Whether you’ve been a coin collector since childhood, or grew up with a parent or grandparent who had a prized collection they loved to talk about, you know that coins aren’t just bright, shiny objects. They come with their own unique place in history, as well as their own aesthetics and, of course, their own value. Sometimes, a lot of value.
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If you’re living on a fixed income as a retiree, you know that building up extra income can be essential to your long-term comfort and success. But to boost those coffers, you might need to raid your coin collection.
GOBankingRates took a look at the rare coins that might help retirees net a couple of thousand dollars more before the start of the new year.
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As an organization devoted to helping people learn more about finances, the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Associations (WUCMAA) has a healthy interest in rare coins. The WUCMAA proclaimed that the 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the most sought-after coins since it was produced by the Denver Mint with a low mintage. In the right condition, you might be able to sell it for upwards of $140,000.
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Another coin on the WUCMAA’s list of quarters that could go from change in the attic to helping you buy a whole new house is the 1943 Washington Quarter with a doubled die obverse. If you should find one of these in mint condition, you might just be able to get anywhere between $22,000 and $40,000 for it, since collectors are fond of it as a rare coin.
When Coin Trackers listed the most valuable pennies, this unique option topped the list. It ranked high not only because of the value attached — though a whopping top value of $408,000 does make a difference — but also because of how rare it is. The steel planchets in the coin might have been accidental, and there simply weren’t many of them produced. But if you have an authentic one (an easy way to tell involves seeing if it will stick to a magnet) you should get it evaluated professionally.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Coin Trackers list, the 1943 Copper Penny could net you up to $250,000, depending on its condition. This penny is another happy accident, since the pennies minted that year were supposed to be steel or war pennies, and copper plates from 1942 might have inadvertently mixed with other steel plates. Unfortunately, many of these coins can be fakes, with a common scam involving filing down the 8 in a 1948 copper penny to look like a three. If you think you may have a 1943 model, be sure to take it to a professional.
