In an age where debit cards are the norm and cash is an afterthought, you might be surprised to find your money is more valuable than you realize, especially if there are coins sitting dormant in a piggy bank. Before you deposit them in a bank, sort through them. You might make a profit selling them to a coin dealer instead. Here, the coin collecting team at Smith Jewelry & Coins in St. Charles, MO, share some that are valuable today.

5 Rare Coins to Sell

1. “In God We Rust” Quarter

The 2005 Kansas state quarter accidentally printed the message “In God We Rust” because of a press error. If you happened to pick one up while it was in circulation, it’s now worth up to $100, depending on its condition.

2. 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny

In 1943, the U.S. Mint produced pennies out of steel with zinc coatings because copper was needed for the war effort. A batch made from copper was accidentally printed, but few left the facility. Real 1943 copper pennies are worth up to $10,000—however, don’t be fooled by the many fakes available online.

3. Presidential Dollar Coins

The U.S. Mint printed a series of dollar coins in 2007 as a tribute to past presidents. Unfortunately, many of the earliest coins had missing letters and errant mistakes, which makes them rare and valuable. If you have one, you could fetch up to $45 from a coin dealer.

4. Incorrect 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter 

Thousands of 2004 Wisconsin state quarters were accidentally printed with an extra leaf instead of a husk of corn. Depending on its condition, you could sell it to a coin dealer for almost $1,500 now. 

5. Ben Franklin Half Dollar

The U.S. Mint produced half-dollar coins in 1948 that featured an image of Ben Franklin with an eagle—which he had opposed as the nation’s bird. In 1964, Franklin’s image on the coin was replaced by John F. Kennedy, making the Franklin half-dollar more rare and valuable at up to $125 a coin.

If you’re looking to sell coins in the St. Charles, MO, area, trust the coin dealers at Smith Jewelry & Coins. In addition to working with collectors, they sell, appraise, and buy jewelry and gold. If you’re interested in buying or selling coins, call (636) 441-6789 or visit them online for more information about their store.