Top coins to collect - and whether you should hold onto them later in life (2024)

THERE are quite a few rare coins out there that might be worth some serious mint.

Some might happen possess these and are wondering if they should cash in now or continue to hold on to them.

Reasons why you might want to sell one of your rare coins is because you’re worried they might depreciate over time or you need money.

But on the other hand, there’s a chance your coins could surge in value over your life time and you can make fortune later on if you patently hold.

When it comes to the value of your coins in general - there are a few factors that determines how much they might be worth.

This includes low mintage, an error, or another unique element.

And know that the value of the coin could depend on grade condition, mintage, as well as supply and demand for it.

To check out if your coins are worth anything on eBay, search the full name, select the "sold" listing and then toggle the search to "highest value.

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1976 B-2 Quarter Dollar - $1.5million

There are plenty examples in the past of coins skyrocketing and coin collectors making a huge profit.

One example is when collector Eric P. Newman purchased a 1796 B-2 Quarter Dollar for $100 in the 1930s.

That same quarter then sold for $1.5million in 2013 - which was the largest ever paid for a 25 cent coin at the time.

This was the first quarter dollar ever produced.

"This coin did not have a denomination indicator such as "25 C." or "Quarter Dollar," USA Coin Book (USACB) wrote in a description of the coin.

"So the denomination was simply discerned by the diameter size of the coin."

1943 Lincoln bronze/copper penny - $204,000

Another example was 1943 Lincoln penny, which was found by a Massachusetts man more than 70 years ago in his lunch money.

The coin wound up selling for $204,000 in an auction in 2019.

This was of course the Bronze/Copper Lincoln wheat cent, which is one of the rarest coins in existence.

This is because all of the coins produced in 1943 were supposed to be made out of steal.

There have been said to be just around 20 of the Bronze/Copper Lincoln wheat cent minted in 1943.

1932 D Washington Quarter - $13,573

Of course, there are some other valuable coins including the 1932 Washington quarter.

This is worth up to $13,573 if you happen to find one with Denver mintage (“D”) in “Uncirculated (MS-65)” condition, according to USA Coin Book.

1992 close "AM" Lincoln penny - $25,000

Another, is the 1992 Lincoln coin, which could be worth up $25,000 if you find one with a close “AM.”

You can find this by looking at the back of the coin and looking at the first two letters of "AMERICA."

The "AM" letters will be close to each other and nearly touching.

According toCoinappraiser, a site that claims it has a group of industry professionals, notes that only 10 or so of close AM coins exist.

1929 Indian head $5 coin - $55,944

And for gold collectors, the 1929 Indian head $5 coin is quite valuable as well.

This piece marked the first time that an Indian head $5 gold coin was minted in 13 years at the time.

“The few 1929 Indian Head $5 Gold Coins that survived were quite lucky to do so, as it wasn’t legal to own all gold coins from 1933 through 1975 in the United States,” online merchant JM Bullion wrote in thedescriptionof the coin.

“Those that did escape melting are in extremely high demand. Today, these coins are still extremely popular amongst collectors, but are only becoming increasingly difficult to find.”

In average condition, the $5 coin is worth $20,616, according toUSA Coin Book.

Also, it can be worth nearly up to $55,944 if in an “uncirculated (MS-63)” condition.

One recently sold for $17,877 online.

Should you hold onto to your coins?

Whether you should sell or hold will depend on a couple factors.

While Mr Eicher notes that rare coins tend to appreciate over time – there’s never any guarantees just like with any other investment.

“The best chance for an increase in value would be a strong interest in the type of coin you own, coupled with a radical shortage of supply due to experienced collectors hoarding their collection items,” he said.

Mr Eicher added, “The good news is that history has shown us that numismatics tends to be a timeless hobby — meaning coins with diligent care and proper storage should retain some degree of long-term value.”

One scenario where selling your coins might make sense is if you’re just looking at it “in terms of the metal,” according to Mr Eicher.

In particular, he said the value of gold, silver, copper, and nickel prices have “skyrocketed” in the past few years.

But he’s against collectors selling their products for the most part – especially if “you can afford to wait” and see if the value increases in the future.

“If you are looking for numismatic value then hanging on to your coins may be a better option,” Mr Eicher said.

Leonard Augsburger, project coordinator for non-profit company Newman Numismatic Portal said that because of the strong coin market it is a “good time to take profits if collectors need funds for other purposes.”

Mr Augsburger was hesitant to list recommendations of specific coins that could appreciate over time.

However, he did say that, “Bullion coins (for example, American Gold Eagles or American Silver Eagles) will track more directly to the price of gold or silver and are good choices if a buyer simply wants to own precious metals.”

To put yourself in the best position if you’re looking for a coin that will surge in value later in life, Mr Eicher advises that you conduct research on a coin that “has a good track record of appreciation.”

We explain the 1922 Lincoln penny and why it’s so valuable.