4 Rare Coins from the 1980s That Only Experts Recognize

Rare Coins from the 1980s: If you believe that old coins are only for collectors, you might be mistaken. Some coins from the 1980s are worth thousands of dollars today. If you have a collection of old coins or have kept some from your childhood, this article could be very helpful for you.

We will discuss four special coins that can be valued anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you happen to find one of these coins, you could be in luck!

1. 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar

1. 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar

What is the specialty of this coin?

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was first issued in 1979 and there was a lot of enthusiasm among the people about it. But this coin did not live up to the expectations of the people and its demand was very low. As a result, minting was halted in 1981 and then briefly reissued in 1999.

But in 1980, some coins were found to have a significant error—their rims were wider than normal and the date numeral was too close to the edge of the coin. This small error made these coins extremely rare and valuable.

How Much Could It Be Worth?

  • A 1980 Wide Rim Dollar sold for $600 on eBay.
  • Other coins have sold for anywhere from $575 to $1,000.

So if you own a Susan B. Anthony dollar, take a close look—you may have a treasure!

2. 1984 Error Quarter

2. 1984 Error Quarter

What Makes This Coin Special?

In 1984, the Philadelphia Mint minted 676 million Washington quarters and the Denver Mint minted 546 million. These coins were originally worth just $0.25, but some of them had a special type of minting mistake, making them rare.

Characteristics of errors found in rare quarters:

  • Double-strike: When the same design is embossed twice on a coin.
  • Overstrike: When a new design is embossed over an old design.

How much could it be worth?

  • Online platforms like Ruby Lane, Mercari, Etsy and eBay have seen coins fetch prices ranging from $150 to $2,000.

So if you have a 1984 quarter, check it out—it could change your fortune!

3. 1986 Full Red Penny

3. 1986 Full Red Penny

What makes this coin special?

In 1986, a few “full red pennies” were minted, which had a higher copper content. This was the reason why the color of these coins appears brighter and darker red than normal pennies.

How much can it cost?

  • High-quality full red pennies usually sell for up to $175.
  • In 2019, a coin in perfect condition was auctioned on eBay for $2,400.

This coin is extremely rare, so if you have such a coin, then definitely show it to a coin expert.

4. 1986-S Proof Penny

4. 1986-S Proof Penny

What is special about this coin?

In 1986, the San Francisco Mint made about 3.79 million proof penny coins. These were specially made for collectors and the design in them was brighter and clearer than normal coins.

How much can it cost?

  • This coin is usually priced at $185.
  • A rare 1986-S proof penny sold for $3,450 at a 2003 auction recorded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)—and that record still stands today.

If you have a 1986 proof penny with an “S” mintmark, it could be very valuable.

Conclusion: Take a second look at your old coins

These coins from the 1980s aren’t just pieces of old metal—some of them are worth thousands of dollars today. These coins not only make great collections, but they can also be financially beneficial if you have the right information at the right time.

If you’re a coin collector or just interested in old coins, take a close look at your collection from time to time and consult an expert if needed. Maybe a coin you have lying around will find a new life—as a financial treasure.

So the next time you open your box of old coins, take a close look. There may be a priceless gem hidden in them!

FAQs

Q. What makes a coin rare?

A. A coin becomes rare due to factors like limited mintage, errors during production, or unique features like material or design variations.

Q. How do I know if my old coin is valuable?

A. To determine if your old coin is valuable, check for rare minting errors, condition, and the coin’s rarity in the market.

Q. What is the value of a 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar?

A. A 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar can be worth between $600 to $1,000, depending on its condition.

Q. How can I identify a 1984 Error Quarter?

A. A 1984 Error Quarter can be identified by signs like double-striking or overstriking, where the design appears more than once on the coin.

Q. Where can I sell rare coins?

A. Rare coins can be sold through online auction platforms like eBay, at numismatic auctions, or through professional dealers and collectors.
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