on the reverse.
- Value: Typically a few hundred to thousands depending on strike and condition.
8. 1796 Draped Bust Quarter
Early U.S. quarters in good condition are scarce. The 1796 Draped Bust quarter is valuable for its age and limited survival.
- How to spot: Check the Draped Bust design and small eagle reverse variants.
- Value: Thousands to tens of thousands in collector-grade condition.
9. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf High
This modern error shows a small extra leaf on the corn ear for some state quarters. It’s a sought-after variety among modern-coin collectors.
- How to spot: Look closely at the ear of corn for an extra tiny leaf near the top.
- Value: From low hundreds to a few thousand for verified examples.
10. 1873-CC No Arrows Double Dime
Carson City mint pieces are popular, and 1873 varieties can be rare. The no arrows and double die varieties draw extra interest.
- How to spot: Look for CC mintmark and subtle die doubling or no arrows at the date.
- Value: Hundreds to thousands based on variety and grade.
How to Check Your Change for Rare Coins
Checking change is simple if you know what to look for. Carry a magnifier, a small scale, and a coin guide or app to compare designs and mintmarks.
- Look for odd dates, mintmarks, and clear doubling or unusual features.
- Check the edge: reeded, plain, or lettering can indicate older or special issues.
- Weigh suspect coins and compare diameter to standard specifications.
Some modern error coins, like doubled dies or misplaced mintmarks, can be worth much more than older rare coins because collectors prize unusual production mistakes.
Real-World Example
A small-town cashier found a 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent in a roll of pennies and showed it to a local coin dealer. After professional authentication and grading, it sold for several thousand dollars at a regional auction.
This shows the value of checking circulated coins and getting professional opinions before selling or spending a potential rarity.
What To Do If You Find One
If you think you found a rare coin, avoid cleaning or polishing it. Cleaning can reduce value dramatically. Handle by the edges and store in a soft holder.
- Document the find with photos and initial measurements.
- Get an identification from a reputable coin dealer or local coin club.
- For high-value pieces, obtain professional grading from a recognized service (PCGS, NGC).
- Consider auction houses or specialist dealers when selling rare, high-value coins.
Regularly checking change and small collections can be rewarding. Knowing the top 10 rare coins wanted by collectors and following simple handling steps increases your chances of finding something valuable and preserving its worth.