Collectors dream of stumbling upon a rare coin tucked away in a dusty drawer or hidden in pocket change. Some coins are worth more than their weight in gold - quite literally. The U.S. Mint has had its fair share of errors and misprints, and these slip-ups have led to some of the most valuable coins in history.

Here are five of the rarest and most valuable coins in the U.S. Each one is a jackpot for those lucky enough to find it.

1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die

The 1969-S Lincoln Cent Doubled Die is a collector’s dream. This penny looks normal at first glance, but a closer look at the date and inscriptions reveals a strong doubling effect. The words “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” appear duplicated, making this one of the most famous error coins ever.

With only a handful known to exist, this penny can fetch over $100,000 at auction. The Secret Service once mistook them for counterfeits. But they are very real and very valuable.

So, if you think you have got one, a coin expert can confirm if you are holding a tiny fortune.

Tom's / If you find a 1943 penny and it doesn’t stick to a magnet, you might have a rare one. Some have sold for over $2.3 million at auction.

1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny

The 1943 Bronze Lincoln Wheat Penny is a true collector’s legend. During World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to steel pennies to save copper for the war effort. But somehow, a few bronze planchets got used by mistake, creating one of the most valuable pennies in history.

Only about 20 exist, making this one of the most sought-after coins in the world.

1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent

The 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent is an easy-to-miss rarity. Most 1970 pennies have a bold, large date, but a small number were struck with a much smaller version. The difference is subtle. But to coin collectors, it is a big deal.

This rare variety has been known to sell for thousands, depending on its condition. The easiest way to spot one? Look at the “7” in the date. If it appears level with the rest of the numbers, you may have a special find.

1965 Silver Dime

The 1965 Silver Dime is a mistake worth hunting for. In 1965, the U.S. Mint stopped making dimes with 90% silver and switched to a copper-nickel blend. But a few silver planchets were accidentally used, making these dimes incredibly rare.

Coin Week / Most 1965 dimes are worth just ten cents, but a silver version can bring in $5,000 or more.

A quick test? Weigh it. A real silver dime is heavier than a regular one, and a coin dealer can confirm if you have got the real deal.

1992 Close AM Penny

The 1992 Close AM Penny is a tiny error with a huge payout. Most Lincoln pennies from this year have a noticeable gap between the “A” and “M” in “AMERICA.” However, a rare mistake resulted in the letters being almost touching, creating a valuable collector’s item.

One of these rare pennies sold for $25,000 in 2017, and prices have only gone up. If you have a 1992 penny, grab a magnifying glass and check “AMERICA.” A tiny detail could mean a massive payday.

Know the Coin You Should Look For!

These rare U.S. coins prove that sometimes, a simple penny or dime can be worth a small fortune. The key is knowing what to look for. Be it a doubled die, a misprint, or a minting error, these coins have turned ordinary people into instant winners.

So, before you toss your pocket change in a jar, take a closer look. You just might be holding one of the rarest & most valuable coins in the U.S., and that could mean a serious payday.