Have you ever wondered if your attic holds hidden treasures? Many people have stumbled upon rare coins tucked away in old boxes, forgotten drawers, or inherited collections. These overlooked pieces of history can be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars to collectors and enthusiasts.
In this article, we’ll look into four rare coins that could be hiding in your attic right now. We’ll look into their unique features, historical significance, and potential values to help you identify these hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Overview
Here’s a quick look at four rare coins and their estimated values:
| Coin Name | Year of Issue | Notable Features | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny | 1909 | Features designer’s initials “V.D.B.” on the reverse; minted in San Francisco | $1,000 to $100,000+ |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Only five known to exist; unauthorized minting | $3 million to $5 million |
| 1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | Minted in copper instead of steel due to a minting error | $100,000 to $200,000 |
| 1955 Double Die Penny | 1955 | Features a doubled image due to a die error | $1,000 to $15,000 |
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny
The 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny is one of the most coveted coins in American numismatics. Designed by Victor David Brenner, this penny was the first to feature Abraham Lincoln’s portrait. The initials “V.D.B.” were placed on the reverse, but due to public criticism, they were quickly removed from future mintings.
Only a limited number of these pennies were produced in San Francisco, making them rare finds. Depending on the condition, this coin can be worth anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000 at auction. If you come across one in your collection, it could be a valuable piece of history.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a legendary coin surrounded by mystery. It was never officially authorized for production, yet five specimens somehow made their way into private collections. Because of this, the coin has achieved near-mythical status in the numismatic world.
With only five known examples in existence, this coin has fetched astronomical prices at auction. Its value ranges from $3 million to $5 million, depending on its condition. Finding one in your attic would be nothing short of life-changing.
1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to steel for pennies to conserve metal for the war effort. However, a few copper blanks were mistakenly used in 1943, resulting in an extremely rare error coin.
The 1943 Copper Penny is one of the most sought-after error coins, with values ranging between $100,000 and $200,000. If you have an old penny collection, it’s worth checking for one of these rare pieces—you could be sitting on a small fortune.
1955 Double Die Penny
The 1955 Double Die Penny is a famous error coin caused by misalignment during the minting process, leading to a noticeable doubling of the design. This doubling effect is most visible on the date and lettering, making it easy to identify.
Collectors prize this coin for its unique appearance, and its value can range from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the coin’s condition and the clarity of the doubling effect. If you come across one of these, it’s definitely worth a second look.
Rare coins can turn up in the most unexpected places—hidden in attics, tucked away in old piggy banks, or passed down through generations. If you have an old coin collection or have inherited one, take the time to examine it carefully. You might just uncover a hidden treasure worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars. Who knows? Your next great finding could be sitting in your attic right now.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have a 1909-S V.D.B. penny?
Look for the ‘V.D.B.’ initials on the reverse and an ‘S’ mint mark below the date.
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
Only five exist, and they were never officially authorized for production.
How do I know if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—if it sticks, it’s steel. If not, it may be a valuable copper penny.
What makes the 1955 Double Die Penny special?
It has a noticeable doubling effect on the date and lettering due to a minting error.
Where can I sell rare coins?
You can sell them through auctions, coin dealers, or online marketplaces.
