The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent is one of the most famous and valuable mint errors in U.S. coin history. During World War II, the U.S. Mint shifted penny production from copper to zinc-coated steel to conserve copper for the war effort. But a few leftover bronze planchets from 1942 were accidentally struck in 1943. These coins look…
The 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar holds a unique place in U.S. history as the very first silver dollar ever struck by the United States Mint. With a mintage of just 1,758 coins, it’s not only incredibly rare—it’s a tangible symbol of the nation’s early ambition and identity. Designed by Robert Scot, the obverse features Lady Liberty with flowing hair, representing freedom,…
he 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most coveted U.S. coins of the 20th century. As the first year of the Winged Liberty Head (commonly called “Mercury”) design, 1916 saw production at all three mints—but Denver struck just 264,000 dimes, making the 1916-D the rarest and most valuable of the series. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the coin features Liberty in…
Among U.S. one-cent pieces, no coin commands more attention than the 1877 Indian Head Cent. Often dubbed the “key date” of the series, this penny holds its place as the most sought-after regular-issue Indian Head cent, prized for both its rarity and lore. Struck during the economic hardship of the Panic of 1873, only 852,500…
In 2000, General Mills partnered with the U.S. Mint to promote the new Sacagawea dollar by placing them in specially marked boxes of Cheerios. One in every 2,000 boxes contained a golden dollar, while others included a 2000-dated Lincoln cent. But some lucky recipients got more than they realized. Roughly 5,500 of those Sacagawea dollars…
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the crown jewel of American numismatics. Originally minted during the Great Depression, this $20 gold coin never officially entered circulation. Although 445,500 pieces were struck, almost all were melted down after President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlawed gold ownership in 1933 to stabilize the economy. Designed by famed sculptor Augustus…
Few coins stir excitement among collectors like the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent—an iconic and highly coveted piece of American numismatics. Minted in San Francisco during the inaugural year of the Lincoln cent series, this coin features the controversial initials “V.D.B.”—for designer Victor David Brenner—boldly placed on the reverse at the bottom of the wheat stalks….
