24 Rare Bills and Coins Worth Much More Than Face Value

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Did you know there are bills and coins with printing mistakes that make them worth a fortune?

You may be lucky enough to find one in the change you receive at a grocery store or in your wallet when paying for a coffee.

But if you don’t know what to watch for, you could easily overlook it and miss out on a valuable find.

One of the first things to keep in mind is that not all old coins and bills are valuable.

Just because something is old doesn’t automatically make it rare or worth a lot of money.

Some older coins are very common, and they are only worth face value.

But some rare finds are worth much more than their face value, and we will help you learn how to spot them.

Whether you’re a hardcore coin collector or just wondering about the coins in your pocket, learning more about these 24 rare bills and coins will show you that sometimes, some things are worth more than they seem, and real treasure could be waiting right under your nose.

So check your pockets and your wallet and get ready to dig into these hidden treasures, one coin and bill at a time.

#1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

In 1913, the US Mint was supposed to switch to an Indian Head design for nickels, but five Liberty Head Nickels were mistakenly made instead.

This is one of the most sought-after coins by collectors around the world.

Only five are known to exist, and one of these rare coins sold at auction for a whopping $4.2 million at auction in 2022.

#2. 1983 Penny Without A Mint Mark

This penny is so valuable because, in 1983, the Philadelphia Mint accidentally made a small number of pennies missing the “P” mint mark.

These pennies can be worth anywhere from $7,000 up to $15,000 each in uncirculated condition.

#3. 1787 Fugio Cent

The 1787 Fugio Cent, also known as the “Franklin Press” penny, is one of the first coins ever made by the US government.

It features a sun and sundial on one side and thirteen linked rings representing the original thirteen colonies on the other. 

#4. 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny

The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Penny features a double imprint on the design, making it a sought-after coin among collectors.

This penny’s error was caused by an issue with the die used to make the pennies, resulting in a doubling of both the date and Lincoln’s profile, which makes it worth about $2,000. 

#5. 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse

What makes the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse different from previous double-die coins is that it only has a doubled impression on the “In God We Trust” motto side.

Since it is rare and has a unique error, this coin is worth around $35-$50 in mint condition.

#6. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter with Extra Leaf

The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter has a unique error with an extra leaf that was added to the ear of corn on the reverse side of the coin.

Some experts think that the mistake was made by the minting process and only affects certain coins from the Denver Mint, making it a rare find for collectors, but others disagree, so this coin is worth up to $300.

#7. 1972 Lincoln Cent with Double Die Obverse

Another coin that is worth up to $500 and has a double die error is the 1972 Lincoln Cent.

You can easily recognize this coin if you use a magnifying glass because it has both the date and the “LIBERTY” doubled 

#8. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent With a Doubled Die Obverse

The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent has a doubled die error on the date and the lettering around it. 

This mistake happened during the minting process and was not caught by quality control, making it a rare find for collectors.

#9. 1970 S Memorial Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse

Another coin with a double die error is the 1970-S Memorial Cent.

This coin shares the error with the 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent but boasts an extra doubled S mark, elevating its value to an estimated $14,247.

#10. 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent

We all get pennies back in our change when we buy something, and pennies are usually worth one cent, but these 1998, 1999, and 2000 pennies could be worth anywhere from $5 to $600.

These pennies have an error where the letters “A” and “M” in “America” on the reverse side were spaced too far apart, making them appear wider than normal and 1999 Wide “AM” Reverse Lincoln Cent is one of those valuable of these pennies.

#11. Presidential Dollars 

In 2007, the U.S. Mint released a series of Presidential Dollar coins featuring each of the first four presidents, but some of these coins were missing the inscriptions on the edges that read “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and the year.

These coins are estimated to be worth between $50 and $3000 each, depending on the president and the condition of the coin.

#12. 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime

In 1982, the U.S. Mint accidentally left off the “P” mint mark on a few Roosevelt dimes, making them a rare and valuable find.

If you find one of these dimes, you can expect to get between $30 and $50 for it.

#13. 1995 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

This coin is one you might find in your pocket change as they are still being found in circulation from time to time.

This rare penny features doubling of “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” and is worth up to $40.

#14. $500 Bill

Did you know that the U.S. Mint stopped printing $500 bills in 1969, making them incredibly rare and valuable for collectors?

Many experts estimate that a $500 bill could be worth anywhere from $800 to $4,000, depending on its condition.

#15. State Quarters

State quarters may not seem worth much, but if you happen to find an uncirculated one, you could be looking at a value of $50 or more, depending on the state and year it was minted.

It has to be uncirculated, and you have to watch for the right states and years, but when you find one, it could be a valuable addition to your collection.

#16. $1,000 Bill

In addition to the $500 bill, the U.S. Mint also stopped printing $1,000 bills in 1969.

These are even rarer than the $500 bill and, depending on their condition can be worth anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000.

#17. Silver Half Dollars

The date on the silver dollar coin makes all the difference in its value and its shine.

Coins minted before 1964 contain 90% silver, while those made after only contain 40% silver.

#18. $5,000 Bill

This bill would be easy to spot since it was last printed in 1945, but who knows?

The most valuable $5,000 bills can potentially fetch up to $30,000 at auction, making them highly sought-after among collectors.

#19. $10,000 Bill

The $10,000 bill was last printed in 1945, and they are very rare to come across.

One of the most valuable $10,000 bills sold for $480,000 at auction.

If you ever come across a $5,000 or $10,000 bill, it’s best to have it appraised by a professional as they can vary greatly in value depending on their condition and rarity. 

#20. Indian Head Pennies

You might actually find an Indian Head penny when looking through your penny bank.

These pennies were minted from 1859 to 1909 and are highly sought-after by collectors.

#21. Low Number Bills

Bills with low serial numbers, under 100, are a lucky find for collectors.

These bills can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on their condition and rarity.

#22. High Numbers Bills

Like low-number bills, high-number bills with numbers over 100, can also hold value for collectors.

Sometimes, bills with consecutive or patterned numbers can be worth much more than their face value.

#23. Lincoln Wheat Pennies

Lincoln Wheat pennies were minted from 1909 to 1958 and are another popular coin among collectors.

Some of the early years can be worth thousands of dollars in mint condition.

#24. Star Notes

Star notes are considered to be rare and highly valuable among collectors.

These are replacement notes that were printed to replace damaged or misprinted bills, and they  have a star symbol next to the serial number.

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