Everybody has their opinion on what the best coins to collect are. Although it ‘s a immanent question, we ‘ve compiled the authoritative list for coin collectors to reference. You wo n’t have to search through dozens of different answers after consulting this lead !
A coin solicitation Below we ‘ll look at 15 of the best United States coins worth collecting. It ’ sulfur challenging to slim a binder of hundreds of likely candidates down to just 15. This list consists of a diverse array of U.S. coins, including valuable rarities, common circulation coins, and a few that many collectors seem to forget. Any or all these coins would make terrific additions to a solicitation of United States coins. They are presented here in the order of denomination, beginning with the one-cent coin.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
1909-S VDB Lincoln Wheat penny. image : USA CoinBook Is there any coin more celebrated than the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny ? certain, numismatists call the 1804 Draped Bust dollar the “ King of American Coins, ” but “ the 1909 Lincoln penny ” holds that championship in the public resource. A 1909-S VDB penny is the necessity key date for any Lincoln penny collection. There were only 484,000 coins minted, with possibly 50,000 survivors nowadays across the grad spectrum. While both of those figures may seem rather high for a “ rare ” coin, millions of people want a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. so, demand far outstrips supply, and this has been the case for generations. nowadays, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent has a value of at least $ 600, even in well-worn grades. The 1908-S VDB Lincoln cent has a storied past. production ended merely weeks after its free, ascribable public exclaim over the big letters “ VDB ” on the reverse. These letters represent the initials of couturier Victor David Brenner. The furor centered on the size and visibility of his initials. People accused Brenner of self-promotion on America ‘s coins. previous artists had included their initials on U.S. coin designs, but most were hidden or less conspicuous .
1943 Lincoln Steel Cent
1943 steel Lincoln Wheat cent. prototype : USA CoinBook One of the most strange United States coins is the 1943 steel Lincoln penny. Struck for one class only, the steel penny was made to help save copper for World War II munitions. so, all 1943 steel cents serve as valued relics of this most trying period in american history. The oddness of the 1943 sword cents much lead many new collectors and non-numismatists to believe that they must be rare and valuable. The truth is, more than 1 billion steel Lincoln pennies were made in 1943 between the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. They are still enough park in mint shops and coin shows. It ’ mho besides still possible to find these silver-colored pennies, worth about 20 cents to $ 1 in wear condition, in circulation .
1864 Two Cents
1864 two cent man ( Large Motto variety ). image : USA CoinBook Did you know America once had a coin with a font respect of two cents ? not only that, the 1864 Two Cents was the foremost United States coin to carry the now-famous home motto “ IN GOD WE TRUST. ” many two penny pieces are scarce and valuable, but the historic 1864 consequence were hoarded when they came out. They can be bought nowadays for less than $ 50 in reasonably circulate condition. not only do they make a terrific skill for any United States mint solicitation, but they ’ re equitable a fantastic a conversation piece, excessively .
1883 “No Cents” Liberty Nickel
1883 Liberty Head nickel. picture : USA CoinBook lecture about conversation pieces … When the 1883 Liberty Head nickel was first released, some unscrupulous individuals began passing them off as $ 5 gold pieces ! The original design used a Roman numeral “ V ” for the five cent denomination, without the son “ cents. ” It was n’t long earlier crooks realized that the nickel was about the lapp size as a $ 5 stern eagle gold mint. Without the word “ cents, ” they could gold plate the nickel and pass it off as a $ 5 mint. Some attempts were more successful than others. One normally told fib involves the narrative of Josh Tatum, a deaf mute, who used goldplate V nickels to buy items that cost five cents. In doing thus, he frequently received $ 4.95 in switch. The law soon caught up with him, but Tatum couldn ’ t be convicted of any crime. cipher could testify that he always once claimed the coins to be $ 5 gold pieces, because he could n’t talk. tatum may have ridden off to the sunset, but his bequest lives on with the phrase “ I was precisely Joshing you. ” today, one can buy an 1883 No Cents Liberty nickel in banal condition for less than $ 10 .
1942-P Jefferson Silver Nickel
1942-P wartime Jefferson nickel. effigy : USA CoinBook much like the 1943 Lincoln steel cent, the Jefferson nickel besides underwent a wartime deepen in writing. To save nickel metallic element for the war attempt, the nickel was changed from the standard 75 % copper, 25 % nickel composition, to 56 % copper, 35 % silver medal, and 9 % manganese. This change was instituted belated in 1942. Nickels struck earlier in the class were made from the standard composition. This mean that there were “ regular ” and silver nickels bearing a 1942 date. How do you tell them apart ? The easiest way is by looking for a large “ P, ” “ D, ” or “ S ” mintmark above the dome of Monticello. These big mintmarks are alone seen on the silver-based wartime Jefferson nickels made from 1942 through 1945. In the case of the 1942-P war nickel, is was the first coin to carry the “ P ” mintmark signifying the Philadelphia Mint. War nickels are by and large worth the prize of their eloquent content. They can calm occasionally turn up in circulation .
1916-D Mercury Dime
1916-D Mercury dime. double : USA CoinBook It ’ sulfur time to turn our eyes to another authoritative rarity, and this one ranks high on most collectors ’ lists of all-time great United States coins. The 1916-D Mercury dime bag was minted during the first class of production for this beloved series designed by Adolph A. Weinman. It saw a mintage of alone 264,000, and has an estimated survival of approximately 10,000 pieces across all grades. This makes the 1916-D Mercury dime even scarcer than the 1909-S VDB Lincoln penny. The 1916-D Mercury is the exceed key date for the series and runs about $ 1,000 and up in wear grades .
1796 Draped Bust Quarter
1796 Draped Bust quarter ( Small Eagle diverseness ). visualize : USA CoinBook The quarter-dollar is the workhorse of the american economy. This denomination has been in production since 1796. The first quarters always produced for circulation were the 1796 Draped Bust quarter. Carrying the iconic Draped Bust plan by Robert Scot, the first quarters were minted in humble quantities of barely 6,146 pieces. All early quarters are rarities, but the 1796 is particularly sought as the freshman coin of the appellation. any model of this crucial 18th-century United States mint qualifies as a national treasure. even a Good-4 specimen will run about $ 10,000 .
1876 Liberty Seated Half Dollar
1876 Seated Liberty half dollar. image : USA CoinBook The Liberty Seated design was the “ face ” of american neologism for most of the nineteenth century. besides known as “ Seated Liberty, ” it appeared on the obverses of most United States silver coins from the former 1830s through early 1890s. While several denominations feature this christian Gobrecht design, many of these coins are scarce and quite valuable. This leaves anyone wanting to collect coins with limit options for buying an example of this important type. however, numerous low-cost options exist. One of them is the 1876 Liberty Seated half dollar. A reasonably circulate case of the 1876 Liberty Seated half dollar can be bought for less than $ 100. Prices fall to less than $ 50 in grades of Good-4 or very Good-8 !
1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar
1938-D Walking Liberty one-half dollar. effigy : USA CoinBook many consider the Walking Liberty half dollar the most beautiful flatware mint always produced by the United States. Like the applaud Mercury dime, it was designed by Adolph A. Weinman. The Walking Liberty half dollar ran from 1916 through 1947. respective scarce dates were struck throughout this long-running series. many collectors will find the key dates to be financially out of strive. There is one rare publish in this serial that can be obtained for less than $ 100 in circle grades. The 1938-D Walking Liberty one-half dollar, which saw a mintage of 491,600, is a sought samara date. Those wishing to see the 1938-D Walking Liberty purpose in all its aura can purchase an uncirculated example for about $ 500 .
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
1964 Kennedy half dollar. persona : CoinWeek One of the most widely collected silver coins of all clock is the 1964 Kennedy half dollar. This coin was introduced mere months after President John F. Kennedy ’ mho assassination in Dallas, Texas. The 1964 Kennedy one-half dollar was the last circulate one-half dollar to contain a 90 % silver composing. It was a major hit with the populace and widely saved as a memento of the fallen commander-in-chief. More than 400 million examples were struck between the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. many survive today – frequently tucked away in honest-to-god dresser drawers and cigar boxes. Circulated examples are only worth their argent dissolve respect, making this significant silver coin low-cost on closely any mint gather budget .
1921 Morgan Dollar
1921 Morgan silver dollar. image : united states CoinBook
good about everybody seems to know about flatware dollars. The most popular ash grey dollar series of all is the Morgan, or “ Liberty Head ” character, designed by George T. Morgan and in product from 1878 through 1921. many collectors spend an integral life building their Morgan eloquent dollar solicitation. In share, this is because then many dates are hard to find and super expensive. But every collection of United States neologism needs at least one exercise of this classical american english coin. One of the most low-cost dates is the 1921 Morgan dollar, representing the last year of the series. More than 86 million Morgan dollars were struck in 1921 before production shifted to the Peace silver dollar. A nice uncirculated specimen with gorgeous cartwheel luster can be had for less than $ 50 .
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar
1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar ( Narrow Rim variety ). prototype : USA CoinBook few american english coins were arsenic ephemeral as the Susan B. Anthony dollar, which was struck entirely from 1979 to 1981. It was produced once more in 1999 to fill a dollar coin deficit before the Sacagawea dollar hit the streets in 2000. The “ Susie B. ” was widely confused with the Washington quarter, making it unpopular with the populace. The Susan B. Anthony dollar besides represents several firsts :
- it was the first circulating United States coin to carry the likeness of an actual woman (instead of a representative figure, such as Lady Liberty),
- it was the nation’s first small-size dollar coin, and
- it was the first U.S. coin to carry an 11-sided rim.
The 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar was the first base year of these much-maligned, but historically important coins. Gem Uncirculated examples can be purchased for less than $ 5 .
1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – Arabic Numerals
1907 Saint-Gaudens amber double eagle ( low easing, Arabic numerals variety ). image : USA CoinBook prior to 1933, the United States minted legal-tender gold coins for circulation, in denominations ranging from $ 1 to $ 20. There were many designs, but one reigns above all others. widely held to be the most beautiful coin ever produced, the gold Saint-Gaudens double eagle was minted from 1907 through 1933. Named for its architect, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $ 20 gold coin remains one of the most beloved american coins. freshman issues from 1907 are among the most desirable. A handful of unlike issues were struck in 1907. Some bear the date in Roman numerals and, with their high-relief strike, are highly rare and valuable. however, the United States Mint besides turned out more than 360,000 low-relief examples with Arabic numerals ( declaring “ 1907 ” ). Low-relief 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagles sell for a little above descry value in circulate grades. Uncirculated specimens can be bought for nominal amounts over that. This makes them one of the most popular pre-1933 gold coins .
1892 Columbian Commemorative Half Dollar
1892–1893 columbian one-half dollar commemorative. double : early commemorative Coins The United States launched its first commemorative coin broadcast in 1892, coinciding with the four-hundredth anniversary of internet explorer Christopher Columbus ’ s landing in the Americas. The 1892 columbian half dollar was authorized by the United States Congress to help pay for the 1892 columbian Exposition celebrating the affair. This consequence is good known as the 1892 Chicago World ‘s Fair. Expo management sold the silver medal commemorative halves for $ 1.As the first base official U.S. commemorative mint, the 1892 Columbus half dollar is a landmark coin. Yet, along with its incredible numismatic history, it is besides an low-cost coin. Circulated specimens sell for small premiums above mellow value, while nice uncirculated pieces start at around $ 50 .
1986 American Silver Eagle
1986 american Silver Eagle. double : USA CoinBook A new era in United States coinage took flight in 1986 with the liberation of the state ’ s first official bullion coins. The United States Mint kicked off its bullion program with five unlike american Eagle coins of silver and gold. A one oz .999 fine american Silver Eagle was issued aboard four 22K gold american english Eagle coins in versatile sizes. The obverse of the american Silver Eagle resurrects the 1916 Adolph Weinman Walking Liberty design. The turn back features a modern heraldic eagle plan by John Mercanti. While 1986 american Silver Eagles are common, they are besides in high demand as the important freshman coin in the series. As a resultant role, they normally sell at a significant numismatic value over blot. however, paying a little extra for this specific silver medal mint is worth it. The 1986 American Silver Eagle changed the face of eloquent bullion investment. The “ ASE ” series is now well the world ’ s most widely recognized and sought modern bullion coin .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Collecting Coins
Which Coins Will Increase In Value? It ‘s impossible to predict precisely which coins will increase in respect. Frankly, some coins will not. The best advice in this regard is to pursue coins that are in exceptionally dear condition, such as mint state ( besides called “ uncirculated ” ). The highest-grade coins normally offer the greatest electric potential for price appreciation. What Coins Are Collectors Looking For? There are a handful of factors that coin collectors consider :
- Is the coin relatively scarce, such as a low mintage or a rarity?
- Is the coin made from precious metals like gold or silver?
- Is the coin very well-preserved (i.e. in uncirculated condition, also known as mint state)?
- Does the coin exhibit some kind of error, such as a doubled die or off-center strike?
individual taste should besides be taken into report. possibly you collect coins that have a plan or subject that you enjoy. possibly you search for coins from a specific year that is meaningful to you, such as the birth year of a family member. You can never go improper in coin collecting if you look for coins that appeal to you on a personal charge. Is Coin Collecting Profitable? Yes ! many collectors plainly love the avocation, and are n’t in it to make big profits. Yet collecting coins and holding them for several years is often a feasible investment scheme. This may be due to the melt value of the coins rising over fourth dimension ( if they are made of silver or gold ). Coins can besides appreciate in value due to their popularity or because of a limited mintage ( scarcity ). As a general rule of hitchhike, it ‘s advisable to collect the highest-grade coins ( i.e. coins in exceptionally good circumstance ) that you can afford. These are the coins that tend to have the highest net income potential. How Can You Tell If A Coin Is Rare? You will normally have to consult a numismatist or numismatic adept to ascertain the rarity of a coin. The numismatist will be able to identify what type of mint you have, and determine whether it is a rare mint or banal. How Do I Know If My Coin Is Worth Money? You will have to correctly identify what coin you have to figure out its value. Once you know what the coin is, there are many price guides you can reference to get a general theme of how a lot the coin is worth. here are some of the most reliable price guides used by collectors : The information on this page does not constitute an offer to buy or sell the mint ( s ) referred to. Prices mentioned are for demonstrative purposes alone. Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez is a diarist, editor program, and blogger who has won multiple awards from the Numismatic Literary Guild. He has besides authored numerous books, including works profiling the history of the United States Mint and United States neologism. More gold and silver buying guides: The Best way to Buy Silver : A Guide to Buying Physical Silver gold and Silver Stacking : Expert Guide
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