WHILE THESE SOUGHT-AFTER EXAMPLES CAN FETCH SIX-FIGURE SUMS AT AUCTION, THEY DON’T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK
By Todd Imhof | July 16, 2025
Collecting classic U.S. coins from the 20th century offers both historical insight and tangible value, making it one of the most rewarding areas of numismatics. Case in point: the five in-demand examples we’ve rounded up below. Created during a time when coinage was not only a medium of exchange but also a canvas for national identity, these coins are prized for their scarcity, cultural significance and, in some cases, their artistic merit. Even better, some of them can be found for as little as a few hundred dollars.
This 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, graded MS67 Red by Professional Coin Grading Service, realized $99,000 in a January 2025 Heritage auction.
1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent
1909 marks the first year of the Lincoln cent – the longest-running design type of any U.S. coin and, arguably, the single most popular area of coins to collect. The coin’s designer, Victor D. Brenner, included his initials along the edge of the reverse, but after a public denouncement over the inclusion of the initials, the design was modified to omit them. The San Francisco issue bearing the V.D.B. initials was the lowest mintage ever produced. In recent news, the U.S. Mint announced earlier this year its intended halt to production of the venerable one cent coin.
What’s it worth? Circulated and choice uncirculated examples typically cost between $600 and $4,500. Gem quality and higher start around $4,000, with the finest known specimens selling for $100,000 at auction. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $168,000.
This 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel, graded MS66 by PCGS, sold for $36,000 in a May 2023 Heritage auction.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The famous Three-Legged Buffalo nickel created at the Denver Mint in 1937 is the result of someone over-polishing the reverse die that was used to strike the coins. Collectors often celebrate such “error” pieces, and coupled with this coin’s beautiful design, it became an instant classic. 1937 was the second to last year of this design before the Jefferson nickel began (and is still going today).
What’s it worth? Circulated and choice uncirculated examples typically cost between $500 and $4,500. Gem quality and higher start closer to $20,000, with the finest known specimens selling for $75,000+ at auction. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $99,875.
This 1916 Standing Liberty quarter, graded MS66 Full Head by PCGS, realized $69,000 in an August 2024 Heritage auction.
1916 or 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter
The classically inspired bare-breasted quarter was designed by famed sculptor Hermon MacNeil and was struck for a period of only a few months, from December 1916 into early 1917. The design was altered at the persuasion of MacNeil himself, who was unhappy with how the Mint had adapted his original models, and in February 1917 the sculptor was granted permission to make the design changes he felt suitable. The result was an entire remodeling of Liberty’s figure that included the addition of chain mail over the goddess’ previously undraped breast. Even without the changes made in 1917, this new quarter design was intended to portray the United States’ preparedness to enter World War I but also its desire for peace – with Miss Liberty holding an olive branch in one hand and a shield in the other.
What’s it worth? Even the lowest-quality Type 1 coins dated 1916 start at $1,500 to $2,000. Choice to Gem quality pieces typically sell in the $20,000 to $40,000 range, and finest known candidates have been known to sell for more than $100,000. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $195,500 for an example dated 1916. The 1917 Type 1 issues from the Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco Mints start at under $100 for circulated examples and reach as high as $10,000 for the top-quality pieces. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $50,400 for 1917.
This 1934-S Peace dollar, graded MS66 by PCGS, sold for $36,055 in an April 2025 Heritage auction.
1934-S Peace Dollar
The San Francisco Mint wasn’t tasked with striking Peace dollars in 1934 until late October, so the original mintage was a relatively low 1.1 million coins. Very few were collected or saved as the Great Depression continued, and today it is among the most challenging issues in the 1921-1935 series.
What’s it worth? Nice, circulated examples can be acquired for no more than $200, while Gem specimens are worth around $7,000. Finest known candidates can cost $60,000+. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $79,313.
This 1907 High Relief double eagle, graded MS67 by PCGS and approved by Certified Acceptance Corporation, realized $324,000 in a January 2025 Heritage auction.
1907 High Relief $20 Saint-Gaudens
Widely considered the most beautiful coin design in the world, this is one of those must-have trophies. The story of its development by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the personal urging of President Theodore Roosevelt is legendary. Several factors, including possible jealousy of Mint officials, resulted in its small mintage.
What’s it worth? Even the lowest-quality examples can cost $10,000, and choice to Gem specimens run between $20,000 and $50,000. The handful of MS67 or better High Reliefs have been selling at auction for more than $300,000. PCGS CoinFacts reports an auction record of $870,000.
