Check Your Change: 1980s Coins Could Make You Rich

Additional Coverage:

10 Coins From the 1980s That Are Worth Way More Than Face Value (financebuzz.com)

Your Old Change Jar Could Be Hiding a Fortune: 10 Valuable Coins from the 1980s

Think selling collectibles online is just a pipe dream? Think again!

While the internet is often touted as an easy way to make a buck from home, getting into the coin resale market can actually prove quite lucrative, especially if you know what hidden gems to look for. Forget the myth that it requires endless research; sometimes, all it takes is a keen eye and a rummage through that dusty old change jar.

We’re talking about coins from the 1980s that, to the right collector, could fetch hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. Ready to turn your spare change into serious cash? Let’s dive in!

1. The Elusive 1982 Bronze Small Date Lincoln Penny

Among the various Lincoln pennies minted in 1982, the bronze (or copper alloy) small date variety is the true superstar, holding impressive auction records according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). How do you spot one? Look closely at the year on the front: on small date pennies, all the numbers align perfectly, whereas on other versions, the ‘9’ and ‘8’ appear taller.

A penny in good condition could be worth a few hundred dollars, but a mint-condition specimen with an MS68 grade once sold for nearly $10,000 back in 2014!

2. 1982-D Zinc Small Date Lincoln Penny

While not quite reaching the dizzying heights of its bronze cousin, the zinc small date Lincoln penny from the Denver mint (indicated by the ‘D’ mintmark) can still command a respectable price. The easiest way to tell the difference?

Weight. Zinc pennies tip the scales at 2.5 grams, while bronze ones are a heavier 3.11 grams.

Many of these zinc beauties are currently listed online for over $200, with PCGS reporting an auction record of $1,500.

3. The Mysterious 1983 Roosevelt Dime Proof

Stumble upon a super-shiny 1983 dime with no mintmark on the front? You might have hit the jackpot! These “proofs” are special coins struck with highly polished planchets, giving them a mirror-like finish.

Minted in San Francisco (despite the missing ‘S’), these were the last in a series of “no S” proof coins. In good shape, they could be worth well over $500, and one graded PR70 astonishingly sold for more than $10,000 in 2014.

4. The Double Vision 1983 Double Die Lincoln Penny

A 1983 Lincoln penny from Philadelphia with a “double die” on the reverse side could be worth a small fortune. PCGS highlights that this minting error is particularly noticeable on the words “United,” “E Pluribus Unum,” and “One Cent.”

Even pennies with lower grades, like MS64 and MS65, have sold for a few hundred dollars, with the current auction record soaring past $7,000!

5. The Off-Center 1980 Double-Struck Jefferson Nickel

Keep an eye out for a 1980 Jefferson nickel that looks a little… askew. Several versions of this double-strike error exist from both Philadelphia and Denver mints, where the coin was struck more than once, often resulting in an off-center appearance.

A Philadelphia-minted coin with this error sold for $81 in 2008, and today, one with a very obvious double strike is listed online for over $300.

6. The 1984 Double Die Lincoln Penny: Lincoln’s Ear Tells All

Another valuable Lincoln penny, these 1984 double die coins from Philadelphia are easily identifiable. According to PCGS, the doubling on the front is visible to the naked eye, most notably around Lincoln’s ear, beard, and bowtie.

Coins graded MS65 and higher have sold for over $200, with the auction record approaching $4,000!

7. The Rare 1981-S Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin

The Susan B. Anthony dollar coins, first introduced in 1979, weren’t exactly a hit, often being mistaken for quarters. Production halted in 1981, making that year’s mintage particularly low.

Due to their scarcity and the difficulty in finding high-grade examples, a 1981 Susan B. Anthony dollar can be worth serious cash. While MS65 or lower grades might fetch $40-$50, an MS67+ graded coin sold for a staggering $21,600 in 2022!

8. The “Naked” 1982 Roosevelt Dime – No Mintmark

In 1982, thousands of dimes from the Philadelphia Mint accidentally went into circulation without their identifying mint marks. This oversight has made these “naked” dimes quite valuable today. An MS65 grade could be worth $200 or more, and a stellar MS68 example sold for over $2,000 in 2004.

9. The Shiny 1986 Silver Eagle Dollar

You can get far more than a dollar for a Silver Eagle, first struck by the U.S. Mint in 1986.

These beautiful silver coins are frequently listed online for over $100, with higher grades commanding much more. A perfect MS70 grade coin sold for over $21,000 at auction in 2013!

10. The Pristine 1989-D Washington Quarter High-Grade

Quarters minted in 1989, especially those from Denver (indicated by the ‘D’), were known for their poor quality. This makes finding one with even an MS65 grade incredibly difficult.

However, quarters with the incredibly rare MS67 grade have sold for a few hundred dollars, with the auction record currently standing at $764.

The Bottom Line: Get Your Coins Graded!

Who knew a rummage through your old change jar could be a fun and easy way to find extra cash? Several coins from the 1980s are worth significantly more than their face value.

If you’re ready to try your hand at selling to coin collectors, make sure to get your potential treasures professionally graded. This way, you’ll know their true worth on the resale market and maximize your potential earnings!