Coin collecting is a fascinating and exciting hobby. As you search for new additions, you’re bound to come across rare coins that will add value and character to your collection. This guide discusses some valuable rare coins that are worth getting if you can find them.

5 Valuable United States Coins 

1. Ben Franklin Half-Dollar

The Ben Franklin half-dollar was circulated in 1948. This 50-cent piece features Ben Franklin’s face along with an eagle, which historians note as an odd combination since he wanted the wild turkey to stand as an emblem of the U.S. instead of the eagle. Ben Franklin’s image was replaced by John F. Kennedy’s following Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. The half-dollar with Franklin’s image is worth up to $125. 

2. Presidential Dollar Error Coins 

Rare coins often have printing or manufacturing mistakes that make them unique. The presidential dollar error coins are a good example.

These coins went into production in 2007, and they feature the faces of U.S. presidents. It’s a little known fact that the pieces featuring George Washington were often missing letters or words. One of these coins could be worth up to $45. 

3. 2005 Kansas State Quater

An unfortunate printing mistake thrust this Kansas coin into the spotlight. Instead of saying “In God We Trust,” these quarters read “In God We Rust.” A greasy printing press was responsible for the error that created these coins, which are worth around $100.

4. 1943 Lincoln Copper Head Penny

You won’t come across this one in your pocket change, but it’s worth mentioning for its rarity. In 1943 copper was used for the war effort instead of coin-making, and the Mint used steel to produce pennies. However, a batch of copper pennies was created by accident. Only a handful of these pieces made it outside of production, and today they’re worth up to $10,000 each. 

5. 1955 Double Die Penny

Here’s a rare coin that could actually turn up when you aren’t expecting it. These pennies were stamped with a double image by accident, and around 20,000 of them went into circulation. Today, this rare misprinted penny is worth around $1,800 in top condition. 

If you enjoy coin collecting, head to American Trading Company in Cincinnati, OH. This pawnshop has two convenient locations, and they carry a one-of-a-kind assortment of coins, diamonds, guns, and collector’s items. If you’re looking to sell your rare items, they’ll offer you a fair price. View FAQs about them online or speak to a staff member at (513) 661-3633.