2026 Coin Collecting Tips: Coin collecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. With the advent of modern technology and digital payments, fewer people may be handling physical cash these days, but there are still plenty of opportunities to find valuable coins in loose change. In fact, some of the most sought-after U.S. coins can still be found in everyday transactions. If you’re serious about coin collecting in 2026, knowing which coins to look out for in your pocket change can be a game-changer.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best U.S. coins to keep an eye on when sifting through your loose change. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, these tips will help you identify valuable coins that could potentially be worth much more than their face value.
Lincoln Memorial Penny
One of the most common coins you might come across in your change is the Lincoln Memorial penny. While the penny itself isn’t worth much, certain versions of it have become highly sought after by collectors. The most notable of these is the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny. This coin is known for its unique error where the word “Liberty” and the date are doubled, creating a distinct visual effect.
While you’re unlikely to find a 1955 Doubled Die penny in circulation today, you may come across other rare or error pennies that could be worth more than their nominal value. For instance, some 1982 pennies, which were struck in both copper and zinc, can be valuable depending on the material used. Collectors often look for rare die varieties, mint errors, or low-mintage years, so always keep an eye out for anything unusual.
1964 Kennedy Half Dollar
The 1964 Kennedy half dollar is a highly popular coin among collectors and a great find in your change if you’re lucky. Produced in 90% silver, this coin holds more value than the modern half dollar, which is made from copper-nickel alloy. The 1964 Kennedy half dollar was minted to honor President John F. Kennedy after his tragic assassination in 1963, and its silver content makes it valuable even beyond its numismatic appeal.
Finding one of these in circulation today is quite rare, but not impossible. Many of these coins were hoarded by collectors and individuals in the years after they were minted, but if you happen to find one in your loose change, it could be worth several times its face value due to the silver content. Keep in mind, coins from 1965 onward are made of a copper-nickel blend and are not worth much beyond their face value unless they are in mint condition or have rare errors.
Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, is one of the most iconic and beloved coins in U.S. history. Minted from 1913 to 1938, the Buffalo nickel features a Native American chief on one side and a buffalo on the other, and its unique design makes it a highly desirable coin among collectors. Though it’s unlikely to find a Buffalo nickel in circulation today, you may still come across one if you dig through some old change or visit a coin shop.
The most valuable Buffalo nickels are those with key dates or minting errors, such as the 1913 Type 1 coin with the distinctive raised “S” on the reverse, or the 1937-D variety with a rare buffalo horn error. If you happen to spot one of these, you could be in for a nice surprise.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Speaking of Buffalo nickels, one particularly rare and valuable variety is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel. This coin is famous for its striking error, where the buffalo on the reverse has only three visible legs instead of four. The error occurred during the minting process when a die defect resulted in the fourth leg being worn down or erased.
Finding this specific coin in loose change is a real rarity, but if you’re fortunate enough to come across one, it’s worth keeping. Depending on its condition, this coin can be worth thousands of dollars, making it one of the most desirable finds for any collector.
2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Penny
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial penny is another modern coin that holds value, especially for collectors who focus on more recent releases. This penny was minted to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and features four different reverse designs, each depicting a different aspect of Lincoln’s life. These designs include depictions of Lincoln as a young man in Indiana, his time in Springfield, Illinois, his presidency, and his image on the Lincoln Memorial.
The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial pennies are often available in circulation, but the rarest of the four designs are those that were minted in low quantities. If you’re lucky enough to find one in excellent condition or as part of a roll of coins, it could be worth more than the standard penny. Keep an eye out for uncirculated versions or coins with minting errors, as they can fetch a higher price in the numismatic market.
Silver Dimes (Pre-1965)
Another coin that you might find in your loose change is the silver dime. Dimes minted before 1965 were made of 90% silver, and their silver content makes them more valuable than their face value. Although finding silver dimes in circulation is rare today, they do pop up occasionally, especially in older rolls of coins or from people who are unaware of their value. The 1946-1964 Roosevelt dimes, in particular, are a great find if you’re a collector looking to acquire silver coins at face value.
Since silver prices fluctuate, the value of these dimes can change. However, even in low-mint conditions, these dimes typically sell for several times their face value based on their silver content. Keep an eye out for any dimes that look older or more worn than usual, as these are often the ones made of silver.
2021 and 2022 National Park Quarter Series
The U.S. Mint has been issuing National Park quarters since 2010 as part of a series commemorating various parks across the country. These quarters feature unique designs that are specific to each park, and some of the more recent releases from 2021 and 2022 are especially valuable to collectors. Coins that feature rare errors, low mintage numbers, or unique die varieties can be worth more than their standard 25-cent value.
Collectors particularly seek out quarters from the 2021-2022 National Park series due to the unique designs and potential minting errors. For example, some collectors are searching for the 2021 quarter with a die crack or misaligned strike, as these types of errors increase the coin’s rarity and desirability.
Conclusion
Coin collecting is an engaging and enjoyable hobby that allows collectors to learn about history while also potentially making some extra money. While the coins listed above may not be common in your loose change, it’s always worth taking a moment to inspect the coins you receive and keep an eye out for those that could have increased value due to their rarity, historical significance, or minting errors. Whether you find a rare Lincoln Memorial penny, a silver dime, or a 1964 Kennedy half dollar, the thrill of discovering a valuable coin in your change is one of the most exciting aspects of the hobby. Keep these tips in mind in 2026, and happy coin hunting!