You may have a junk drawer at home, filled with forgotten items like old batteries, paperclips, and coins. But did you know that some of those seemingly insignificant coins could be worth a small fortune? Rare coins have been discovered in the most unexpected places, including old drawers, coin jars, and junk piles. Some of these coins can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! Let’s take a look at three rare coins that have been found in everyday places and could fetch up to $195,000 at auction.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and rare coins in U.S. history. Only five of these nickels were ever minted, making it a true gem among collectors. The coin features the iconic Liberty Head design, but its rarity comes from the fact that it was minted after the official release of the Buffalo nickel design. In recent years, a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for a staggering $4.5 million. If you find one in your junk drawer, you could be holding a life-changing treasure.
1943 Copper Penny
In 1943, the U.S. Mint switched from copper to steel for penny production to conserve copper during World War II. However, a few copper planchets from 1942 were accidentally used to strike pennies in 1943, creating the ultra-rare 1943 Copper Penny. Only a small handful of these error coins exist, and they can be worth as much as $1 million depending on their condition. This rare penny might be hiding in your change jar or an old coin collection you inherited.
1970-S Doubled Die Penny
The 1970-S Doubled Die Penny is another highly valuable error coin, with a unique doubling of the lettering and date on the obverse. Only a few of these error coins were released into circulation before the mistake was caught. If you happen to find one in your drawer, it could be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on its grade. Check the 1970 pennies in your collection to see if they show any doubling.
Your Junk Drawer Could Be Hiding a Fortune
Rare coins like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, 1943 Copper Penny, and 1970-S Doubled Die Penny can be worth tens of thousands, or even millions of dollars. While it’s unlikely that you’ll find these coins lying around, many collectors have stumbled upon valuable pieces in the most unexpected places. Before tossing out old change or cleaning out your junk drawer, take a moment to check your coins. You never know—you might be sitting on a hidden fortune!
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if I have a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel features a design of Lady Liberty in profile, and it is different from the more common Buffalo nickel. The coin is incredibly rare, with only five known to exist.
2. What is the value of a 1943 Copper Penny?
The 1943 Copper Penny can be worth anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million, depending on its condition. It has a copper color instead of the usual steel, and it is not magnetic.
3. How can I identify a 1970-S Doubled Die Penny?
The 1970-S Doubled Die Penny has a noticeable doubling of the letters and numbers, especially in the word “LIBERTY” and the date. You can spot this by examining the coin closely under a magnifying glass.
4. What should I do if I think I’ve found a rare coin?
Have it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Once graded, you can sell or keep it as part of your collection.
5. Can rare coins be found in circulation today?
It’s rare, but coins like the 1943 Copper Penny and 1970-S Doubled Die Penny still occasionally turn up in circulation or in collections passed down through families.
