However, most coins minted during the 1980s have a face value equaling their worth. Some of the rarest coins minted during the 1980s, however, become one of the most valuable collectibles. Coins that fall into these categories tend to be rare, have unique design features, or were printed with double strikes or off-center printing. Such anomalies certainly bring in thousands of dollars from collectors and enthusiasts; therefore, there may be a treasure hiding in your coin jar or pocket change.
Below, we’ll explore six notable coins from the 1980s that could fetch a high price due to their rarity, errors, or other unique characteristics.
1. 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel
The 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel is a classic example of a mint error. A “double strike” occurs when a coin is struck twice by the die, giving it an overlapping or shadow-like appearance. Some of these nickels were struck slightly off-center, making them all the more rare and desirable.
- Why It’s Valuable: The double strike is almost invisible to an untrained eye, yet collectors know it for what it is a mint error. This adds significantly to the price.
- Value: The amount circulated copies may sell at is about $20 while uncirculated pieces especially off-center ones may even offer higher prices. The following is one example of an uncirculated 1980 Double Struck Jefferson Nickel as listed on eBay.
2. 1982-D Small Date Copper Alloy Lincoln Penny
The 1982-D Small Date Copper Alloy Lincoln Penny is a precious treasure in coin collecting. It was minted in a period where the United States Mint had started changing to copper-alloy planchets into copper-plated zinc. Such coins produced on old copper plachets with small date dies are extremely scarce.
- Why’s That Important: In fact, only a few of these coins are reported to exist, hence, pretty rare. The first confirmed one that was sold fetched an unbelievable amount of $18,800 in an auction held back in 2016.
- Rarity: This coin is rare because of its transitional nature – it was minted with old dies on the new copper-plated planchets.
3. 1983 Double-Die Reverse Lincoln Penny
The 1983 Double-Die Reverse Lincoln Penny is an error coin featuring a mistake on the reverse, where it looks like the design has been struck twice. The error in minting creates a “doubling” effect on certain details of the coin, such as lettering or the Lincoln Memorial design.
- Why It’s Valuable: They are considered precious pieces by collectors as they significantly deviate from normal minting standards. 5,000 such coins were minted and therefore quite rare.
- Value: A coin in this category sold at an auction in 2017 for a whopping $7,050, which indicates how strong the demand is for this error.
4. 1983 Roosevelt Dime Without Mint Mark
About 2,500 1983 Roosevelt Dimes were made without a mint mark. These dimes were originally minted as part of proof sets. A proof set is a special package of coins minted just for collectors.
Prove sets normally had coins with an openly visible mint mark so that when these dimes did not, it was evident that this was a mistake. It is believed that almost 1,000 of these error coins are in existence today.
- Value: These dimes are highly sought after by collectors because of its rarity and how unusual it is not to have a mint mark. Price set according to the coin’s condition, although with such a unique mistake, these dimes are in high demand.
5. 1984 Lincoln Double-Die Obverse Penny
This is a 1984 Lincoln Double-Die Obverse Penny featuring an unusual error done on the obverse or front side of its production. Doubling can appear to be very evident on the near ear of Lincoln, beard, and even on his bow tie.
Price
- Why it’s Expensive: The double die obverse has a very rare characteristic in its doubling not found in other coins hence many collectors are after them.
- A preserved 1984 Lincoln Double Die Penny is valued at about $170. Look closely through your pocket change for the difference between what seems to be correct and these small mistakes.
6. 1989 Washington Quarter Design Impression on a Lincoln Cent Planchet
One of the most interesting mint errors from the 1980s is the 1989 Washington Quarter Design Stamped on a Lincoln Cent Planchet. It occurred when a quarter die was mistakenly used on a penny-sized planchet, leaving a coin that had the design of a quarter but was in the size and material of a penny.
- Why It’s Valuable: This type of mint error is very rare because it requires the conjunction of mis-matched dies and planchets. The appearance of this coin makes it a prize among collectors.
- Value: The auction sale value of this coin has gone almost to $2,200 because of its rarity and high demand.
Why Are Coins Made in the 1980s Valuable?
The value is determined by the following factors:
- Rarity: Coins issued in smaller numbers or containing special mistakes are worth more by default.
- Condition: Well preserved coins, or those that have not been circulated at all, sell for higher prices.
- Errors of the Mint: Double struck coins or coins without mint marks are especially sought after.
- Historical Significance: Transitionally significant coins or coins with highly rare designs will attract attention to them.
Conclusion
On first look, coins minted during the 1980s look fairly normal. Rare finds, such as those above, can fetch significant amounts of money. A double-die penny, a missing mint mark dime, or a coin struck on the wrong planchet are examples of treasures that show valuable collectibles don’t always have to be centuries old.
If you believe that you have one of those rare coins, spend some time examining your collection closer. You will seek out some small errors or special characteristics that transform your coin into a treasure hunter’s dream. A small discovery might turn your loose change into a great find!