Most people carry loose change in their pockets or purses without thinking much of it. Yet your quarters, dimes, nickels, and even pennies might be worth far more than their face values. Old coins are still circulating today, so you could have one of the following collectibles without even knowing it.

5 Valuable Old Coins You Could Have in Your Pockets

1. The Double Die Penny

“Double die” refers to the effect created when the alignment is slightly off during the minting process. The result is a double image in the coin’s text, sometimes seen in pennies from both 1955 and 1995. While the most recent coin is valued between $20 and $50, the 1955 anomaly is worth up to $1,800.

2. Extra Leaf Wisconsin Quarter

You may recall the series of state quarters that began circulating in 1999. In particular, look out for the Wisconsin quarter in your coin jar. A few thousand were mistakenly printed with an extra leaf on the corn husk pictured on the coin. If yours is in exceptional condition, you could sell it to become up to $1,499 richer. 

3. “In God We Rust” Kansas Quarter

The mistake on this 2005 Kansas state quarter wasn’t a typo. Instead, grease accumulated in the letter “T” during the minting process, leaving the word “rust” in place of the customary “trust.” Find one in your pocket, and an interested buyer might be willing to take it for up to $100.

4. Ben Franklin Half-Dollar

The Ben Franklin half-dollar ran in the U.S. for just 15 years, from 1948 to 1963. Minted from 90% pure silver, it’s believed that the value of these old coins will only increase as time goes on. On average, most are worth around $12, but in perfect condition, some may sell for $40 or more.

5. Mint-Free 1982 Roosevelt Dime

Coins always have a specific letter that indicates the mint where they were created, except in the case of some 1982 dimes. During this year, the Philadelphia mint mistakenly left off their letter “P,” leaving a blank spot in its place. If you find a 1982 Roosevelt dime with this error, you might be able to fetch up to $300 for it.

If you have a collection of rare or old coins you’d like appraised, turn to Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin. Located in Honolulu, this trusted gold, coin, and stamp buyer has served the community since 1973. The team is led by Don Medcalf, President of the Stamp and Coin Dealers Association of Hawaii. Find out more about their selection of rare collectible coins online, or call (808) 531-6251 to make an appointment.