7 Valuable U.S. Coins to Know - #5 Will Shock You

Have you ever opened an old jar of coins and wondered if there might be a hidden treasure inside? You’re not alone. Across Massachusetts, families find long-forgotten coins tucked away in drawers, boxes, and inherited collections — and sometimes, those old coins can be worth thousands of dollars.

At Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying, we meet people every day who come in asking where to sell gold or who are the best diamond buyers — and walk out with surprising news about coins they didn’t even know were rare.

Before you toss that old penny or silver quarter in the cash register, check this list of 7 valuable U.S. coins that could be hiding in your stash.

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

This is the holy grail of modern pennies. The 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent was the first year the Lincoln penny was issued. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it features his initials “VDB” on the reverse.

Why it’s valuable: The San Francisco Mint only made about 484,000 of these. If you find one in good condition, it could fetch anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars.

2. 1916-D Mercury Dime

The Mercury dime series is popular among collectors, but the 1916-D is the crown jewel. Only about 264,000 were minted in Denver, making it extremely scarce.

How to check: Look for the tiny “D” mintmark on the reverse side near the bottom left of the torch. Even a worn version can be worth hundreds or more.

3. 1932-D or 1932-S Washington Quarter

The first Washington quarters were issued in 1932. Quarters from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) Mints that year are particularly rare.

Why collectors love them: They’re keys to completing a Washington quarter collection. If you see a 1932 quarter with a “D” or “S” mintmark, get it checked — they can be worth hundreds, especially in good condition.

4. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent

Most 1943 pennies were struck in steel because copper was needed for World War II ammunition. But a few copper planchets slipped through by accident.

Why it’s valuable: If you find a 1943 penny that sticks to a magnet — it’s steel. But if it doesn’t stick, it could be a rare bronze version worth tens of thousands.

5. 1877 Indian Head Cent

This is the rarest date in the Indian Head penny series. Only about 852,500 were minted, compared to millions in other years.

Why collectors want it: The 1877 Indian Head cent fills a key hole in any complete penny set. Even heavily worn examples can bring in serious cash.

6. Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins

Before 1933, the U.S. Mint issued beautiful gold coins like $2.50 Quarter Eagles, $5 Half Eagles, $10 Eagles, and $20 Double Eagles. When the government recalled gold in 1933, many were melted down — but some survived in private hands.

Why they matter: If you inherited an old coin collection, look for gold coins dated before 1933. Their melt value alone is high, but collector demand can make them worth thousands more.

7. 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar

The granddaddy of all American coins — the 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar was the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint. Fewer than 2,000 are believed to exist today.

Reality check: You probably won’t find this in an old jar, but rare coin finds do happen. Some people have found pieces like this in estate collections that went unnoticed for generations.

How to Spot Rare Coins

So, how do you know if you have something valuable?

• Check the dates and mint marks: Small details matter — a tiny letter can turn a $1 coin into a $1,000 coin.
• Condition counts: Coins in better shape are worth more. But even worn rare coins have value.
• Don’t clean them: Never polish old coins. Cleaning can damage the surface and destroy collector value.
• Ask an expert: The best way to know is to bring them in to a trusted local buyer for a free appraisal.

Why Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying?

People often think of us for coins, but we’re also trusted diamond buyers and gold buyers. Many people ask where to sell gold or how to turn loose stones or vintage jewelry into cash — we handle it all with honesty and respect.

For over 40 years, we’ve served families across Cape Cod and Boston. Whether you bring us coins, gold, or diamonds, we check your items in front of you, explain exactly what you have, and offer you a fair, instant payout.

Why Sell Rare Coins Locally?

When you find a coin worth real money, you want a buyer you can trust — not a random online site. We hear too many stories of people mailing rare coins away and never seeing them — or getting paid far less than they’re worth.

When you come to Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying, you’ll get:

• A free, expert appraisal
• A clear explanation of your coin’s true market value
• An instant cash offer with no pressure to sell

Got Coins? Come See Us

Don’t let that old jar gather dust — you could be sitting on hidden treasure. Bring your coins, gold, or diamonds to Eagle Coins Gold & Silver Buying and find out what they’re really worth.

When you’re ready, stop searching where to sell gold or diamond buyers — come see why we’ve been Massachusetts’ trusted family-run coin and jewelry buyer for over four decades.