Coin collecting, or numismatics, is a hobby that sometimes leads to really beautiful discoveries. For most people, coins are small pieces of money with no other value, but collectors and enthusiasts know that some coins can be worth far more than their face value.
Among these treasures, you probably have a fortune in your pocket and don’t even know about it. One of them is the Bicentennial Quarter that cost $901,000. There are many more coins which can make you rich. Here in this article, we are going to explore that special coin and five other rare coins which might be hiding in your pocket or piggy bank.
The $901,000 Bicentennial Quarter
The 1976 Bicentennial Quarter is a commemorative coin created to mark the 200th anniversary of America. The reverse side features a colonial drummer that makes this piece unique in design, and this coin has become a favorite among many American citizens. All Bicentennial quarters, however, are not of equal value. On the contrary, there is a single coin, which differs from all others and is priced at $901,000.
The reason this coin had value is it is an error of a super rare mint type. Most Bicentennial quarters were created using the standard alloy of copper-nickel; however, accidentally, one quarter was placed on a Canadian quarter of the year 1941, hence creating a hybrid that is totally different.
As this error of coin was said to have gone into the product batch accidentally in the mint process, it acquired the status of a unique thing with immense worth due to the uniqueness and design of America being on a coin of Canada.
It is extremely unlikely that you’ll find this rare coin in your pocket, but not impossible. If you ever found a 1976 Bicentennial quarter, look at it really closely. If it has some odd marks on it, it may be worth a lot, lot more than 25 cents.
1916-D Mercury Dime
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is arguably one of the most sought coins in numismatics. It is from the Mercury Dime series that was run through the mint between 1916 and 1945. The coin 1916-D is among the rarest and costliest coins in the mentioned series. On the obverse side, Lady Liberty is present wearing a feathered helmet, pictorially standing for the concept of freedom.
The reason the 1916-D Mercury Dime is so rare is because it had such a small run. The Denver Mint only produced 264,000 coins of this dime, which was the lowest run for the series. Because of this, a good-condition 1916-D Mercury Dime will sell for thousands of dollars at auction.
This is the time to check the “D” mintmark on the reverse below the olive branch of the coin you will find. You could have one of the rarest treasures in the world: a 1916-D.
1945 Micro S Mercury Dime
Another rare and valuable coin in the Mercury dime series is the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime. While the rare 1916-D is rare and valuable because its mintage was run low, this 1945 micro S variety coins are rare and valuable because a minting mistake was made as some of those dimes printed in San Francisco had a teeny tiny “S” stamped on them rather than the normally large “S” mintmarks.
This minting error makes the 1945 Micro S Mercury Dime highly collectible and valuable among collectors. Although the coin was not produced in very low numbers, the Micro S error makes it a favorite among collectors. Depending on its condition, this coin could be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
If you have a 1945 Mercury dime, use a magnifying glass to check for the “S” mintmark. If you find this little “S”, you may have found a rare and valuable coin.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Among rare coins are also special places that 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel carries for collectors’ hearts. It holds a buffalo on its reverse side. It originated from the coins that ran through 1913 to 1938 in sequences. It emerged as one leg of the buffalo wore out at the mint and consequently it showed three-legged while portraying it.
This is, of course one of the greatest errors in coins. Due to this error, the 1937-D three-legged buffalo nickel is one of the rarest and most costly coins in the market. Even if it has decent condition, this coin brings thousands of dollars. So be sure to see if the three-legged buffalo on a 1937 buffalo nickel is missing legs or is slightly weak. That may be what makes you and your fortune, so keep on looking.
2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf
Among the state quarters, the most you would encounter circulated from the specific mint. A great exception for one to earn much money, the 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter Extra Leaf is such a coin which boasts an “extra leaf” that was not there in its minting and comes near to a small plant from the corn as seen at the back.
The “extra leaf” Wisconsin quarter is a very rare coin and very valuable. Its worth can run from hundreds of dollars to thousands depending on the coin’s condition. To identify this rare coin, look carefully at the reverse side of the Wisconsin State Quarter, and locate the extra leaf close to the corn plant. And if you ever find this card, then congratulations, you got a precious treasure in your pocket change.
1999 Wide “AM” Lincoln Penny
The 1999 Wide “AM” Lincoln Penny is a small error mint, with a bigger space between the “A” and “M” of the word “AMERICA.” This is produced due to the adjustment mistake that is made in the die. Now, it has gained more popularity and it highly priced, among the coin collectors.
Although the regular 1999 penny is only worth a penny, the Wide “AM” Penny sells for much more. Depending on its condition, this penny can sell for hundreds of dollars. Look for the gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse side of the penny for identification purposes. If the gap is visible, you may have found one of the rare error coins.
Conclusion:
Coin collecting is not just a hobby; it can be an exciting treasure hunt that gives you the ability to get rare and even highly valuable coins from your change jar. Although it would be very hard to come across a $901,000 Bicentennial Quarter or some of the coins discussed above, it is always possible to find hidden treasure.
Next time you see coins, take a close look at them. You may find that you have one rare coin in your pocket that could change your future financially. So, be happy and find coins!