Do you have a jar of old coins lying around the house? While most coins from the 1980s are only worth their face value, a select few are worth significantly more. As reported by Yahoo Finance, Coin collectors are always on the lookout for rare and valuable pieces, and some 1980s coins fit the bill perfectly.
These coins become valuable for various reasons, such as minting errors, rarity, or unique characteristics. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these treasures, it might fetch you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. Let’s explore six of the most sought-after coins from the 1980s that are worth a lot of money.
1. 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel
The 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel is a fascinating example of a minting error. These coins were struck twice, creating a “shadow” effect. While many of these coins went unnoticed and were circulated, a collector can pay up to $20 for a circulated version.
However, uncirculated examples are much more valuable. For instance, an uncirculated 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel, significantly off-center, is listed on eBay for $1,050.
2. 1982-D Small Date Copper Alloy Lincoln Penny
During 1982, the U.S. Mint transitioned from copper-alloy pennies to copper-plated zinc. A rare few pennies were made using the old dies and new planchets, making them valuable collectibles.
In 2016, one such coin sold for a staggering $18,800 at auction. Another was identified in 2019, and it’s unclear how many exist today.
3. 1983 Double-Die Reverse Lincoln Penny
This rare Lincoln penny from 1983 features a double-die error on its reverse side. Roughly 5,000 of these coins were produced, and their value skyrockets at auctions.
In 2017, one of these pennies sold for $7,050. If you notice a doubled design on the back of a 1983 penny, it could be your ticket to a small fortune.
4. 1983 Roosevelt Dime Without a Mint Mark
In 1983, around 2,500 Roosevelt dimes were struck without a mint mark and sold in proof sets. About 1,000 of these dimes are believed to still exist, making them highly sought after by collectors.
Their value depends on their condition, but some can fetch hundreds of dollars.
5. 1984 Lincoln Double-Die Penny
Thousands of 1984 Lincoln pennies were struck with a double-die error on the obverse (front) side. The error can be identified by looking closely at Lincoln’s ear, beard, and bowtie.
These coins are valued at around $170, making them a valuable find in your spare change.
6. 1989 Washington Quarter Design Stamped on a Lincoln Cent Planchet
This unique coin combines two designs in one—a Washington quarter design stamped on a penny-sized coin. This rare error makes the coin highly valuable to collectors.
One such coin sold at auction for over $2,200.
Final Thoughts
These coins prove that you don’t need to have centuries-old treasures to make a fortune. Coins from as recently as the 1980s can bring in impressive amounts of money if they are rare or have unique features.
So, the next time you’re sorting through your change, keep an eye out for these rare finds. You never know—your loose change might just turn into a goldmine!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Premlata is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, she empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When she’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find her sharing her expertise on LinkedIn or connecting via email at biswaspremlata@gmail.com.
