4 Coins From the 1980s That Could Be Worth a Small Fortune

Movies like Wall Street made the 1980s all about big money — but coins rarely get a mention when talking about the decade's financial excess.

The 1980s was an era of excess, and not just in fashion, music, and pop culture. While coins might not immediately spring to mind when considering the decade’s financial excesses, 1980s coins hold value for collectors.

Four coins from the 1980s are particularly rare and highly sought after, potentially worth a serious chunk of change.

Check those couch cushions and coin jars — because any one of these four coins from the 1980s could turn a humble penny, quarter, or dollar into hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in real cash.

1. 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollars

CoinWeek notes that the U.S. Mint unveiled the Susan B. Anthony dollar with enthusiasm in 1979, but the public reception was lukewarm.

The coin's production was discontinued in 1981 due to low demand, and it briefly returned in 1999. It's still noted as one of the biggest flops in U.S. coinage history.

Most Susan B. Anthony dollars, even in mint condition, are barely worth more than face value. However, a few 1980 versions have a striking error—a wide rim that squeezes the date—and collectors are keen to collect these.

One of these wide-rim dollars is listed on eBay for $600. Another is going for $575. Some have fetched $1,000 or more.

2. 1984 Error Quarters

The Philadelphia Mint produced 676,545,000 George Washington quarters in 1984, and the Denver Mint added 546,483,064 more, according to Coin Value Checker. Most of these are worth just 25 cents—but not all.

Several 1984 quarters were double-struck or overstruck during minting, and those minting errors can translate to significant value.

You'll find 1984 error quarters selling for $150, $200, or even $2,000 on platforms like Ruby Lane, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay—it all depends on the error's rarity and visibility.

3. 1986 Full Red Pennies

Coin Value Checker reports that less than 100 full red pennies—displaying a rich, coppery hue thanks to a higher copper content—were minted in 1986. This makes them incredibly rare and hot commodities among collectors.

Most sell for around $175 in excellent condition. But according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), one flawless example went for a whopping $2,400 on eBay in 2019.

4. 1986 S Proof Pennies

1986-S proof pennies also hold high potential value, according to Coin Value Checker. These coins, produced by the San Francisco Mint, were specially struck for collectors with razor-sharp details and a reflective finish. That year, the mint produced 3,792,233 proof pennies—so most are still common.

However, the few that exist in pristine, gem-like condition tend to sell for about $185.

One 1986-S proof Lincoln penny still holds the record for the highest sale: PCGS reports it sold for $3,450 in 2003—a record that has stood strong for over two decades.