If you think that old coins are only for the hobby of collecting, then perhaps you are wrong. There are some coins that were made in the 1980s and today their price can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you have a collection of old coins or want to take a close look at the old coins kept at home, then this article can prove to be very beneficial for you.
Let us know about those four special coins that can earn you millions even today.
1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Identify the key to wealth from the edge
The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was launched with great enthusiasm in 1979. She was the first woman in America whose face was printed on an American coin. However, this coin did not get the popularity among the public that was expected. The demand was so low that the minting of this coin was stopped in 1981 and it was released once again only in 1999.
But the matter does not end here. Some coins issued in 1980 had a strange error—their edges were wider than usual and the date appeared too close to the edge of the coin. This error made these coins extremely rare and valuable.
What could its price be?
- One such coin sold for $600 on eBay.
- Others have sold for $575 to $1,000.
If you have a Susan B. Anthony dollar, check it carefully—you might be lucky to have one.
1984 Error Quarter: Small mistake, big money
In 1984, the Philadelphia Mint produced about 676 million Washington quarters and the Denver Mint produced 546 million. Their actual value was just $0.25, or 25 cents, but some coins had special errors that made them extremely valuable.
How to identify these rare quarters?
- Double-strike: When the same design is printed twice.
- Overstrike: When a new design is printed over an old design.
What price can be obtained?
- The price of such coins has been seen on online platforms like Ruby Lane, Mercari, Etsy and eBay, starting from $150 to $2,000.
- If you have a 1984 quarter, then take a closer look—could it be your lottery ticket?
1986 Full Red Penny: Rare coin glowing with the redness of copper
In 1986, some pennies were made that are called ‘full red.’ The amount of copper in these coins was somewhat more, due to which their color appears much brighter and deeper red than the normal penny.
Why is this coin special?
- High-quality copper was used in these.
- Their color and finish look different from other coins.
What price can be obtained for them?
- High-quality full red pennies typically sell for up to $175.
- But in 2019, a coin in perfect condition was auctioned on eBay for $2,400.
If you have a shiny 1986 penny, show it to a coin expert—it could be a treasure.
1986-S Proof Penny: Special and Priceless for Collectors
In 1986, the San Francisco Mint produced a total of 3.79 million proof pennies. These coins were made specifically for collectors and their design is much cleaner, shinier and clearer than normal coins.
What makes them special?
- These coins have an “S” mintmark, which indicates that they were made in San Francisco.
- Their proof finish makes them very special.
What could be their price?
- This coin can usually be worth up to $185.
- One such coin sold for $3,450 in a 2003 auction recorded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).
If you have a 1986 S-mint-marked proof penny, hold on to it—it could change your financial fortunes.
Conclusion: Old things aren’t always worthless
Not only are these coins from the 1980s of historical significance, but some of them could be worth thousands of dollars today. So the next time you see your old coins, don’t brush them off as just pieces of metal. You may be unknowingly owning a rare and valuable treasure.
If you’re a coin enthusiast, keep checking your collection from time to time, and don’t forget to consult an expert. This hobby is not only informative but can also be a profitable investment.
FAQs
Q. What makes the 1980 Susan B. Anthony Dollar special?
A. The 1980 “Wide Rim” variant has a broader rim and the date appears closer to the edge, making it rare and valuable.
Q. Why is the 1984 Quarter considered rare?
A. Some 1984 quarters have minting errors like double-strikes or overstrikes, which increase their value.
Q. What is a 1986 Full Red Penny?
A. It’s a penny with a high copper content, giving it a bright red color. Well-preserved ones are very rare.
Q. How valuable is the 1986-S Proof Penny?
A. These collector-grade coins can sell for up to $3,450 if in top condition with a clear “S” mint mark.
Q. Where can I sell or check the value of my old coins?
A. You can use platforms like eBay, Etsy, or consult coin grading services like PCGS for accurate valuations.