Saving for retirement can be challenging, and many people worry they won’t have enough. According to the Federal Reserve, the median retirement savings for Americans aged 55 to 64 is only $185,000—far below the recommended goal of up to eight times their annual income. If you’re concerned about your savings, selling rare coins could be a way to give your nest egg a significant boost.
You might even have valuable coins sitting in a drawer or jar without realizing it! Collectors are willing to pay big money for rare coins, especially those with historical or minting errors. Here’s a list of seven rare coins that could help you add thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—to your retirement savings.
What Makes a Coin Valuable?
Some coins become valuable because of their rarity, historical significance, or errors in the minting process. Here are a few common types of minting errors to look out for:
- Double die: These coins have a duplication of design elements caused by a misaligned engraving die.
- Missing mint marks: Coins without a mint mark, which indicates where they were made, are highly sought after.
- Planchet errors: Planchets, the metal blanks used to make coins, may have unusual shapes, incorrect thickness, or missing engravings.
- Strike errors: These occur during the minting process when the design is pressed onto the coin, leading to misaligned or incomplete designs.
If you find a coin with any of these characteristics, it might be worth a closer look. Collectors value these imperfections, and coins in pristine condition often fetch the highest prices.
7 Rare Coins That Could Add to Your Savings
1. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson Nickel
- Value: $15,275
- Why It’s Special: This coin features an overstamp error, with Susan B. Anthony’s image mistakenly pressed over Monticello on a Jefferson nickel. Overstamp errors are rare, and this one is particularly unique because it combines designs from two different years.
2. 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
- Value: $18,400
- Why It’s Special: The small-date version of this coin is much harder to find than the large-date version. Its unique design error makes it highly valuable to collectors.
3. 1925-D Lincoln Penny
- Value: $21,600+
- Why It’s Special: This coin’s value depends on its color and condition. While brown varieties are more affordable, the rare red varieties are highly prized by collectors, with some fetching up to $75,000.
4. 1969-S Lincoln Penny Double Die
- Value: $25,000
- Why It’s Special: Only a small number of these coins from the San Francisco Mint show the double die error, making them extremely rare and valuable.
Rare Coins
| Coin | Year | Value (USD) | Reason for Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over Nickel | 1979 | $15,275 | Overstamp error |
| Small Date Lincoln Penny | 1970-S | $18,400 | Unique “small date” error |
| 1925-D Lincoln Penny | 1925 | $21,600+ | Rare red varieties |
| Lincoln Penny Double Die | 1969-S | $25,000 | Double die minting error |
| Washington Quarter | 1947 | $32,400 | Uncirculated, pristine condition |
| French Louis XIV 15 Sols | 1670 | $132,000 | Melted down after limited circulation |
| Spanish Amadeo I Gold Specimen Pesetas | 1871 | $240,000 | Short reign of King Amadeo I |
5. 1947 Washington Quarter
- Value: $32,400
- Why It’s Special: Most Washington Quarters from this year are worth only a few dollars, but those in pristine, uncirculated condition can sell for $10,000 or more.
6. 1670 French Louis XIV 15 Sols
- Value: $132,000
- Why It’s Special: This coin was minted in Paris for use in France’s New World colonies. Its limited circulation and the fact that most were melted down make surviving examples incredibly rare.
7. 1871 Spanish Amadeo I Gold Specimen 100 Pesetas
- Value: $240,000
- Why It’s Special: This gold coin is a sensation among collectors. King Amadeo I’s reign lasted just over two years, so very few of these coins were produced, adding to their rarity.
Conclusion
Rare coins can be an unexpected treasure trove for your retirement savings. From the 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson Nickel to the 1871 Spanish Amadeo I Gold Specimen 100 Pesetas, these coins carry both historical significance and impressive value. Take a closer look at your coin collection—you might be holding onto a fortune without even knowing it!
FAQ’s
How can I know if my coin is valuable?
Check for unusual features like minting errors or missing mint marks. Getting your coin appraised by a professional service like PCGS or NGC can confirm its value.
Where can I sell rare coins?
Rare coins can be sold at online auctions, through coin dealers, or on collector marketplaces. Always research to ensure you’re working with a reputable buyer.