Dollar coins may not jingle in your pocket often, but some rare ones still in circulation can fetch thousands or even millions! From minting errors to low-mintage gems, these U.S. dollar coins are treasures for collectors. Below, we list five valuable dollar coins you might find in change, their key features, and why they’re worth big money. All are in simple English with a focus on coins still potentially circulating in 2025.
1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar (Wide Rim)
- Why It’s Rare: The 1979-P Susan B. Anthony dollar with a wide rim (or “near date”) variety has the date closer to the rim than usual. Only a small batch from the Philadelphia Mint had this error.
- How to Spot: Look for “1979-P” on the obverse and a date that nearly touches the rim. The “P” mint mark is above Anthony’s shoulder.
- Value: Circulated ones fetch $50–$100; uncirculated can go for $500–$2,000.
- Fun Fact: This was the first U.S. coin to feature a real woman, civil rights leader Susan B. Anthony.
2000-P Sacagawea Dollar (Cheerios Error)
- Why It’s Rare: Some 2000-P Sacagawea dollars were included in Cheerios cereal boxes as a promotion. These have a unique “wounded eagle” reverse with enhanced tail feather details due to a minting error.
- How to Spot: Check for “2000-P” and a reverse where the eagle’s tail feathers show extra detail or lines. Compare with a regular Sacagawea dollar.
- Value: Circulated coins are worth $100–$500; mint-state ones can hit $5,000–$10,000.
- Fun Fact: Only 5,500 were distributed in Cheerios boxes, making them a collector’s dream.
2007 Presidential Dollar (Missing Edge Lettering)
- Why It’s Rare: The 2007 Presidential Dollar series (featuring presidents like Washington or Adams) sometimes missed the edge lettering process, leaving the edge smooth instead of inscribed with “E Pluribus Unum” and the year.
- How to Spot: Look for a 2007 dollar with a plain edge—no lettering or mint mark on the side. Check both “P” and “D” mint marks.
- Value: $50–$300 in circulated condition; up to $1,000 for uncirculated.
- Fun Fact: These errors were common early in the series due to new minting tech.
1972 Eisenhower Dollar (Type 2)
- Why It’s Rare: The 1972 Eisenhower Dollar has a Type 2 variety with a low-relief Earth design on the reverse, minted in small numbers at Philadelphia. It’s scarcer than Type 1 or 3.
- How to Spot: No mint mark (Philadelphia) and a reverse with a faint, flat Earth above the eagle’s head. The Caribbean islands are less defined.
- Value: Circulated coins fetch $50–$200; uncirculated ones reach $800–$2,000.
- Fun Fact: The coin honors President Eisenhower and the Apollo 11 moon landing.
2009 Native American Dollar (Error Varieties)
- Why It’s Rare: The 2009 Native American Dollar, part of the Sacagawea series, had errors like missing edge lettering or doubled dies. Low mintage (1.4 million) adds to its value.
- How to Spot: Check for “2009-P” or “2009-D” with no edge lettering or blurry text on the obverse (doubled die). The reverse shows a Native American farming scene.
- Value: $100–$500 for circulated error coins; up to $2,500 for mint-state errors.
- Fun Fact: The reverse celebrates Native American agriculture, a unique theme.
Tips to Find These Coins
- Check coin rolls from banks or change from stores.
- Use a magnifying glass to spot errors like missing lettering or doubled dies.
- Get coins appraised by experts via PCGS or NGC for authenticity.
- Avoid spending these coins—store them safely and research their value!
| Coin | Year/Mint | Key Feature | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Susan B. Anthony (Wide Rim) | 1979-P | Date close to rim | $50–$100 | $500–$2,000 |
| Sacagawea (Cheerios) | 2000-P | Wounded eagle tail feathers | $100–$500 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Presidential (No Edge) | 2007-P/D | Missing edge lettering | $50–$300 | $500–$1,000 |
| Eisenhower (Type 2) | 1972 | Low-relief Earth design | $50–$200 | $800–$2,000 |
| Native American (Error) | 2009-P/D | Missing edge lettering/doubled | $100–$500 | $1,000–$2,500 |