Top 5 U.S. Coins Still Found in Change Worth Real Money in 2025

Even now, there are still coins worth money in 2025 that can appear in the pocket of every person. Most people spend them without noticing, but some collectors know how to spot small details that change everything. Modern mint errors, unusual mint marks, and overlooked varieties can turn a regular quarter or dime into something worth real money. These finds show that not every valuable coin is old — some are still out there waiting in circulation.

Top 5 U.S. Coins from Circulation Worth Your Attention

Today even a few modern issues have value because of rare minting flaws, limited mintages, or unique variations. Below you can see five examples that can attract your attention — available, but only for those who look closely.

2022 Maya Angelou Quarter — “Drooling George” Error

The 2022 Maya Angelou quarter opened the American Women Quarters series, which honors the poet and activist. Most examples are common, but one noticeable error piece gained popularity is the so-called “Drooling George”.

This error looks like a small raised line or die chip extending from George Washington’s mouth on the obverse. It occurred when a small piece of metal broke off the die, leaving a raised blob on struck coins.

This error is clearly visible even without magnification and looks almost humorous but attracts collectors due to its visual clarity and accessibility.

Tip: Check 2022 quarters from rolls or loose change. They remain common, but clear die chip varieties are slowly disappearing as collectors pull them from circulation.

2019-W Lowell Quarter — A Hidden Treasure in Circulation

The 2019 Lowell quarter is a milestone in U.S. coinage. For the first time, the U.S. Mint used the W (West Point) mint mark on circulating coins. Only 2 million of each 2019 design were struck at West Point and mixed into general circulation.

The design shows a mill worker at a textile machine, a symbol of Lowell’s role in the Industrial Revolution. Because of the limited release, even lightly circulated “W” quarters are worth your attention. And well preserved or high-grade uncirculated ones are strong additions to any modern collection.

Tip: Focus on uncirculated rolls from banks. The “W” mint mark is located below “IN GOD WE TRUST” — once you spot it, set the coin aside immediately.

2023 Bessie Coleman Quarter — “In Cod We Trust” Error

This coin honors aviator Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. It also became famous for a mint error that makes the national motto look like “In Cod We Trust.”

The defect happens when grease fills the letters “G” and “O” in “GOD,” and the result is a blurred or missing area. It is a filled die error — visually simple but appealing to collectors because of its wording.

The rest of the coin design remains sharp — Coleman is shown stepping onto an aircraft wing, symbolizing ambition and progress.

Tip: Be careful, as many coins with surface dirt can mimic this effect. Use side lighting and magnifying glass to confirm whether letters are truly filled, not just worn.

1999-P Delaware “Spitting Horse” Quarter

This classic modern error dates back to the first issue of the State Quarters series. The horse on the reverse appears to “spit” a thin raised line, i.e., a die crack extending from its mouth toward the rim.

The error is instantly recognizable and certified by PCGS and NGC. Though many examples exist, if you find one, clearly visible, clean and in uncirculated condition will be truly rare.

Tip: Inspect older quarter rolls or change received from vending machines. These coins circulated heavily but still appear occasionally.

1983 No-S Roosevelt Dime — The Phantom Proof

Among all the coins listed here, this one is the most elusive. In 1983, some proof dimes from the San Francisco Mint were struck without the “S” mint mark. And only a small number of coins escaped official sets.

These proof coins were made for collectors, not for circulation, but a few were separated from their sets over the years. Finding one in change is rare, yet not impossible, as many families sold or mixed old proof sets into regular coins.

Fact: This dime remains one of the most famous modern mint mark errors in U.S. coinage history.

How Condition Defines Real Market Value

Condition determines nearly all price differences among coins of the same type. Two coins minted in the same year can have values differing by hundreds of dollars based only on their grade.

• Circulated: Worn surfaces, scratches, and dull color. Minimal value above face value.

• About Uncirculated (AU): Slight wear on high points, moderate shine. Often worth a few dollars.

• Mint State (MS): No wear, full luster, sharp details. Values increase exponentially by grade level.

Coins with wear or signs from handling, cleaning, or polishing lose their value and potential immediately. Even soft wiping can destroy the original mint surface.

Tip: Handle coins by the edges, not the face. So, use gloves or a soft cloth underneath. Original patina protects the surface and maintains authenticity.

Recognizing Real Mint Errors

Not every unusual coin is valuable. Many have simple post-mint damage from handling or contact with machines. A real mint error happens during the striking process at the Mint, not after. Examples include die cracks, doubled dies, die chips, or off-center strikes and they are part of the coin’s original production.

Quick guide for checking:

• Real errors look raised or clearly struck, not carved or scratched.

• Post-mint damage feels rough or uneven to the touch.

• If the defect repeats across multiple coins, it’s likely a genuine error.

By contrast, dents, scratches, flattened rims, and missing metal come from circulation. They are post-mint defects and carry no extra value.

Tip:: Compare any unusual coin with verified photos on PCGS CoinFacts or NGC VarietyPlus. It’s the best way to avoid taking common damage for a real minting flaw.

Using Technology — Coin ID Scanner for Organizing Collections

Sorting modern coins and looking for valuable pieces takes time, especially with many mint marks and varieties. The Coin ID Scanner app helps collectors organize and identify coins quickly. It recognizes coins from photos and shows key details such as year, metal, and weight.

You can:

• Add coins to a digital catalog.

• Note where and when each piece was found.

• Track information of your collectibles.

• Compare your coins with provided details.

The app doesn’t grade coins or detect minting flaws, but it helps users to organize collections, especially when it starts to grow.

Small Finds, Big Lessons

These five coins prove that modern circulation pieces can still carry value in 2025. Every example like the 1983 No-S Dime or the 2023 “In Cod We Trust” quarter shows how tiny details affect worth. And most of these error coins were discovered not in rare collections but in daily change. Thus, remember that attention, accuracy, and clear organization matter when it comes to ordinary pieces and valuable finds.