A US coin price guide is a structured resource that provides the current market value, historical context, and technical specifications for every official denomination authorized by the United States Mint. Starting with the Coinage Act of 1792, the US has produced a vast array of coinage types—ranging from copper half cents to $20 gold double eagles. At VarietyErrors.com, our guide focuses on “Type” collecting, which emphasizes the design and composition of a coin rather than just its date or mint mark.
Understanding the “Standard” or “Non-Error” version of these coins is the foundation of numismatics. Before a collector can identify a rare error, they must first master the official types that have defined American commerce for over 230 years.
How to Value Your Non-Error US Coins
Even without an error or variety, a standard US coin can be worth significantly more than its face value based on Rarity and Grade.
Check the Metal Content: Pre-1965 dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars contain 90% silver. Their “melt value” provides a baseline price.
Determine the Design Type: Is your nickel a “Shield,” “Liberty Head,” “Buffalo,” or “Jefferson”? Each has a vastly different scarcity profile.
Grade the Preservation: Standard coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70. A common 1940 Penny in “Average Circulated” condition may be worth 5 cents, but the same coin in “MS67 Red” (Mint State) can sell for thousands.
The Evolution of US Coinage Types
The history of US coinage is divided into three major eras: Early American (1792–1830s), Mid-Century Expansion (1830s–1930s), and the Modern Era (1932–Present).
1. Early American Coinage (1792–1839)
The first official coins were struck in Philadelphia in 1793. These early designs often featured the Flowing Hair or Draped Bust motifs.
Half Cents & Large Cents: The “workhorses” of early America, these were nearly the size of a modern quarter or half dollar.
Silver Denominations: The half dime, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar were originally minted in 89.2% or 90% silver.
Gold Eagles: Early gold coinage consisted of the $2.50 Quarter Eagle, $5 Half Eagle, and $10 Eagle.
2. The Golden Age of Design (1840–1932)
This era saw the introduction of iconic series and several now-obsolete denominations.
Obsolete Denominations: The Two-Cent piece (the first coin to feature “In God We Trust”), Three-Cent silver and nickel pieces, and the short-lived Twenty-Cent piece.
Morgan & Peace Dollars: These large silver dollars are among the most collected coins in the world today.
Gold Standards: The introduction of the $1 Gold Piece (1849) and the massive $20 Double Eagle (1850).
3. The Modern Era (1932–Present)
Modern coinage began with the 1932 Washington Quarter, transitioning from “Liberty” motifs to portraits of former presidents.
Copper to Zinc: The transition of the Lincoln Cent from 95% copper to copper-plated zinc in 1982.
Silver Exit: The removal of silver from dimes and quarters in 1965, and from half dollars after 1970.
Special Programs: The 50 State Quarters, America the Beautiful, and the American Women Quarters series.
Why VarietyErrors.com is the Authoritative Guide
Led by expert Kyle Franck, VarietyErrors.com provides a unique perspective. We don’t just list prices; we explain the why behind the value. Our guide is built on decades of auction results and the definitive research found in the Encyclopedia of Currency series.
Coin Price Guide (TEXT ONLY)
St Gaudens $20 Gold Coin Values
Indian Head $10 Gold Coin Values
Standing Liberty Quarter Values