For fun, a lot of people collect coins. But did you know that some common coins are worth a lot more than what they’re worth? If you have coins sitting around your house, like in your piggy bank or between the couch cushions, you might want to see how much they are worth.
Coins gain worth not only because they are hard to find, but also because they are old, in good shape, or even made of metal. See more of these 1960s coins that are worth more than you might think.
Silver Quarters from 1960 to 1964: Hidden Treasure
A lot of quarters in the United States were made with a lot of silver between 1960 and 1964. They’re valuable for both their silver content and the fact that they are rare. Depending on how good they are, these coins are often worth $10 or more.
And because of this, collectors and investors really want silver quarters from this time. The coins made in 1965 are especially valuable because they are so rare and can fetch thousands of dollars at sale.
The 1963-D Silver Washington Quarter
It is very rare to find a 1963-D silver Washington quarter that has never been used. That year, the Denver Mint made more than 135 million of these quarters, but many of them were used and not saved by collectors.
So, it’s hard to find one that is brand new and has never been used. Because they are so rare, these quarters are very valuable. Some of them have sold at sale for as much as $24,000. People who collect coins really want to find one because it could be worth a lot of money.
1965 Clad Washington Quarters: The End of an Era
In 1965, most U.S. dimes and quarters stopped being made of silver and switched to clad coins instead. Even though these later coins aren’t worth as much in silver on their own, collectors still like them because there weren’t many coins that year.
The gem Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) 1965 Type 2 covered Washington quarter is a well-known example. In 2005, this coin sold for $12,650. Since then, it’s likely become more valuable because people are still interested in these rare coins.
Rare Pennies: The 1960 No Mint Mark
Any penny isn’t worth much, but a 1960 penny without a mint mark is one that is. It could be worth $4 or thousands of dollars, depending on how good or bad it is.
Someone has sold a big date proof of this piece with a deep cameo of Abraham Lincoln for as much as $2,600. Proof coins, which are usually only made in small amounts, are very sought after because they are so valuable and have special features.
Also See: 1983-P Roosevelt Dime : A Collector’s Guide
The 1960 Ben Franklin Half Dollar: Silver Value
A lot of people remember the silver quarters from the early 1960s. Half dollars were also made with real silver. Just over a third of an ounce, or 0.3617 ounces, of silver is in a 1960 Ben Franklin half dollar.
Based on how much silver costs, this coin is worth about $11 to $12 of silver by itself. If you find one that is brand new, though, it might sell for $300 or more. Because these coins aren’t very common, if you find one that’s in good shape, you should definitely keep it.
What Does Coin Condition Mean?
The state of a coin is a big part of how much it’s worth. When it comes to value, coins that have never been used are much more expensive than coins that have been used a lot.
Why do coins like the 1963-D Washington quarter, which is very hard to find in great shape, sell for tens of thousands of dollars? Collectors are often ready to pay more for coins that have been kept in perfect shape for a long time.
Finally, check your spare change.
Many of us keep coins in drawers, piggy banks, or even the seats of our cars. Some of those coins could be worth a lot more than what they are worth.
Some of the most expensive coins you might find are from the 1960s. These include silver quarters, Ben Franklin half dollars, and rare pennies. Before you spend your extra change, check to see if you have something hidden that could be worth a lot of money.