Think about all the pennies, nickels, and dimes minted during WW1. Hundreds of millions of them were made. Supply and demand, my friend. High supply, low demand for most.
Your average 1918 Mercury dime? Maybe worth a couple of bucks if it’s shiny. A crusty, worn-out 1917 penny? You’re looking at pocket change. Literally. Check your couch cushions.
But here’s the kicker: condition is everything. A coin that looks like it survived a war (scratches, dings, dull color) is worth face value. A coin that looks like it was minted yesterday? Now we’re talking.
When “Old” Becomes “Holy Cow”
Now, let’s talk about the exceptions. The real treasures. The ones that make coin collectors weep happy tears. Forget the common stuff for a second.
If you find a 1916-D Mercury dime, do a happy dance. That “D” mint mark (Denver) is rare. A nice one can be worth thousands of dollars. Seriously. A 1916-D in pristine condition? You might be looking at a house down payment.
Same goes for the 1914-D Lincoln penny. It’s the holy grail for penny collectors. Finding one is like winning a tiny, metallic lottery. Even a beat-up example is worth serious cash.
Then there’s the 1909-S VDB penny. Okay, it’s technically pre-WW1, but it often gets lumped in. That coin with the designer’s initials on the back? Worth a small fortune if you have it. Start checking your change jar now.
RARE FIRST WORLD WAR LORD KITCHENER £2 TWO POUND COIN Mint error | eBay UK
