Is My Coin Worth Anything?
Use this free coin value checker to find out if your coin is worth more than face value. Answer a few quick questions — takes about 30 seconds.
Question 1 of ~4
What type of coin do you have?
How This Coin Value Checker Works
This coin value checker asks you a series of simple questions about your coin — what type it is, the year, the mint mark, and what it looks like. Based on your answers, it determines whether your coin is likely worth more than face value and whether it's worth getting professionally appraised.
The checker covers the most common scenarios: silver coins, gold coins, key dates, and major varieties. It doesn't replace a professional appraisal, but it gives you a solid starting point so you're not guessing. If the checker says your coin might be valuable, the next step is to bring it to US Gold & Coin for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
What Makes a Coin Valuable?
Four factors determine a coin's value above face:
Metal content. Pre-1965 silver coins, gold coins, and war nickels contain precious metals worth more than their denomination. A silver quarter contains about $12 to $16 in silver at current prices.
Rarity. Low mintage coins are harder to find and command higher prices. The 1893-S Morgan dollar had a mintage of only 100,000 — making it one of the most valuable US coins.
Condition. A coin in pristine uncirculated condition can be worth 10x to 100x more than the same coin in worn, circulated condition. Never clean a coin — cleaning destroys value. Learn more about coin grading.
Errors and varieties. Manufacturing mistakes — doubled dies, off-center strikes, wrong planchets — create rare coins that collectors pay premiums for. The 1955 doubled die penny is worth $1,000+ because of a dramatic doubling error during production.
If your coin checks one or more of these boxes, it's worth getting appraised.
How to find the value of your coins for free
There are two ways to find the value of your coins for free, and the second one is the only one that gives you a real number you can act on.
1. Get a quick read from the coin checker on this page
The estimator above asks four to five questions about your coin (type, year, mint mark, condition) and tells you whether it is likely worth more than face value. It takes about 30 seconds and covers the most common scenarios for US coins, including silver content, gold coins, key dates, and major varieties.
The checker is a fast first filter. It cannot replace an expert holding the coin, but it tells you whether the coin is worth taking the next step on.
2. Get a free in-person appraisal
For any coin you suspect is worth more than face value, an in-person look from a real dealer is the only way to get an accurate number. We appraise coins for free at all eight US Gold and Coin locations, no appointment needed and no obligation to sell.
Here is why an in-person appraisal beats every other method:
- It catches counterfeits. Many of the most-asked-about coins (1916-D Mercury dimes, 1909-S VDB Lincoln cents, 1955 Doubled Die cents) are heavily counterfeited. Photos and online tools cannot reliably tell a real coin from a well-made fake. We can.
- It accounts for condition correctly. A coin in Good condition might be worth $50 while the same date in MS-65 is worth $5,000. Most people misjudge their own coins by one to three full grades, which dramatically changes the answer.
- It catches problems that destroy value. Cleaning, polishing, environmental damage, and altered mint marks all hurt resale and are easy to miss without expert eyes. Learn more about coin grading.
- It gives you a real number. Not a retail estimate, not a guide range, but an actual offer if you decide to sell. You can take it or leave it.
A note on online price guides
The PCGS and NGC online price guides are useful as a ceiling reference, but the numbers they show are what a dealer might ask a customer to pay, not what you can actually sell for. The gap between the two is often 30 to 60 percent. Treat guide values as a ballpark, not a quote.
Common US coin values reference
This is a quick reference for the most-asked-about US coins. Values shown are typical ranges for circulated examples in average condition (Good through Extremely Fine). Uncirculated and proof coins can be worth significantly more, especially in higher grades certified by PCGS or NGC. Always verify with a professional appraisal before buying or selling. Common-date coins of any series are usually worth only their melt value (silver coins) or face value (modern coins). The premium pieces in each series are listed in the right-hand column. For series-specific detail, see our silver dollar value guide.
| Coin | Years | Composition | Typical Value (Circulated) | Premium Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Wheat Cent | 1909–1958 | 95% copper | 5 cents to $5 | 1909-S VDB ($700-$2,500), 1914-D ($200-$2,500), 1922 No D ($500-$5,000), 1955 DDO ($1,000-$2,500) |
| Lincoln Memorial Cent | 1959–2008 | Copper or zinc | Face value | 1969-S DDO ($10,000+), 1972 DDO ($300-$700), 1992 Close AM ($5,000-$15,000) |
| Indian Head Cent | 1859–1909 | 88% copper / 12% nickel or 95% copper | $2 to $50 | 1877 ($800-$3,000), 1909-S ($400-$1,500) |
| Flying Eagle Cent | 1856–1858 | 88% copper / 12% nickel | $30 to $400 | 1856 ($7,000-$30,000) |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1938–present | 75% copper / 25% nickel | Face value | 1939 Doubled Monticello ($150-$600), 1942-1945 War Nickels (silver melt $1.50+) |
| Jefferson War Nickel | 1942–1945 | 35% silver | $1.50 to $5 (melt) | Full Steps examples in MS65+ ($50-$300+) |
| Buffalo Nickel | 1913–1938 | 75% copper / 25% nickel | 50 cents to $20 | 1913-S Type 2 ($300-$2,500), 1918/7-D ($1,500-$15,000), 1937-D 3-Legged ($600-$4,000) |
| Liberty V Nickel | 1883–1913 | 75% copper / 25% nickel | $2 to $30 | 1885 ($600-$2,000), 1912-S ($150-$500), 1913 (one of five known, $4M+) |
| Roosevelt Dime (Silver) | 1946–1964 | 90% silver | $2 to $4 (melt) | 1949-S ($15-$50), 1955 ($5-$30) |
| Roosevelt Dime (Clad) | 1965–present | Copper-nickel | Face value | 1982 No Mint Mark ($30-$300) |
| Mercury Dime | 1916–1945 | 90% silver | $2 to $20 | 1916-D ($650-$12,650), 1921 ($60-$1,200), 1921-D ($75-$1,500), 1942/1 overdates ($500-$3,000) |
| Barber Dime | 1892–1916 | 90% silver | $3 to $30 | 1894-S (one of nine known, $1M+), 1895-O ($400-$2,500) |
| Seated Liberty Dime | 1837–1891 | 90% silver | $15 to $100 | 1873-CC No Arrows (one known, $1M+), 1844 ($300-$2,000) |
| Washington Quarter (Silver) | 1932–1964 | 90% silver | $5 to $10 (melt) | 1932-D ($150-$2,000), 1932-S ($175-$1,500) |
| Washington Quarter (Clad) | 1965–present | Copper-nickel | Face value | 1965 Silver Error ($7,000+), 1970-S Proof Doubled Die ($35,000+) |
| Standing Liberty Quarter | 1916–1930 | 90% silver | $5 to $50 | 1916 ($3,000-$15,000), 1918/7-S Overdate ($1,500-$15,000+) |
| Barber Quarter | 1892–1916 | 90% silver | $8 to $50 | 1896-S ($800-$4,000), 1901-S ($5,000-$30,000+), 1913-S ($1,500-$8,000) |
| Seated Liberty Quarter | 1838–1891 | 90% silver | $25 to $200 | 1873-CC No Arrows ($60,000+), 1870-CC ($10,000+) |
| Kennedy Half (90% Silver) | 1964 only | 90% silver | $10 to $15 (melt) | Accented Hair Proof ($60-$200), 1964 SMS ($25,000+) |
| Kennedy Half (40% Silver) | 1965–1970 | 40% silver | $3 to $5 (melt) | 1970-D ($15-$30, scarcer) |
| Kennedy Half (Clad) | 1971–present | Copper-nickel | Face value | 1998-S Matte Proof ($150-$300) |
| Franklin Half | 1948–1963 | 90% silver | $10 to $20 (melt) | Full Bell Lines examples in MS65+ ($75-$500+) |
| Walking Liberty Half | 1916–1947 | 90% silver | $10 to $40 | 1916-S ($60-$1,500), 1921 ($150-$3,500), 1921-D ($300-$6,000), 1921-S ($175-$8,000+) |
| Barber Half | 1892–1915 | 90% silver | $15 to $80 | 1892-O ($300-$2,500), 1904-S ($350-$4,000), 1913 ($25-$300) |
| Morgan Silver Dollar | 1878–1904, 1921 | 90% silver | $25 to $60 (melt+) | 1893-S ($3,500-$50,000+), 1889-CC ($1,500-$25,000), 1895 Proof ($45,000+) |
| Peace Silver Dollar | 1921–1935 | 90% silver | $25 to $50 (melt+) | 1921 High Relief ($150-$1,500), 1928 ($300-$1,500), 1934-S ($60-$3,500) |
| Eisenhower Dollar | 1971–1978 | Clad or 40% silver | Face to $10 | 1971-S 40% Silver Proof ($15-$50), 1976 Type 1 vs Type 2 varieties |
| Susan B. Anthony Dollar | 1979–1981, 1999 | Copper-nickel clad | Face to $5 | 1979-P Wide Rim ($25-$75), 1981-S Type 2 Proof ($75-$300) |
| Sacagawea Dollar | 2000–present | Manganese-brass clad | Face to $2 | 2000-P Cheerios ($1,500-$10,000+), 2000-P Wounded Eagle ($300-$1,000) |
| Trade Dollar | 1873–1885 | 90% silver | $150 to $400 | 1884 Proof (rare, $350,000+), 1878-CC ($1,500-$10,000) |
| Liberty Head Gold $20 (Double Eagle) | 1850–1907 | 90% gold | $3,000-$3,500 (melt+) | Carson City issues, 1854-O, 1856-O ($100,000+) |
| Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 | 1907–1933 | 90% gold | $3,000-$3,500 (melt+) | 1907 High Relief ($15,000-$75,000+), 1933 (one legal sale, $20M) |
| Indian Head Gold $10 (Eagle) | 1907–1933 | 90% gold | $1,500-$2,000 (melt+) | 1907 Wire Edge ($30,000+), 1920-S ($25,000+), 1933 ($300,000+) |
| Liberty Head Gold $5 (Half Eagle) | 1839–1908 | 90% gold | $700-$900 (melt+) | Carson City issues, 1854-S ($1.5M+), 1864-S ($25,000+) |
| Indian Head Gold $2.50 (Quarter Eagle) | 1908–1929 | 90% gold | $400-$500 (melt+) | 1911-D ($3,000-$25,000) |
| Liberty Head Gold $1 | 1849–1889 | 90% gold | $200-$400 (melt+) | 1849-C Open Wreath ($350,000+), 1875 ($2,500+) |
If you have one of the premium examples listed above (or think you might), the most important rule is do not clean the coin. Cleaning destroys numismatic value, often dropping a four-figure coin to face value. Bring it in for a free in-person appraisal first.
For more detail on specific series, see our guides to Morgan silver dollars, Peace silver dollars, what year quarters are silver, and what nickels are silver.
What coins are worth money?
Most US coins in circulation today are worth only their face value. The coins that command real premiums fall into four categories: pre-1965 silver coins, gold coins, key dates with low mintage, and error coins. Here are the specific pieces worth checking your change and inherited collections for.
Lincoln cents to look for
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent. The "King" of Lincoln cents. Mintage of just 484,000. Look for the small "S" mint mark below the date and the "VDB" designer initials at the bottom of the reverse. Worth $700 to $2,500 in circulated grades, much higher uncirculated.
- 1914-D Lincoln Cent. A semi-key date with a mintage of 1.2 million. Worth $200 to $2,500 depending on condition.
- 1922 No D Lincoln Cent. A die-filled error from the Denver Mint where the D mint mark is missing entirely. Worth $500 to $5,000+.
- 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. The most famous error coin in US history. Doubling visible without a magnifier on the date and inscriptions. Worth $1,000 to $2,500 in circulated grades.
- 1969-S Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. Even rarer than the 1955. Genuine examples sell for $10,000 to $100,000+. Heavily counterfeited; certification is essential.
Nickels to look for
- 1942-1945 War Nickels. 35% silver content during WWII. Identified by the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse. Worth $1.50 to $5+ each at silver melt. See what nickels are silver.
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel. A famous die error where the buffalo appears to have only three legs. Worth $600 to $4,000+.
- 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel. Only five exist. The most recent sold for over $4 million. If you think you have one, it is almost certainly a counterfeit, but get it authenticated regardless.
Dimes to look for
- 1916-D Mercury Dime. The key date for the Mercury series. Mintage of just 264,000. Worth $650 to $12,650 in circulated grades. Heavily counterfeited; verify the D mint mark is genuine before buying.
- 1942/1 Mercury Dime Overdates. Two versions exist (Philadelphia and Denver) where a 1942 date was punched over a 1941 die. Worth $500 to $3,000+.
- Any pre-1965 dime. All US dimes minted 1964 and earlier are 90% silver. Worth at least their melt value, currently $2 to $4 each depending on silver spot price.
Quarters to look for
- 1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters. The two key dates of the entire Washington series. Worth $150 to $2,000+ depending on grade.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter. First-year issue with mintage of just 52,000. Worth $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on condition.
- Any pre-1965 quarter. 90% silver. Worth at least $5 to $10 each at melt value. See what year quarters are silver.
Half dollars and dollars to look for
- 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar. The key date of the Morgan series with a mintage of just 100,000. Worth $3,500 to $50,000+. See our Morgan silver dollar value guide.
- 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. Carson City Mint key date. Worth $1,500 to $25,000+.
- 1921 High Relief Peace Dollar. First-year Peace dollar struck in high relief, dramatically deeper detail than later years. Worth $150 to $1,500+.
- 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar. The only year struck in 90% silver. Worth $10 to $15 each at melt value, sometimes much more for proof and SMS varieties.
- Any pre-1965 half dollar. 90% silver. Walking Liberty halves and Franklin halves both qualify. Worth at least $10 to $20 each at melt.
Gold coins to look for
- Any pre-1933 US gold coin. Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagles, Indian Head $10 Eagles, Liberty Head $5 Half Eagles, and $2.50 Quarter Eagles all carry significant gold content plus collector premium. Worth at least 90% of their gold melt value, often much more.
- Carson City (CC) gold coins. Any gold coin with a "CC" mint mark commands a premium over comparable Philadelphia or San Francisco issues. Look closely; CC coins are often worth thousands more than the same date from another mint.
Related Guides
Coin Values Guide
Find values for every major US coin denomination.
Silver Melt Value Calculator
Calculate the silver content value of your coins.
Gold Price Calculator
Find out what your gold is worth at today's prices.
Inherited Coin Collection Guide
What to do when you inherit coins you know nothing about.
Still Not Sure? Let Us Look at It.
No online tool can replace an expert holding the coin in their hand. If you're still unsure about what you have, bring it in. US Gold & Coin evaluates coins every day across eight locations. Our appraisals are always free, always honest, and carry no obligation.
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