Some of the coins we see daily feature famous US Presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. While most of these coins aren’t worth much, some rare versions can sell for thousands of dollars. The value of these coins often depends on their rarity, errors, and condition. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could be worth a lot more than its face value. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most valuable coins featuring US Presidents, including $264k US president coins, and what to look for if you’re trying to identify these hidden treasures.
1. 1971 Eisenhower Silver Dollar – $264,000
The 1971 Eisenhower dollar is a special coin featuring the 34th President, Dwight D. Eisenhower. This coin was only produced between 1971 and 1978. A rare 1971 Eisenhower dollar with an “S” mint mark recently sold for an astounding $264,000 at an auction. This particular coin is highly valuable because it represents an early prototype of the last silver dollar struck in the United States.
2. 1992 Lincoln Penny – $25,000
Lincoln pennies are common, but the 1992 Lincoln penny with the “close AM” design is a rare exception. The letters “AM” in the word “America” on the back of the coin should almost be touching. Only about 10 of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare. One of these close AM pennies sold for over $25,000 in 2017, and even lower-grade versions have sold for hundreds of dollars online.
3. 1955 Lincoln Penny (Double Die Obverse) – $17,057
One of the most famous error coins is the 1955 Lincoln penny with a double die obverse, meaning that the design on the front of the coin appears doubled. This error happened when the coin’s design was struck twice but slightly off-center. This unique mistake makes the coin very valuable. In excellent condition, this penny can sell for as much as $17,057. Even in less perfect condition, they still fetch impressive prices online.
4. 1932 Washington Quarter (D Mint Mark) – $13,909
The 1932 Washington quarter is another highly valuable coin, particularly if it has a “D” mint mark. This quarter is part of the first year the Washington quarter series was produced, and very few were made—only 408,000 of these coins were minted. If you find one in excellent condition, it could be worth up to $13,909. The coin is especially sought after by collectors.
5. 1945 Jefferson Nickel – $922
The 1945 Jefferson nickel is relatively common, but if you find one in high grade, it can be worth much more. A 1945 Jefferson nickel with an “S” mint mark and a high grade (MS 67) recently sold for $922. This proves that even common coins can become valuable when they are in near-perfect condition. Keep an eye out for these nickels if you’re sorting through your change!
Table: Valuable US President Coins
| Coin | Mint Year | Value (Up to) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eisenhower Silver Dollar | 1971 | $264,000 | “S” mint mark, rare design |
| Lincoln Penny (Close AM) | 1992 | $25,000 | Close “AM” on the reverse |
| Lincoln Penny (Double Die) | 1955 | $17,057 | Doubled letters/numbers |
| Washington Quarter (D) | 1932 | $13,909 | “D” mint mark, rare date |
| Jefferson Nickel (S) | 1945 | $922 | High-grade condition (MS67) |
Conclusion
While most coins featuring US Presidents might seem ordinary, certain rare versions can be worth a lot of money. Coins with errors, low mintages, or high grades tend to be the most valuable. If you’re a coin collector or just curious, it’s always worth checking your spare change to see if you have any hidden treasures. Some of these $264k US president coins can fetch high prices, and who knows—you could find one worth thousands!
FAQ’s
What makes a coin valuable?
A coin’s value depends on factors like rarity, minting errors, and condition. Coins with low mintages or in excellent condition are typically more valuable.
How can I check if my coin is worth anything?
You can search for the coin on auction sites like eBay, filtering the results by “sold listings” to see the prices of coins that have already been sold.
What is an uncirculated coin?
An uncirculated coin is one that has not been used in everyday transactions and is typically in pristine condition.