Most Valuable Coins Still in Circulation (Updated 2024)

The 1916-D Mercury Dime is a textbook example of a circulated coin worth money. With just 264,000 mints in Denver, it’s a rare piece in a collection. Even well-worn examples trade for over $1,000. If you’re asking what coin years are worth money, 1916-D is at the top of the list.

Arguably what coin is worth the most money in everyday change, the 1943 Copper Penny is a legendary minting mistake. It’s created during a year when pennies were supposed to be steel, so this error turned into one of the rarest U.S. coins. Only around 20 are known to exist. It’s one of the most talked-about coin errors worth money, and a reminder to weigh them and know what should and shouldn’t exist.

This piece has a high “7” in the date and a thinner font than its common sibling. It’s part of any updated grading chart  enthusiasts follow closely. Because it’s so easy to overlook, many coins are still undiscovered. The answer often lies in small details like these.

Sometimes a coin that are worth money is created by accident. The 2004-D Wisconsin Extra Leaf Quarter is an example of that. The added leaf was likely a die gouge or intentional modification. Either way, it made headlines.

In 1982, dimes from Philadelphia were supposed to have a “P” mintmark, but some escaped the mint without it. If you’re sorting your collection, check the 1982 dime.

A small spacing can be worth a lot. The 1999-P Wide AM Penny uses a proof reverse die; it created a gap in “AMERICA.”

This coin is often found in every list of grading charts. The doubling in the motto and date is visible without magnification. While rare, these have been found in circulation and change jars.

This is one of the most famous doubled dies ever. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln is instantly recognizable due to its extreme text doubling. Even in beat-up condition, it can be worth four figures.

The doubling on this quarter is more subtle but still collectible. Look closely at the eagle’s feathers and lettering.

A modern rarity, these quarters were intentionally released into circulation to reignite interest in coin collecting. If you’re wondering how to see if a coin is worth money in your pocket today, look for the tiny “W” on these.

A low mintage and being the first year of issue make the 1932-D Washington Quarter a coin worth money. Silver content plus a Denver mint mark puts it on most collector’s’ radar. The 1932-D Washington Quarter is highly sought after by collectors. This was the first year of the Washington quarter, and coins from the Denver Mint are notably harder to find in good condition.

When looking at coin grading charts of rare pennies worth money, you’ll often come across this quarter in discussions too. The “Full Head” version of the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is rare because of low mintage. With fewer than 55,000 ever made, you can be lucky to own it.

The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is a dream coin and a perfect example of what coin is worth the most money in the Morgan series. Even in low grades, it’s valuable because of its limited mintage of 100,000. High-grade versions can command six-figure sums at auction.

As the first Morgan from this mint, it’s still in strong demand. The 1878-CC is a key Carson City issue and represents the first year of the Morgan dollar. Its mintage is higher than some rarer dates,but  Carson City coins are always popular, and uncirculated examples with strong luster are highly desirable.

The “Accented Hair” variety was used briefly and only in proof sets. Many new collectors miss it, but once you learn how to know if a coin is worth money, you’ll understand why tiny design changes make a big difference.