Across the globe, people have stumbled upon unexpected treasures hidden in their change jars, with some finds turning out to be worth significantly more than their initial value. These remarkable stories not only highlight the potential for hidden wealth in everyday items but also spark interest among collectors and the general public. The following nine examples showcase how seemingly mundane coins and bills can lead to life-changing discoveries.
The 1943 Copper Penny
One of the most famous change jar finds is the 1943 copper penny. During World War II, the U.S. Mint produced pennies predominantly from zinc-coated steel. However, a small batch of copper pennies was mistakenly minted, and only a few are known to exist today. When one individual discovered a 1943 copper penny in their change jar, it was later appraised at an astounding $1.7 million, demonstrating the immense value of rare coins.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In a small town in Ohio, a man found a 1913 Liberty Head nickel tucked away in a change jar while cleaning out his late grandfather’s belongings. This nickel is one of only five known to be in existence, making it a highly sought-after item among numismatists. After a professional appraisal, the nickel was valued at over $4.5 million, turning a simple find into a remarkable financial windfall.
The 1894-S Barber Dime
Another noteworthy discovery came when a woman found an 1894-S Barber dime in her change jar, a coin that had been missing from the market for decades. Only 24 of these dimes were minted, and their rarity has made them one of the most coveted coins in American history. After being authenticated, the dime was sold for approximately $1.9 million, proving that change jars can hold more than just loose change.
The 2000 Sacagawea Dollar with Inverted Reverse
In an unexpected twist, a man in California found a 2000 Sacagawea dollar coin with an inverted reverse side in his change jar. This minting error is incredibly rare and has made the coin highly desirable among collectors. After discovering its unique feature, the coin was sold for over $5,000, illustrating how modern coins can also yield significant returns when they have anomalies.
The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Penny
A New York woman discovered a 1970-S small date Lincoln penny while sorting through her change jar. Initially, she thought it was just an ordinary penny, but after researching, she learned that this variation is extremely rare and valuable. The penny was later authenticated and sold for around $1,500, demonstrating how even recent finds can turn into valuable collectibles.
The 1937 D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
In a surprising find, a young man found a 1937 D three-legged buffalo nickel in his father’s old change jar. The three-legged variety is a result of a minting error and is highly prized among collectors. This particular nickel fetched nearly $3,000 at auction, highlighting the excitement of turning a simple jar of change into a treasure trove.
The 1870-S Seated Liberty Dollar
A coin collector in Texas was thrilled to find an 1870-S Seated Liberty dollar in his change jar, a coin known for its rarity and historical significance. The 1870-S is considered one of the rarest coins in the United States, with only a handful in existence. After professional authentication, the dollar was valued at approximately $1 million, showcasing the potential for astonishing finds in everyday situations.
The 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Penny
In another remarkable find, a woman in Florida discovered a 1969-S doubled die obverse Lincoln penny in her change jar. This penny features a prominent doubling effect on the date and lettering, making it one of the most sought-after errors in U.S. coinage. After being appraised, the penny was valued at around $200,000, proving that even modern coins can have extraordinary worth.
The 1878 7-Layer Morgan Silver Dollar
Lastly, a man found an 1878 7-layer Morgan silver dollar in a change jar inherited from his grandparents. The 7-layer distinction refers to the unique layers of metal, making it a rare variant. After obtaining a professional appraisal, the coin was valued at $3,500, further underscoring the potential hidden treasures in everyday items.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
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