5 Modern and Rare Collector Coins Found in North America
Written by
Crystal Mayer
Edited by
Amber Barkley
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Not all change is minted equally. Collectors from around the world know that North America is teeming with modern and rare coins that could be worth thousands of dollars. Some of the most valuable coins are the result of errors, double dies or low mintage. Finding these hidden gems is not always easy, but it can be worth the hunt.
Hopeful collectible coin connoisseurs are encouraged to go through their jars before cashing in their change. Here are five modern and rare collector coins found in North America.Â
1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime
The 1975 No S Proof Roosevelt Dime is a collector’s dream: rare and valuable. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), there are only two known in existence, but speculation remains as to whether there may be more circulating outside of auction houses or in a private collection.
Of the two examples that have been detected, one sold at auction for $456,000, while the other’s location is unknown. The No S Proof dime is a result of a minting error.
1974 Aluminum Lincoln Cent
The U.S. Mint has a problem: Making coins is expensive. According to a 2022 biennial report to Congress, the cost to produce nickels and pennies exceeds their face value. Even back in 1973, the Mint struggled with being able to produce a coin on a metal that wasn’t cost-prohibitive.
In order to combat this problem, the Mint experimented with making pennies out of aluminum. One example was recovered by the Mint in 2016, as reported by Numismatic News. Due to its rarity, the exact value remains unknown.
2000-W Gold Proof Sacagawea Dollar
With most currently housed at Fort Knox, the 2000-W 22-karat Gold Proof Sacagawea Dollar is another dream find for collectors. The scarcity of the coin and its storied history make it uniquely desirable.Â
According to PCGS, 39 of the dollars were struck in June 1999. Of the batch, 27 were melted, and 12 were sent on the Space Shuttle Columbia to commemorate the first female U.S. astronaut to serve as a commander on a space shuttle flight. The 12 have been kept secure at Fort Knox, except for a brief appearance at the American Numismatic Association’s World Fair of Money.
2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarter
While many rare, collectible coins begin their lives as proofs, some are part of a normal strike. Such is the case with the 2004-D Extra Leaf Wisconsin State Quarters. The quarters contain either an extra high or extra low leaf on the corn husk not seen in normal versions of the coin.
As noted by PCGS, one with an extra low leaf went for $6,000 at auction, making the quarters a steal for anyone with a keen eye for detail.
1969 Penny With Doubled Die
The fact that a penny could fetch over ten thousand dollars at auction seems unreal, but some 1969 versions have proven to do just that. A live auction at Stack’s Bowers for a 1969-S Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent resulted in $21,600. The prominent double lettering makes these copper-plated coins more like gold.
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