If you have an interest in coin collecting, or simply have an unorganized wad of loose change in your pocket or lying around your house, you might want to read through this article and see if you can’t suddenly find a rare coin that could put some more money in your bank.
As it happens, there are a number of scenarios which have created rare and unusual coins over the years, some of which could put a big smile on your face if you suddenly discover yourself in possession of one of them. Let’s take a look at some of these rare coins and their dollar value amounts.
One of the most interesting and controversial coinage mishaps occurred when a printing machine in the state of Kansas had a nasty grease smudge in the works that wasn’t caught in time before a whole new batch of quarters had been created. Upon inspection, it was seen that the machine had cranked out a line of quarters upon which the legend, “In God We Rust”, could be clearly seen. While this was sure to be the occasion of great controversy, it was also the cause of a windfall for coin collectors that may find this valuable quarter in their pocket change. It’s worth $100 at current market prices.
Perhaps the most lucrative quarter on the modern numismatic market place is the 2004 Wisconsin “Extra leaf” quarter. This was the official state quarter that was minted in 2004 to celebrate Wisconsin’s participation in our great nation. However, there must have been another mishap at the printing press, because it resulted in another great rarity being unleashed on to the market place that could result in you making some big bucks if you spot it in your collection.
Go home and check all of the 2004 Wisconsin state quarters in your collection. Pay special attention to one of the details on the back of the coin. There, you will see a sheath of corn. Look at the leaf on the left. How many leaves are actually there? If you only see one, you have a regular quarter that is worth the usual amount. However, if you see two leaves, this is a rare printing press misprint that will put money in your pocket. As a matter of fact, you will now be $300 richer!
In the years before the assassination of John F. Kennedy led to the United States government’s decision to feature him on the front of the half dollar coin, the famous 50 cent piece featured Benjamin Franklin instead. If you are lucky enough to discover a half dollar coin with the face of Franklin, check the date immediately. If it was printed between the years 1948 to 1963, you now have a coin in your possession that will net you a cool $125 on the current coin collecting market place.
World War II was a time of great danger and excitement. It was also the era of the classic 1943 steel penny. During the war, the United States government needed all the copper it could get its hands on. Therefore, it decided to conserve its supply of this rare and precious mineral by making a temporary change in the composition of the common penny. Instead of being made of copper, the 1943 line of pennies were made of steel. If you find yourself in possession of a steel penny, you can pocket a cool $10.
