Is there a $100,000 penny in your couch cushions? | News | Rare Coin Wholesalers, a S.L.Contursi Company

Orange County Register
By KELLI HART and CHRIS DAINES
Thursday, August 14, 2008

All this talk about a copper 1943-S penny, valued at an estimated quarter-million dollars, have you digging through your coin jars and checking your couch cushions?

Though only a handful of cent coins were accidentally cast in copper in 1943, the sale of Laguna Beach resident Steve Contursi's rare penny has readers asking what other coins are valuable to collectors – and how they can figure out if their change is worth more than the metal it is stamped on.

"If people have an accumulation of old coins from their parents, grandparents or great grandparents, the best thing to do is go to a reputable coin dealer to look at the coins," Contursi advised.

An old coin kept over many years could have a vast range in price value, Contursi added.

For example, an uncirculated silver dollar is typically worth $30, but depending on the date and the mint mark, that same silver dollar could be worth thousands of dollars according to Contursi.

Contursi, owner of Dana Point-based Rare Coin Wholesalers also recommends curious coin owners to pick up "the red book," more formally known as "The Expert's Guide to Collecting and Investing in Rare Coins." The book can be found in any bookstore or library and is updated every year.

You can also visit www.money.org to learn about what coins might be worth more than you expected.