The jingle of loose change in your pocket might sound ordinary, but among those everyday nickels, dimes, and quarters could lurk a small fortune.
While most of us barely glance at our pocket change before spending it, coin collectors and numismatic experts know that certain rare coins can be worth astonishingly more than their face value.
In fact, some of the most valuable coins aren’t ancient artifacts locked away in museums—they’re relatively modern specimens that were minted within the last century and could feasibly be in circulation today.
“People are constantly amazed when they learn that a coin they received in change at the grocery store could potentially be worth thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars,” explains Morgan Reynolds, a numismatist with over 30 years of experience appraising rare coins.
“It happens more often than you might think. I’ve had multiple clients discover extremely valuable coins in inherited collections they initially thought were worthless, or even in their everyday pocket change.”
The potential for such life-changing discoveries makes numismatics—the study and collection of coins—one of the most thrilling treasure hunts accessible to everyday people.
Unlike most potential windfalls that rely purely on chance, finding a valuable coin combines luck with knowledge.
The more you understand about what makes certain coins valuable, the more likely you are to spot a rare specimen others might miss.
“Education is the most powerful tool in coin collecting,” notes Sandra Chen, author of “Hidden Treasures in American Coinage” and a respected authority in numismatic circles.
“When you know exactly what to look for—the mint marks, die varieties, errors, and historical significance—you transform from someone who might unknowingly spend a $50,000 coin to someone who can recognize its value instantly.”
This article will guide you through six extraordinarily valuable coins that could be hiding in your pocket change, coin jar, or family collection.
Together, these six coins could be worth over $201,000—and finding just one could significantly change your financial situation.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these numismatic treasures, exploring what makes them so valuable and how to identify them.
1. The 1943 Copper Penny: The Wartime Mistake Worth Up to $100,000
During World War II, copper was desperately needed for the war effort.
In response, the U.S. Mint switched from using copper to zinc-coated steel for pennies in 1943.
However, a handful of copper planchets (the metal discs that are struck to create coins) were accidentally left in the presses at the beginning of production.
The result? A small number of 1943 pennies were mistakenly struck in copper instead of steel, creating one of the most famous errors in American numismatic history.
“The 1943 copper penny is truly the holy grail for many coin collectors,” explains James Martinez, a specialist in 20th-century error coins and owner of Rare American Coins in Chicago.
“What makes this error so fascinating is that it occurred during wartime, when resources were being carefully allocated. Someone wasn’t paying attention, and the result is a coin that can fetch between $50,000 and $100,000 depending on its condition.”
How to identify a genuine 1943 copper penny:
- Color: A real 1943 copper penny will have the distinctive reddish-brown color of copper, not the silvery appearance of the steel cents produced that year.
- Magnet test: Unlike the steel pennies of 1943, a genuine copper penny will not stick to a magnet. However, be careful—some counterfeiters copper-plate steel pennies to fool collectors.
- Weight: A genuine copper penny weighs approximately 3.11 grams, while a steel cent weighs about 2.7 grams.
- Mint mark: 1943 copper pennies were struck at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). The mint mark, if present, appears below the date.
“Unfortunately, there are many fake 1943 copper pennies in circulation,” warns Martinez.
“The most common counterfeit is simply a copper-plated 1943 steel cent. Others are actually 1948 pennies with the ‘8’ altered to look like a ‘3’. When in doubt, have the coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.”
It’s worth noting that while the 1943 copper pennies are exceedingly rare, with only about 20-40 believed to exist, they do occasionally turn up in unexpected places.
In 2019, a Massachusetts teenager found one while examining rolls of pennies from his local bank.
That coin later sold for over $200,000 at auction, demonstrating that such discoveries are still possible today.
2. The 1955 Double Die Penny: A Striking Error Worth Up to $18,000
In the world of numismatics, mistakes often lead to the most valuable treasures.
Such is the case with the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent, where a misalignment in the die-making process created one of the most dramatic and visible doubling errors ever to occur on a U.S. coin.
“The 1955 Double Die Penny is immediately recognizable once you know what to look for,” explains Elizabeth Warren (no relation to the senator), curator of American coinage at the National Numismatic Collection.
“The doubling is visible to the naked eye, particularly in the date, the word ‘LIBERTY,’ and the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST.’ It’s as if someone stamped the design twice but slightly offset the second impression.”
This error occurred during the die manufacturing process.
When creating the die (the metal piece used to stamp the design onto blank coins), multiple impressions of the design are made into the die to ensure the image is sharp and clear.
In this case, the two impressions were misaligned, creating a die that would produce coins with a doubled appearance.
What makes the 1955 Double Die Penny particularly valuable is that the error was noticed during production, but the Mint decided to continue using the flawed die rather than discard thousands of already-struck coins.
Approximately 20,000 to 24,000 of these error pennies entered circulation before the mistake was corrected.
Today, a 1955 Double Die Penny in uncirculated condition can fetch between $10,000 and $18,000 at auction.
Even in circulated condition, these pennies are typically worth $1,000 to $3,000.
How to identify a genuine 1955 Double Die Penny:
- Strong doubling: Look for obvious doubling in the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The doubling should be strong and visible without magnification.
- Mint mark check: The 1955 Double Die Pennies were all struck at the Philadelphia Mint and have no mint mark.
- Date verification: Make sure the coin is actually from 1955. Some similar-looking double die varieties exist for other years but are significantly less valuable.
- Die markers: Specific die markers can help authenticate these pennies. For example, a genuine 1955 Double Die will show doubling on the “5” in “1955” that appears as a sort of “shoulder” on the left side of the digit.
“What’s particularly exciting about the 1955 Double Die Penny is that many of them entered general circulation,” notes Warren.
“Unlike some rare coins that were immediately recognized as special and preserved, thousands of these error pennies were used in everyday transactions. Some still turn up in circulation or in old collections where the owners had no idea of their value.”
3. The 1969-S Double Die Penny: The Rarest Modern Cent Worth Up to $75,000
While the 1955 Double Die Penny might be more famous, the 1969-S Double Die Penny is actually much rarer and potentially more valuable.
Minted at the San Francisco facility (hence the “S” mint mark), this penny features doubling similar to its 1955 predecessor but is far more elusive, with only about 40-50 authentic examples known to exist.
“The 1969-S Double Die is the crown jewel of modern error coins,” states Raymond Fischer, author of “Million Dollar Mistakes: Famous Coin Errors and Their Values.”
“What makes it particularly interesting is that it almost went undetected. The doubling is slightly less dramatic than on the 1955 version, but to a trained eye, it’s unmistakable. And because so few exist, the value is extraordinary.”
In top uncirculated condition, a 1969-S Double Die Penny can command prices between $50,000 and $75,000.
Even in well-worn condition, these pennies can still fetch $20,000 or more.
The doubling on this cent is most noticeable in the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” particularly on the letters and numbers.
How to identify a genuine 1969-S Double Die Penny:
- Mint mark: Look for the “S” mint mark below the date, indicating it was struck at the San Francisco Mint.
- Date examination: Make sure the date clearly reads “1969” and shows doubling, particularly in the digits “19.”
- Doubling verification: Examine “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” for clear doubling of the letters.
- Professional authentication: Due to this coin’s extreme value and the prevalence of counterfeits, professional authentication is essential.
“Unfortunately, the value of the 1969-S Double Die has led to a flood of counterfeits,” cautions Fischer.
“Some counterfeiters have become extremely sophisticated, creating fakes that can fool all but the most experienced collectors. That’s why I always recommend having any potential 1969-S Double Die authenticated by a professional grading service before getting too excited.”
What makes this coin particularly intriguing to collectors is its modern vintage.
While many valuable coins date back to the 19th century or earlier, the 1969-S Double Die Penny is well within living memory.
This means it’s entirely possible for someone to find one in an old jar of pennies, a collection inherited from a relative, or even, though extremely unlikely, in circulation.
4. The 1972 Double Die Penny: The Accessible Error Worth Up to $600
Not all valuable coins are so rare that finding one seems nearly impossible.
The 1972 Double Die Lincoln Cent strikes a balance between rarity and accessibility, making it perhaps the most likely valuable error coin you might encounter in circulation or in an unsorted collection.
“The 1972 Double Die is what I call a ‘gateway’ error coin,” explains Sophia Williams, founder of Women in Numismatics and a specialist in Lincoln cents.
“It’s rare enough to be valuable, with strong doubling that’s clearly visible, but common enough that collectors regularly find them. It’s often the first major error coin people discover, sparking a lifelong interest in the hobby.”
Like its 1955 and 1969-S predecessors, the 1972 Double Die Penny was created when the die received multiple impressions that were slightly misaligned.
The result is visible doubling on the obverse (front) of the coin, particularly in the date and inscriptions.
The U.S. Mint produced approximately 5 to 7 million of these error pennies—significantly more than the earlier double die varieties—which explains their greater availability.
Despite being more common, the 1972 Double Die Penny still commands impressive prices.
In uncirculated condition, these pennies can sell for $300 to $600, while circulated examples typically bring $100 to $200—not bad for a coin with a face value of just one cent.
How to identify a genuine 1972 Double Die Penny:
- Date confirmation: Ensure the coin is from 1972 with no mint mark (Philadelphia).
- Doubling examination: Look for strong doubling in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” particularly in the letters of “GOD” and “LIBERTY.”
- Doubling direction: The doubling should appear as a shift toward the left or northeast of the original elements.
- Common misconception: Many people confuse machine doubling (a less valuable striking error) with a true double die. In a true double die, the doubling is precisely defined and consistent across the affected elements.
“What I love about the 1972 Double Die is that it’s still out there in circulation,” Williams notes enthusiastically.
“I’ve personally found three in bank rolls over the years. Every time I get pennies from the bank, I still check them one by one. That’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps coin collectors going—you never know when you’ll make that next great discovery.”
This accessibility makes the 1972 Double Die Penny a perfect target for beginner collectors or anyone wanting to try their luck at finding a valuable coin without investing in expensive equipment or specialized knowledge.
All it takes is a good eye, patience, and perhaps a magnifying glass to potentially discover this accessible treasure.
5. The 1992 Close AM Reverse Penny: The Modern Rarity Worth Up to $5,000
Some valuable coins aren’t errors at all, but rather rare transitional designs or variety types that were never meant to reach the public.
The 1992 Close AM Reverse Lincoln Cent falls into this category, representing a design that wasn’t supposed to be used until years later.
“The 1992 Close AM penny is fascinating because it features a reverse die design that wasn’t officially adopted until 1993,” explains Dr. Alexander Matthews, professor of American economic history and numismatics at Columbia University.
“It’s essentially a coin that was minted with a design from the future, creating a rare variety that was never supposed to exist.”
The name “Close AM” refers to the spacing between the letters “A” and “M” in “AMERICA” on the reverse (back) of the coin.
In the standard 1992 design, these letters have a visible space between them (Wide AM).
However, in 1993, the Mint redesigned the reverse, bringing these letters closer together (Close AM).
Somehow, a small number of 1992 pennies were struck using the not-yet-adopted 1993 reverse design.
These 1992 Close AM pennies are extremely rare, with fewer than 500 examples believed to exist.
Depending on the condition, these coins can fetch between $2,000 and $5,000—a substantial sum for a penny minted in the relatively recent past.
How to identify a genuine 1992 Close AM Reverse Penny:
- Date verification: Confirm the coin is from 1992.
- AM spacing check: Examine the spacing between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” In the valuable Close AM variety, these letters almost touch.
- FG positioning: Look at the designer’s initials “FG” on the reverse. On the Close AM variety, they are positioned slightly closer to the Lincoln Memorial.
- Magnification recommendation: This variety is difficult to detect without magnification, so a coin loupe or microscope is recommended for proper identification.
“What makes variety coins like the 1992 Close AM particularly intriguing to serious collectors is their insight into the minting process,” Matthews observes.
“They represent physical evidence of the transition between design changes and give us a glimpse behind the curtain of how the Mint operates. That historical significance, combined with their rarity, drives their value in the collector market.”
While finding a 1992 Close AM penny in circulation today is extremely unlikely, they occasionally turn up in unchecked mint sets or collections where the owners are unaware of this rare variety.
6. The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter: The State Quarter Anomaly Worth up to $3,000
The State Quarters Program, which ran from 1999 to 2008, is one of the most successful coin initiatives in U.S. history, introducing millions of Americans to the hobby of coin collecting.
Among the 50 state designs, one stands out for a peculiar variety that has captivated collectors: the 2004-D Wisconsin quarter with what appears to be an extra corn leaf.
“The Wisconsin quarter varieties are unique among modern errors because they sparked immediate public interest,” says Thomas Jenkins, former U.S. Mint employee and numismatic consultant.
“When these quarters were discovered, they received widespread media coverage, turning even non-collectors into quarter checkers overnight.”
Two distinct varieties exist: the “High Leaf,” where an extra corn leaf appears to point upward, and the “Low Leaf,” where the extra leaf points downward.
Both were struck at the Denver Mint (hence the “D” mint mark) and are believed to have resulted from damage to the die rather than an intentional design element or traditional die error.
Regardless of their origin, these quarters have become highly sought after by collectors.
The High Leaf variety typically commands $200 to $300 in uncirculated condition, while the Low Leaf variety can fetch $300 to $500.
Exceptionally well-preserved specimens have sold for as much as $1,500 to $3,000 at auction.
How to identify a genuine 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter:
- Date and mint mark: Confirm the quarter is from 2004 and bears the “D” mint mark (Denver).
- State verification: Ensure it’s the Wisconsin design, featuring a cow, a wheel of cheese, and an ear of corn.
- Extra leaf examination: Look closely at the left side of the corn stalk. A genuine extra leaf variety will show what appears to be an additional leaf either pointing upward (High Leaf) or curving downward (Low Leaf).
- Comparison recommendation: If possible, compare the coin to a standard 2004 Wisconsin quarter to spot the difference more easily.
“What’s particularly exciting about the Wisconsin quarter varieties is that they’re modern coins that were widely circulated,” Jenkins notes.
“Unlike some rare coins that were immediately recognized and removed from circulation, millions of these quarters entered everyday use. Even today, they continue to be found in pocket change, vending machine returns, and coin rolls from banks.”
This accessibility has made the Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters popular among casual collectors and treasure hunters who enjoy the thrill of examining their change for potentially valuable finds.
The Hunt: How to Search for These Valuable Coins
Now that you know what to look for, how should you go about hunting for these potentially life-changing coins?
Experts recommend several approaches, depending on your level of interest and dedication.
Method 1: Check Your Existing Coin Collections and Change Jars
Before doing anything else, thoroughly examine any coins you already have.
“The most obvious place to start is with what you already own,” advises Chen.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve helped people discover valuable coins in collections they inherited or accumulated themselves without realizing what they had.”
Pay special attention to older penny collections, state quarter collections, and those miscellaneous jars of change that many people accumulate over the years.
Set aside any coins that match the years and features described above for closer examination with a magnifying glass.
Method 2: Coin Roll Hunting
One of the most popular methods among serious coin hunters is purchasing rolls of coins from banks and methodically searching through them.
“Coin roll hunting gives you access to a large volume of coins for just their face value,” explains Williams.
“A $25 box of pennies contains 2,500 coins to examine. Even if you don’t find one of the major rarities, you’ll often find wheat pennies and other minor collectibles that are worth more than face value.”
For hunting the coins described in this article, focus on penny rolls for the various cent varieties and quarter rolls for the Wisconsin error.
After searching, you can return the coins to the bank (preferably a different branch) and repeat the process, making this an affordable hobby.
Method 3: Estate Sales and Coin Shop “Junk Boxes”
Many valuable coins are discovered in unsorted collections at estate sales, flea markets, and coin shop “junk boxes” (unsorted coins sold at or near face value).
“People who don’t collect coins often don’t know what to look for,” notes Reynolds.
“I’ve found some of my best coins by purchasing old collections at estate sales where the sellers had no idea what they really had.”
When visiting estate sales, look for old piggy banks, coin albums, or collections that may have been assembled decades ago and left untouched.
These can be treasure troves of valuable coins that have never been properly examined by knowledgeable collectors.
Method 4: Network with Other Collectors
Joining numismatic clubs or online forums can significantly increase your chances of finding valuable coins.
“The coin collecting community is generally very supportive and educational,” says Martinez.
“Experienced collectors often mentor newcomers, teaching them what to look for and sometimes even helping them identify valuable coins in their collections.”
Local coin clubs frequently host “show and tell” sessions where members can bring unusual finds for identification and discussion.
Online forums like the Coin Community Forum or Reddit’s r/coins allow collectors to share knowledge and post images of coins for identification by more experienced members.
Authentication and Selling: Maximizing Your Profit
If you believe you’ve found one of these valuable coins, the next steps are crucial to maximizing your potential profit.
Step 1: Preliminary Self-Authentication
Before seeking professional authentication, perform some basic tests yourself:
- For copper vs. steel pennies: Use a magnet. Copper pennies won’t stick; steel ones will.
- For doubled dies: Compare with images of authenticated examples online using a magnifying glass.
- For variety coins: Check the specific diagnostic points mentioned for each coin.
“Self-authentication is just the first step,” cautions Fischer.
“It can help you decide whether a coin is worth pursuing professional authentication, but it shouldn’t be your final determination, especially for potentially valuable specimens.”
Step 2: Professional Grading and Authentication
If your preliminary examination suggests you may have a valuable coin, professional authentication is the next step.
The two most respected grading services in the United States are Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
“Professional grading serves two crucial purposes,” explains Chen.
“First, it confirms that your coin is authentic, not a counterfeit. Second, it assigns a numerical grade on a 70-point scale that significantly impacts the coin’s value. The difference between a grade of MS-63 and MS-65 can mean thousands of dollars for rare coins.”
Professional grading typically costs between $20 and $100 per coin, depending on the coin’s value and the turnaround time you select.
While this represents an investment, it’s generally worth it for coins potentially worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Step 3: Selecting the Best Selling Method
Once your coin is authenticated, you have several options for selling:
- Auction houses: For extremely valuable coins (generally $10,000+), major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers can help you reach serious collectors willing to pay premium prices.
- Coin dealers: Local or online coin dealers offer convenience but typically pay wholesale prices (60-80% of retail value).
- Direct to collectors: Online platforms like eBay or specialized forums allow you to sell directly to collectors, potentially commanding retail prices but requiring more effort on your part.
- Coin shows: Setting up as a seller at a coin show lets you reach multiple potential buyers in person.
“Your selling strategy should match both the value of your coin and your personal priorities,” advises Reynolds.
“If you’ve found a $50,000 coin, the commission paid to a major auction house is usually worth it for the higher final price they can achieve. For more modest finds, direct sales to collectors often maximize your return if you’re willing to put in the time.”
For coins of exceptional rarity or value, like a genuine 1943 copper penny or 1969-S Double Die cent, consider getting multiple offers or opinions before selling.
These coins are so valuable that rushing into a sale could potentially cost you thousands of dollars.
Beyond the Big Six: Other Valuable Coins to Watch For
While this article has focused on six of the most valuable coins that could reasonably be found in circulation or unsearched collections, many other valuable varieties and errors exist.
Here are a few honorable mentions to add to your search list:
1. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
In 1982, all dimes were supposed to have either a “P” (Philadelphia) or “D” (Denver) mint mark.
However, some Philadelphia-struck dimes were accidentally produced without the mint mark.
These are worth $50 to $300 depending on condition.
2. 1995 Double Die Penny
Similar to the 1972 variety but showing doubling primarily in “LIBERTY” and the date.
These typically sell for $20 to $100.
3. 2009-S Lincoln Cent with 8 Errors
Some 2009 Lincoln Proof cents struck at San Francisco contain up to 8 different die errors, creating a fascinating multiple-error coin worth $100 to $1,000.
4. State Quarter Off-Center Errors
Quarter dollars from the State Quarter Program (1999-2008) that were struck significantly off-center can be worth $100 to $500, depending on how dramatic the error is and which state is featured.
“The wonderful thing about coin collecting is that there’s always something new to discover,” notes Matthews.
“Even after decades of study, previously unknown varieties and errors continue to be identified. That’s what makes this hobby endlessly fascinating—the possibility that you might find something nobody has recognized before.”
The Human Element: Stories of Lucky Discoveries
Behind the technical details and value estimates are real human stories—ordinary people whose lives changed because they took a second look at their pocket change.
Consider the story of Ryan Faulk, a construction worker from Ohio who discovered a 1969-S Double Die penny in a jar of coins he’d inherited from his grandfather.
“I was just sorting through this old jar of pennies, not expecting much—maybe a few wheat cents worth a couple bucks each,” Faulk recounted in a 2023 interview with Coin World magazine.
“When I spotted that ’69 penny with the S mint mark, something told me to take a closer look. I’d read about the double die variety online, so I grabbed my magnifying glass. My hands were shaking when I realized what I was holding.”
After professional authentication, Faulk’s coin graded MS-63 (choice uncirculated) and sold at auction for $41,975—enough for him to put a down payment on a house.
Then there’s the story of Clara Jenkins, a retired teacher who discovered a 1943 copper penny in a roll of pennies she purchased from her local bank in 2018.
“I used to get rolls of coins for my students when we studied currency and math,” Jenkins explained.
“Even after retiring, I kept up the habit, checking through rolls while watching TV in the evenings. It was just a relaxing hobby until I found that copper penny in a roll of what should have been all zinc-coated steel cents from 1943.”
Jenkins’ coin was authenticated and subsequently sold to a private collector for $82,500.
These stories highlight an important aspect of the coin collecting hobby: anyone with knowledge and attention to detail can make a valuable discovery.
Unlike many other potentially lucrative pursuits, coin collecting doesn’t require special connections, expensive equipment, or substantial starting capital.
Getting Started: Resources for Beginning Numismatists
If this article has sparked your interest in checking your change more carefully or perhaps even beginning a coin collection, numerous resources are available to help you get started.
Books Worth Reading:
- “A Guide Book of United States Coins” (the “Red Book”) – Published annually, this is considered the bible of U.S. coin collecting, with values, mintages, and variety information.
- “Strike It Rich with Pocket Change” by Ken Potter and Brian Allen – Specifically focused on valuable error coins that can be found in circulation.
- “The Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties” by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton – The definitive guide to valuable die varieties.
Online Resources:
- PCGS CoinFacts (www.pcgs.com/coinfacts) – Free educational resource with high-resolution images of coins in various grades.
- Numista (numista.com) – Online coin catalog and collection management platform with an active community.
- Coin Community Forum (coincommunity.com) – Active forum where collectors discuss finds and help identify unusual coins.
Essential Tools:
- Magnifying glass or coin loupe (5x to 10x magnification)
- Good lighting (natural daylight or a dedicated lamp)
- Coin reference books or digital resources
- Digital scale accurate to 0.01 grams
- Cotton gloves for handling valuable specimens
“My advice to beginners is to start by learning, not buying,” suggests Reynolds.
“Spend time studying before spending money on coins. Knowledge is your best investment in this hobby. And remember—every expert collector started as a beginner just like you.”
The Thrill of the Hunt
As we’ve explored throughout this article, valuable coins could be hiding in plain sight—in your pocket change, piggy bank, or that jar of coins gathering dust on your shelf.
The six coins we’ve highlighted—potentially worth over $201,000 combined—represent just a fraction of the valuable varieties and errors that exist in American coinage.
What makes coin collecting uniquely exciting is the democratic nature of the hobby.
Anyone, regardless of background or resources, can participate in the thrill of the hunt.
Every handful of change could contain a life-changing discovery for those with the knowledge to recognize it.
“In thirty years of numismatics, I’ve never lost the excitement of examining a new batch of coins,” reflects Chen.
“That moment of discovery—when you spot something unusual and realize you might be holding a rare treasure—creates a rush that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget.”
Perhaps the greatest value of coin collecting isn’t measured in dollars at all, but in the connections to history, art, and human stories that each coin represents.
Every coin that passes through our hands has its own tale to tell—of the economic conditions that necessitated its creation, the people who designed it, the workers who minted it, and all those who used it in daily commerce before it found its way to us.
So the next time you receive change from a purchase, take a moment to really look at those coins.
You might just be holding a small fortune in your hand.
And even if you don’t discover one of the rare treasures described in this article, you’ll have gained a deeper appreciation for the small works of art and history that we exchange every day without a second thought.
That awareness itself is valuable—though admittedly, finding a $100,000 penny would be nice too.