RARE coins can be an opportunity to collect a piece of history — or make significant cash.
One 1793 rare coin recently sold for $22,800 thanks to its unique design and surprisingly well-preserved detail.
But it could be worth up to $200,000, as bids are open for a similar coin.
The historic cent predates the modern copper penny.
Its age and details mean that even if damaged, the cent can be worth significant money.
While it’s unlikely such an old coin could be found in pocket change, there are a few details to look out for to find this coin.
DETAILS
The “introductory cent” is known for its circle of chains on the design, according to Heritage Auctions.
Featuring the personification of Liberty on one side of the coin, the back writes the name of the U.S. in a strange way.
Uniquely, the coin’s design abbreviates America to “Ameri.”
“This was presumably done for aesthetic reasons,” the listing said.
Writing this way created more symmetry with the words United States, written in a circle around the loop of chains.
The coin was certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
Numismatics, the study of rare coins, depends on groups like NGC and the Professional Coin Grading Service to evaluate coins.
NGC rated this $22,800 coin as having “environmental damage” due to a few scratches.
However, it was better than most specimens of this coin, according to the listing.
“The present example is much sharper than the typical Chain cent, since fine details of Liberty’s hair are evident,” it said.
It sold on December 14, 2023.
A higher-quality version of the coin was listed on Heritage Auctions recently, and the current bid sits at $220,000.
Rare and historic coins like these can be valuable to collectors for their rarity.
COIN CRAZY
While this old coin would likely stand out in someone’s spare change, other coins are harder to spot.
Many modern coins are valuable due to printing errors,
That means they can make their way into your pocket or a cash register.
An eight-year-old recently found a coin worth $30,000 in change.
The child’s penny was from 1969 and looked “completely normal” at first glance.
A 2023 quarter has quickly become valuable due to an error.
The common design can now be worth $500.
