How to Tell If Your Coins Are Worth More Than Face Value
Whether you’ve inherited a collection, found old coins in storage, or are just curious about the change in your wallet, many people wonder: “Is this worth more than face value?”
The truth is, thousands of coins circulating in pockets, jars, and drawers across Houston could be worth far more than their printed denomination. Rare dates, mint marks, silver content, and mint errors can turn an ordinary-looking coin into something surprisingly valuable.
Here’s how to identify whether your coins might be worth more — and why getting a professional appraisal is the safest way to know for sure.
1. Check the Date — Old Doesn’t Always Mean Valuable, But Sometimes It Does
Certain years are key dates in coin collecting. A single rare year can multiply a coin’s value instantly.
Some examples include:
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
1916-D Mercury Dime
1932-D and 1932-S Washington Quarters
1921 Morgan and Peace Dollars
1995-W Silver Proof Eagle (highly collectible)
Even modern coins can carry premium value if they come from low mintage years or special editions.
2. Look for the Mint Mark
A mint mark tells you where the coin was produced. Some mints made far fewer coins in certain years, making those coins rare today.
Common mint marks include:
P – Philadelphia
D – Denver
S – San Francisco
W – West Point (often used for special collector issues)
For example:
A 1914-D cent is worth significantly more than a 1914 cent from Philadelphia.
An S-mint Morgan Dollar often carries a strong premium compared to other mints.
Always check for the mint mark — sometimes that tiny letter is the difference between $0.25 and $2,500.
3. Search for Silver Coins
Many U.S. coins once contained real silver. These are worth more than face value based on silver content even if they are worn or common.
Look for:
Dimes, quarters, and half dollars dated 1964 or earlier (90% silver)
Half dollars from 1965–1970 (40% silver)
War nickels from 1942–1945 (35% silver; marked with a large mint mark over Monticello)
Even an ordinary silver quarter is worth many times more than 25 cents due to metal value alone.
4. Identify Mint Errors
Mint errors are accidental mistakes made during the coin’s production. These can be very valuable because they are unique and collectible.
Common valuable errors include:
Double dies (doubled numbers or letters)
Off-center strikes
Planchet errors (missing parts of the metal blank)
Wrong metal coins
Clipped planchets
If a coin looks unusual, uneven, strangely shaped, or has doubled lettering — don’t spend it!
5. Condition and Grading Matters
Condition plays a huge role in value. A rare coin in excellent condition may be worth hundreds or thousands more than the same coin in poor shape.
Collectors look at:
Sharpness of details
Luster
Wear on high points
Eye appeal
Professional grading by PCGS or NGC can confirm authenticity, protect your coin, and significantly raise its market value.
6. Beware of Cleaning Your Coins (It Lowers Value!)
Many people think cleaning coins helps — but in numismatics, cleaning actually damages the surface and reduces value. Leave them as-is, even if they look dirty or tarnished. Dealers and collectors prefer original surfaces.
Why You Should Get a Professional Appraisal
While these tips can point you in the right direction, you won’t know the true value of your coins until an expert examines them.
At Houston TX Coin Dealer, we:
Identify rare dates and mint marks
Detect mint errors
Check silver and gold content
Evaluate condition and grading potential
Explain current market demand
Offer fair, competitive prices based on today’s precious metal and collector market
Whether you have a single coin or an entire collection, our appraisals are free, honest, and pressure-free.
Final Thoughts
Coins that look ordinary at first glance can sometimes be hidden treasures. A tiny mint mark, a rare date, or a simple error could mean your coin is worth far more than face value.
If you’re unsure about the value of your coins, let Houston TX Coin Dealer help you find out.
📍 Serving the Greater Houston Area
💰 We Buy Silver, Gold, Rare Coins & Collections
📞 Contact us today to schedule your free appraisal.
