Monday, May 24, 2021
Check your pockets! You could have a penny worth some major cash. Here's what to look out for.
KTRK
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The coins in your pocket could be worth big bucks.
One hopeful collector thought she had something of value, but wasn't sure.
Margaret Matt asked ABC13, but this was job for an expert.
To the untrained eye, a penny is not worth much, but when Matt inherited her father's coin collection, she was certain one of the coins could be worth hundreds of dollars.
The coin in question is a penny from 1909.
If you find a 1909 penny with an S on the front and the letters VDB on the back at the bottom, it could be worth nearly $1,000.
We asked Matthew Duncan at U.S. Coins to take a look.
"What we have here is a 1909 P, no VDB," said Duncan.
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After a rare 1943 penny sold for more than $200,000, people are reaching out to see if their coins are worth anything.
Matt's coin was minted in Philadelphia. Those 1909 pennies are not as valuable as the pennies minted in San Francisco that carry have the letters VDB on the back.
Disappointing, but Duncan says people should always look at their change, because those highly valuable VDB pennies still pop up in regular circulation.
ABC13 asked Matt if her search was like a finding a needle in a haystack.
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Consumer expert Chelsey Hernandez explains why rare coins could be worth thousands of dollars.
"Yes, it is, and I am still looking for what that needle looks like," Matt said.
Coins and bills with errors on them are also very valuable. So, take a close look at your money.
The folks at U.S. Coins say if you are not sure, take it to an expert.
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As a numismatic enthusiast and expert, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to shed light on the fascinating world of coin collecting and valuation. Having delved into the intricacies of coins, I am well-versed in the various factors that contribute to their worth, ranging from historical significance to minting errors. Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the article about valuable pennies:
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1909 Penny with S and VDB: The article highlights the potential value of a 1909 penny with an 'S' on the front and the letters 'VDB' on the back. The 'S' indicates that the penny was minted in San Francisco, and 'VDB' refers to the initials of the coin's designer, Victor David Brenner. This combination can make the penny quite valuable, with the article suggesting a potential worth of nearly $1,000.
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1943 Penny Rarity: The mention of a rare 1943 penny selling for over $200,000 emphasizes the significance of certain years and variations in coin production. The rarity of specific coins, in this case, the 1943 penny, can significantly elevate their market value.
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Mint Locations: The article underscores the importance of identifying the mint location of a coin. Minting locations, such as Philadelphia and San Francisco, can impact a coin's value. In this context, 1909 pennies minted in San Francisco with the VDB design are considered more valuable than those minted in Philadelphia.
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Errors in Coins and Bills: The article mentions that coins and bills with errors can be valuable. Minting errors, misprints, or other anomalies in the production process can make certain currency items rare and sought after by collectors.
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Regular Circulation: The expert interviewed in the article encourages people to regularly check their change for valuable coins. Despite the rarity of certain coins, like the VDB pennies, they can still circulate in everyday transactions. This highlights the possibility of finding valuable coins in common currency.
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Expert Evaluation: The article emphasizes the importance of seeking expert opinion when assessing the value of coins. In the case of Margaret Matt, she consulted Matthew Duncan at U.S. Coins to evaluate the 1909 penny she believed could be valuable. This underscores the role of knowledgeable experts in the field of coin appraisal.
In conclusion, the article serves as a reminder that valuable coins may be hiding in plain sight, and a keen eye, coupled with expert guidance, can potentially turn everyday pocket change into a collector's treasure.
