Value Database
Search 178 coins and varieties, then size up a jar of copper cents.
U.S. Coin Value Database
Every U.S. denomination, 1793 to today, with key dates, errors and melt floors.
How values are set
Every American denomination ever struck — half cents (1793) through modern bullion — with the key dates, errors, and melt floors that matter. Silver values assume $56/oz and gold $4,000/oz (July 2026 spot). Values are estimated retail ranges for problem-free coins; rows marked ID guide expand with authentication tips and live sold-price links.
| Coin | What to look for | Mintage | Circulated | Uncirculated | Tier |
|---|
Prices are shown only where we cite a public source: Lincoln Wheat rows come from the PCGS Price Guide (as of 2026-10-23; circulated = G-4 to VF-20 BN, uncirculated = MS-63 BN to MS-65 RD, PCGS-certified coins) and are approximate. Every other row says “Not yet sourced” until we can cite one. Values assume authentic, undamaged coins. Cleaned, corroded, or damaged coins are worth far less. Six-figure varieties must be authenticated by PCGS or NGC before any value applies — and beware: 1943 “copper” pennies are the most counterfeited U.S. coin (copper-plated steel fakes stick to a magnet).
Same coin, eight prices: why grade is everything
Same coin, eight prices: why grade is everything
Value ranges are wide because coins are priced by grade — the 70-point Sheldon scale. Here’s a real example: the 1909-S VDB across the grades you’re most likely to encounter (estimated retail, July 2026).
Decision rule: if a coin’s low-grade value already exceeds ~$150, professional grading (≈$30–$50/coin at PCGS or NGC) usually pays for itself. Below that, sell raw.
What’s the jar actually worth?
Every U.S. cent from 1959 to mid-1982 (and most wheat cents) is 95% copper. With copper around $6.25/lb (July 2026), each one carries about 4¢ of metal — quadruple face value. Three things to know:
Melt, bulk and wheat-cent math
- Melting them is a federal crime (31 CFR Part 82) — the metal value is a floor that collectors and hoarders pay for, not something you cash at a smelter.
- Bulk copper cents actually trade at roughly 2–6¢ per coin depending on lot size and buyer — the calculator shows both melt and realistic market value.
- Sort out wheat-back reverses first — even common wheats bring 3–10× more than memorial cents in bulk.
Copper Penny Calculator
Assumes 95% copper cents at 3.11 g (≈146 per lb). Spot default $6.25/lb as of July 17, 2026 — edit it to today’s price. Reference only; melting U.S. cents is illegal.