The world of coin collecting is full of treasures that range from historically significant coins to hidden gems with untapped financial potential. While some coins, like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or 1933 Double Eagle, are well-known among collectors, others remain undervalued despite their rarity and historical importance. Let’s look into six such coins that could offer excellent opportunities for growth in your collection.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person—Abraham Lincoln—making it a landmark in numismatic history.
Historical Background: Released in 1909 to celebrate Lincoln’s 100th birthday, the initials of designer Victor David Brenner (VDB) were placed prominently on the reverse. This sparked controversy, leading to the coin’s withdrawal from circulation after a limited mintage.
Why It’s Undervalued: Despite its historical significance and low mintage, the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent is often overshadowed by pricier coins like the 1933 Double Eagle. High-grade examples are particularly rare and poised for appreciation.
Recommendation: Look for coins graded XF (Extremely Fine) to AU (About Uncirculated) by professional services like PCGS or NGC. These coins are likely to gain value as interest in this historical issue continues to grow.
1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
This coin is a staple in American numismatics, known for its striking mint error that caused the obverse features to appear doubled.
Historical Background: The 1955 Double Die Obverse occurred when a die was misaligned, resulting in a dramatic doubling of the date and inscriptions. Though initially a mistake, the error made this coin one of the most famous in U.S. history.
Why It’s Undervalued: Despite its fame among numismatists, the 1955 Double Die Obverse remains underappreciated by the general public. Its rarity and unique appearance make it a great long-term investment.
Recommendation: Seek examples in MS-63 (Mint State) or higher, as these are the most likely to appreciate. Coins with clear doubling and excellent eye appeal are particularly desirable.
1932-D Washington Quarter
This quarter, commemorating George Washington’s 200th birthday, is a key date in the Washington Quarter series.
Historical Background: The 1932-D quarter had a low mintage of just over 1.5 million, making it one of the rarest Washington Quarters. Its design by John Flanagan remains on the quarter to this day.
Why It’s Undervalued: While recognized as a key date, the 1932-D is not as famous as other rarities, leaving room for its value to grow. High-grade examples in MS-65 or better are especially scarce and desirable.
Recommendation: Focus on coins with clean surfaces and minimal wear. Those in high grades with strong eye appeal have excellent potential for future appreciation.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This iconic error coin is famous for its unique minting mistake, which left the buffalo on the reverse with only three legs.
Historical Background: The error occurred when a die was overpolished, removing the buffalo’s front leg. This coin quickly became a favorite among collectors due to its visual appeal and rarity.
Why It’s Undervalued: While popular, lower-grade examples are still relatively affordable. High-grade coins, particularly those in MS-60 or higher, are much rarer and likely to increase in value as interest in error coins grows.
Recommendation: Look for well-preserved examples with minimal wear. High-grade coins (AU-58 and above) will see the most significant appreciation.
1877 Indian Head Cent
The 1877 Indian Head Cent is a cornerstone of the Indian Head Cent series and one of the rarest coins in American numismatics.
Historical Background: With a mintage of just over 852,000, this coin is the lowest-mintage issue of the Indian Head Cent series. It remains highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance.
Why It’s Undervalued: Despite its low mintage and popularity, the 1877 Indian Head Cent has not yet reached the price levels of other key-date coins in U.S. history.
Recommendation: Target high-grade examples with original surfaces and minimal wear. Coins in VF (Very Fine) or better are particularly valuable and poised for long-term growth.
1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime
A modern anomaly, the 1982 No Mintmark Roosevelt Dime is a rare variety that is often overlooked by collectors.
Historical Background: In 1982, the U.S. Mint accidentally produced a small number of dimes without mintmarks. These coins were never officially acknowledged, adding to their mystique.
Why It’s Undervalued: While highly scarce, the 1982 No Mintmark Dime remains underappreciated by many collectors. Its rarity and connection to modern error coinage position it for future appreciation.
Recommendation: Focus on high-quality, uncirculated examples. As awareness of this variety grows, its value is likely to rise significantly.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, these six coins represent exciting opportunities for growth. Their unique stories, historical significance, and current undervaluation make them excellent candidates for your collection. As interest in numismatics continues to grow, these hidden gems could become some of the most valuable coins of the future.
FAQs
Why is the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent significant?
It was the first U.S. coin to feature a real person, Abraham Lincoln.
What is the key feature of the 1955 Double Die Cent?
The date and inscriptions on the obverse appear doubled.
How rare is the 1932-D Washington Quarter?
It has a low mintage of just over 1.5 million coins.
Why is the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel valuable?
It features a minting error where the buffalo’s front leg is missing.
What makes the 1982 No Mintmark Dime rare?
It was accidentally minted without a mintmark, making it a scarce variety.
