“Discover 6 Rare 1900s Coins That Are Worth a Fortune to Collectors”

Introduction

Rare coins from the 1900s represent an interesting mix of history, art, and investment potential. This period saw some of the most valuable coins in American numismatics created; some examples are sold at auction for millions.

In this article, we are going to discuss six coins of the 1900s that sell for outrageous sums today. Each one of these coins has ended up on this list through a combination of the following criteria:

• Historical Relevance: Ties to significant historical events in American history
• Extreme Rarities: Low mintage figures or rates of survival
• Distinctive Characteristics: Specific design characteristics or minting errors
• Market Demand: Consistently high market values in auctions

For the numismatics enthusiast and investor, these series represent the epitome in numismatics. War-time rationing, political decisions, art controversies and mystery of productions are merged in their history. Examples of investment of these pieces have been truly remarkable-the price of certain pieces now fetches from a few cents to millions of dollars.

1. 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny

The 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny may very well be one of the most famous coin collectibles in the planet. Struck in San Francisco, this rare penny was designed by Victor David Brenner. This piece carries President Abraham Lincoln’s image in the obverse. What makes it unique is that the reverse has the designer’s initials “V.D.B.” engraved on it, opposite two wheat stalks.

The Story Behind Its Rarity

There was a public outcry over the coin when it first came out because Brenner’s initials were too visible on the design. The U.S. Mint stopped production of only 484,000 pieces in San Francisco, and this limited number sparked instant demand among collectors.

Understanding Its Value

The value of a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Penny varies greatly by condition:

• Good (G-4): $750-$1,000
• Fine (F-12): $1,500-$2,000
• Mint State (MS-65): $25,000-$30,000
• MS-67 Mint State. $100,000+

Some criteria determine the value of a specific penny:

• Surface preservation
• Strike quality
• Original red copper color retained
• No spots or discoloration

Authentication and Protection Against Counterfeits

Professional grading services such as PCGS and NGC authenticate these valuable pennies to ensure authenticity and protect buyers from circulating counterfeit coins.

2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

One of the biggest enigmas in coin collecting is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. In fact, only five of such coins are known to exist, and each has an interesting story behind it.

The Mystery Behind Its Existence

This was not supposed to occur. The U.S. Mint had already started producing the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913, but somehow these Liberty Head versions managed to slip through. The Mint employee Samuel Brown first displayed them at a convention in 1920 to raise eyebrows about where they came from without clearance.

The Legendary Status of Surviving Specimens

There are five known coins and these five coins have become legendary:

• Eliasberg specimen – graded PR-66, considered the finest
• The Olsen specimen – sold in 2010 for $3.7 million
• The Walton specimen – lost for many years until recently located
• Two specimens that exist within collections

Recent Sales and Their Impact on Value

Recently, it’s quite apparent how much value there is linked with these coins.

• 2018: Sold at auction for $4.5 million
• 2013: Sold at auction for $3.1 million
• 2010: Sold at auction for $3.7 million

Each of the coins and their well-documented history only appears to make them more intriguing. Collectors do not buy these nickels based on their rarity but rather as a reminder of numismatic excellence combined with historical significance and huge market value.

3. 1921 Peace Silver Dollar

The 1921 Peace Silver Dollar is a strong symbol of hope after the destruction caused by World War I. Designer Anthony de Francisci created this masterpiece featuring the calm profile of Lady Liberty on one side and an eagle majestically perched on a rock on the other side, holding an olive branch – a direct representation of peace.

The high-relief version of 1921 is the most valuable variant. Its deep striking created a very striking three-dimensional effect, although the design was impractical for mass production. The U.S. Mint produced more than 1 million pieces before adopting a modified, lower-relief design in 1922.

Value and Auction Highlights

A mint-condition 1921 Peace Dollar can fetch prices between $400 to $100,000 depending on its preservation state. Recent auction highlights include:

• MS-67 grade specimen sold for $132,000 in 2019
• MS-66+ example brought $108,000 at a 2020 sale
• Proof-64 specimen sold for $88,125 in 2021

Intrinsic Value

This coin has intrinsic value for its.900 fine silver content in addition to numismatic value, making it a great addition to a serious collector’s portfolio.

4. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Arguably, the most contentious besides being the costliest, coin in American numismatics is the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. In the midst of the Great Depression, it was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who issued Executive Order 6102, then called the Gold Reserve Act.

In this act, all gold coins were obligated by the government to be transferred from American citizens. The Philadelphia Mint made 445,500 Double Eagles in 1933 but nearly all of these were melted down before they left the mint. Several coins mysteriously disappeared and the collectors sued the U.S. government for years.

Known Specimens:

• 2 specimens are kept at the Smithsonian Institution
• 1 privately owned specimen was legally purchased and sold for $7.6 million in 2002
• Some specimens were seized by the Secret Service

The obverse features Lady Liberty striding forward, and the reverse features a majestic eagle. Each surviving coin is a numismatic rarity, and mint-state specimens sell for millions of dollars. Artistic beauty, historical significance, and extraordinary scarcity make the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle the crown jewel for serious collectors.

5. 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny

This was turned into a very scarce 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny in the manufacture of copper saving during World War II. The U.S. government at that time demanded all the copper to be held in reserve for military use. This is why the U.S. Mint changed the process it used to produce pennies using zinc-coated steel. It created some error coins, though with 1942 bronze planchets remaining in the equipment.

Known Examples:

• 40 specimens authenticated
• Most well-known specimen found in Don Lutes Jr.’s school cafeteria change in 1947
• One pristine specimen housed in the Henry Ford Museum

These pennies are worth much more than the original. In 2010, a perfect MS-61 sold at auction for $1.7 million. This coin is unique because it is a bright copper penny. All other steel 1943 pennies are silvery-gray in color.

Authentication Tips:

• Coins made of actual metal stick to magnets
• Weight is consistent with authentic bronze pennies (3.11 grams)
• Date must not have been altered from 1948 pennies

There are many fakes of this coin, so it would be prudent for any buyer or seller to get professional authentication to make sure they are indeed dealing with an authentic piece.

6. 1944 Steel Penny

The 1944 Steel Penny also reminds some of mistakes in wartime production. Once the U.S. Mint had decided that it would once again return to producing copper pennies in 1944, a small quantity of steel planchets which had been left on the line were mistakenly used to create some 1944 pennies, which created the error.

Where Were the 1944 Steel Pennies Made?

The U.S. Mint produced these steel pennies at three facilities:

• Philadelphia
• Denver
• San Francisco

Each of the steel pennies produced by the three mints is unique, but those produced at Philadelphia are particularly prized by collectors. Authenticated pieces in near-mint condition have sold for more than $100,000 at auction.

What Do the 1944 Steel Pennies Look Like?

The composition of steel makes these pennies appear a silver-gray color, making them visibly different from the copper-colored versions.

How Many 1944 Steel Pennies Have Been Certified?

Professional grading services have certified about 30 genuine specimens, with several examples showing varying degrees of wear.

What Does Recent Market Data Say About the Price of 1944 Steel Pennies?

Recent market data shows steady price appreciation, with specimens graded MS-63 or higher on the Sheldon scale bringing in the premium prices.

Why Do Experienced Collectors Value 1944 Steel Pennies?

Experienced collectors value these pennies for two major reasons:

• Their history in the World War II
• Their status as misprinted error coins

This mix of war-time history and the scarcity of its minting is still driving high demand within the numismatic market.

Tips for Coin Collectors Seeking Rare Coins from the 1900s

Finding rare 1900s coins requires planning and expertise. Here’s what you need to know:

Building Your Network

• Local coin collecting clubs
• Major coin shows and auctions
• Reach out to trusted dealers
• Join online collecting forums
• Subscribe to numismatic periodicals

Authentication Matters

Professional coin grading services, like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), provide the following services:

• Confirm authenticity
• Set specific condition grades
• Provide tamper-evident holders
• Determine value
• Supply an insurance report

Smart Buying Tips

• Do your homework first
• Buy from sellers who have good credentials
• Obtain good-quality images of both sides
• Check the numbers against official registries
• Begin with lower-grade examples to learn

Keep in mind that genuine rare coins from the 1900s fetch high prices. Professional-grade coins from the PCGS or NGC may double a coin’s price compared to ungraded copies of the same coin.

FAQs