What's My Coin Worth?
Free Coin Value Estimator • Grade Guide • Key Date Reference • Live eBay Sold Prices
Free Coin Value Estimator
Whether you found a coin in your grandfather's change jar, inherited a collection, or are actively buying and selling, knowing what your coin is worth is the first step. This free estimator gives you a fast value range based on coin type, year, and condition — the three factors that drive 90% of a coin's market value.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Coin values are driven by four core factors: rarity, condition (grade), metal content, and collector demand. Understanding each one helps you accurately assess what you have.
1. Rarity and Mintage
Coins struck in lower quantities are generally more valuable. A 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent had a mintage of just 484,000 — making even worn examples worth hundreds of dollars. By contrast, a 1965 quarter had a mintage in the hundreds of millions and is worth face value in circulated condition.
2. Condition and Grade
The Sheldon scale runs from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). A single grade point can double or triple a coin's value in the higher Mint State ranges. A common-date Morgan dollar might sell for about $75 in MS-63 but jump to $250 or more in MS-65.
3. Metal Content (Melt Value Floor)
Silver and gold coins carry a built-in value floor — they're worth at least their metal content regardless of collector demand. Pre-1965 dimes, quarters, and half dollars contain 90% silver. Even a damaged 1964 Kennedy half dollar is worth around $19–$20 in silver alone, with silver near $54 an ounce (October 2026).
Pre-1965 dime (90% silver) ≈ $3.91 melt | Pre-1965 quarter ≈ $9.77 | Pre-1965 half dollar ≈ $19.53 | Morgan/Peace dollar ≈ $41.77
At silver near $54 an ounce (October 30, 2026). Values move with the silver spot price, so use our Silver Coin Melt Calculator with today's price.
4. Key Dates and Mint Marks
Many coin series have a handful of "key date" coins that command massive premiums. The mint mark — a small letter indicating which mint struck the coin — can make an enormous difference. A 1916-D Mercury Dime is worth thousands while a 1916-P is worth a few dollars in the same grade.
Condition Guide — Know Your Grade Before You Look Up Values
| Grade | Sheldon # | Description | Typical Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poor | P-1 | Date barely readable, heavily worn | 5–10% of EF value |
| About Good | AG-3 | Flat outline, details gone | 10–15% |
| Good | G-4 / G-6 | Major design visible but flat | 20–30% |
| Very Good | VG-8 / VG-10 | Design clear, some detail visible | 35–45% |
| Fine | F-12 / F-15 | Moderate even wear throughout | 50–60% |
| Very Fine | VF-20 / VF-30 | Light wear on high points | 65–80% |
| Extremely Fine | EF-40 / EF-45 | Slight wear on very highest points only | 85–100% |
| About Uncirculated | AU-50–AU-58 | Trace wear, most luster intact | 140–180% |
| Mint State | MS-60–MS-65+ | No wear; varies by strike and luster | 200–600%+ |
Most Valuable US Coins by Series
Lincoln Cents — Key Dates to Watch For
| Date & Mint | VG-8 | EF-40 | MS-63 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB | $900 | $1,400 | $2,800+ |
| 1909-S | $120 | $220 | $500 |
| 1914-D | $200 | $575 | $2,200 |
| 1922 No D (Plain) | $600 | $1,600 | — |
| 1931-S | $90 | $120 | $200 |
| 1943 Copper (error) | $100,000–$400,000+ — authentication required | ||
Morgan Dollars — Key Dates
| Date & Mint | VG-8 | EF-40 | MS-63 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1878–1921 common dates | $43 | $48 | $75 |
| 1893-S | $4,000 | $30,000 | $200,000+ |
| 1895 (Proof only) | $50,000–$100,000+ | ||
| 1889-CC | $600 | $3,500 | $30,000 |
| 1901 | $80 | $500 | $30,000+ |
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