At times, ordinary pocket change can turn out to be worth millions. From unique minting flaws to special releases, a few U.S. coins shocked collectors by selling for millions. These amazing discoveries show that luck, rarity, and history can turn a common coin into a jackpot.
Let’s take a look at 8 rare U.S. coins that turned spare change into millions—and how you can tell if you have one hiding in plain sight.
8 U.S. Coins Worth Millions
Here’s a list of the coins and their worth:
Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value |
---|---|---|
1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1933 | $7M–$18M+ |
1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $3.7M+ |
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar | 1794 | $10M+ |
1943 Copper Penny | 1943 | $1.7M+ |
2004 Wisconsin Quarter (Extra Leaf) | 2004 | $500–$5,000+ |
1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1927 | $2.9M+ |
1944 Steel Penny | 1944 | $10,000–$100,000+ |
1907 High Relief Double Eagle | 1907 | $2M+ |
1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle
The Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle of 1933 is the most valuable and well-known U.S. coin ever produced. Although it was struck, it was never circulated because of new laws regarding ownership of gold. Most were melted, but some remained.
One of these rare survivors sold for over $7 million, and another went for nearly $19 million. If one ever appeared in pocket change (unlikely but wild to imagine), you’d be looking at the coin collector’s holy grail.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist, and their origin remains a mystery. These coins were created without official approval, making them an accidental rarity.
One was sold for $3.7 million in 2010, and others have been sold for even higher prices since. This small coin might make a person wealthy overnight—if you somehow had one included in a coin jar.
1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is thought to be the first silver dollar ever minted by the United States. It has Lady Liberty with flowing hair and is a highly sought-after piece of early American coins.
Only a few examples exist today, and one sold for over $10 million in 2013. With its history and scarcity, it’s unlikely you’ll find one casually—but never say never.

1943 Copper Penny
The 1943 Copper Penny is a mythical error. In World War II, the U.S. Mint began using steel instead of copper to conserve materials for the war. But some copper blanks were used by mistake.
One of those copper pennies was sold for more than $1.7 million. That’s a pretty good return on one cent. It’s one of the most thrilling discoveries that have periodically appeared in ordinary change.
2004 Wisconsin State Quarter
The 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter with the additional leaf is a newer rarity. Few of these quarters were produced with an additional leaf on the corn stalk—a high leaf version or low leaf version.
These abnormalities drive collectors wild. Ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, these quarters sell depending on their condition. That’s a pretty good bargain for a 25-cent piece.

1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is yet another precious gold coin collectors fantasize about. Few were made available for circulation, and most were melted down.
One of these sold for more than $2.9 million. Its scarcity added to its lovely design makes it one of the most valuable coins ever to circulate—briefly, that is.
1944 Steel Penny
In 1944, pennies were going to be minted in copper again after the steel version in 1943. But a handful of leftover steel blanks from the year before were mistakenly utilized.
The Steel Penny of 1944 can sell for thousands of dollars and have been spotted occasionally in coin sets. If you come across a steel penny dated 1944, don’t spend it—its purchase price could be enough to buy a new automobile.

1907 High Relief Double Eagle
The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle was problematic for the U.S. Mint because of its intricate, raised design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Only a few were minted before the design had to be altered.
Today, these coins are extremely collectible and can be worth more than $2 million. Their beautiful striking and small mintage make them valuable both in terms of money and artistry.
Final Thought
These 8 rare coins prove that treasures can be hiding in your pocket, change jar, or old coin collection. Whether it’s a historical masterpiece like the 1794 Silver Dollar or a quirky modern error like the Wisconsin Leaf Quarter, every coin tells a story—and some can make you a millionaire. So the next time you’re counting change, take a closer look… Your fortune might be just one coin away.
FAQ’s
Is the 1943 Copper Penny genuine?
Yes, a few were accidentally produced and are worth more than $1.7M.
How many 1913 Liberty Nickels are there?
Only 5 are recognized to nonetheless exist nowadays.
What is the rarest U.S. Coin ever produced?
The 1933 Double Eagle is normally seemed as the rarest.