When it comes to coin collecting, you never know what treasures may lurk in that roll of pennies or those boxes in your grandfather’s attic. In some cases, a seemingly common piece of currency could be valued by a coin dealer at thousands of dollars. If you’re wondering which coins to look out for, start with this list.

3 Common Coins That Could Be Valuable

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

This early 20th-century coin is one of the most renowned among collectors and is named after its designer. In this penny’s first year of production, Victor D. Brenner’s initials could be found on the reverse side of the coin.

The 1909 minting was in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, which adds a commemorative and historical side to this penny’s backstory. Because only 484,000 of these cents were minted in San Francisco, this rare coin can range from $400 to $52,000.

2. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar

This 19th-century dollar coin was designed by George T. Morgan, who studied under William Wyon in London’s Royal Mint. To mark his design, a side profile of Lady Liberty, he included a small “M” at the base of her neck.

While 100,000 of these coins were minted in 1893, production was suspended in 1904 due to the low demand and scarcity of bullion silver. In 1918, 270,232,722 silver dollars were melted, and the silver dollar wasn’t minted again until 1921. Therefore, this rare coin can range from $1,000 to $300,000.

3. 1916-D Mercury Dime

Otherwise known as the Winged Liberty Head dime, the Mercury dime was produced in Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia in 1916. However, the Denver mint only produced 264,000 of them, while production boomed at other locations (22,180,080 were minted in Philadelphia).

This dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinman and featured “Liberty” wearing a cap with wings, which symbolizes the liberty of thought. His initials, AW, are placed to the right of the figure’s neck. Because of the singular design and low production in the Denver location, this dime may go for anywhere from $600 to $28,000.

If you’re interested in learning more about these treasures, turn to the coin dealers at Smith Jewelry & Coins. Since 1964, they have been helping new and veteran collectors alike find the perfect new additions to their collections. This jewelry store prides itself on making every customer feel welcome, whether they’re looking for an engagement ring or a rare coin appraisal. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website or call (636) 441-6789 to speak with a knowledgeable coin dealer.