4 Rare Coins From the ’80s That Only Coin Collectors Know About: The 1980s are known for the boom in money, markets, and the economy. Hollywood movies like “Wall Street” made this era a symbol of wealth and luxury. But when we talk about the currency of that decade, coins are often overlooked.
However, the 1980s also produced some rare and valuable coins that can be worth thousands of dollars today. If you have a collection of old coins or you check out everyday coins, you may have one of these four rare coins. Let’s find out which coins are among the rarest and most valuable coins of the 1980s and how you can identify them.
1. 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollars

In 1979, the U.S. Mint released the Susan B. Anthony Dollar with great expectations. It was the first U.S. coin to feature a woman (Susan B. Anthony). But the public was not very interested, and the coin was only issued until 1981. It was later reissued in limited quantities in 1999.
Although most Susan B. Anthony dollars are not worth much, some 1980 coins had a notable mistake. Some coins had a wider rim than usual, making the date appear closer and more accurate on the coin.
Value:
- 1980 Wide Rim Dollars are selling for $600 to $1,000 on eBay.
- One coin sold for $575, while others have sold for $1,000 or more.
- If you have a 1980 Susan B. Anthony dollar, check the rim carefully—it might be a rare edition!
2. 1984 Error Quarters
In 1984, the Philadelphia and Denver Mints combined to issue millions of quarter coins. Most quarters are worth just $0.25, but some coins were found to have errors such as double-strike or over-strike.
Value:
- Rare 1984 quarter coins with errors can range in value from $150 to $2,000.
- Sites like Ruby Lane, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay have listings for these coins for $200, $250, and sometimes up to $2,000.
- If you have a 1984 quarter coin, check its printing carefully. If it has an error, it could be a rare treasure!
3. 1986 Full Red Pennies
In 1986, several thousand pennies (one-cent coins) were issued, but less than 100 of these coins were the “full red” version. These coins had a higher copper content, making them look brighter and redder in color.
Price:
- Most high-quality full red pennies sell for $175.
- In 2019, a coin sold for $2,400 on eBay, which is believed to be the highest price ever.
- If you have a penny from 1986, examine it carefully. If it is deep red and shiny in color, it may be a rare and valuable coin!
4. 1986 S Proof Pennies

In 1986, the San Francisco Mint issued proof pennies specifically for collectors. These coins were minted with a very sharp design and a mirror-like finish. A total of 3,792,233 coins were minted, but some of the higher-quality coins can fetch quite a lot of money.
Price:
- Typically, a 1986-S Proof Penny is worth around $185.
- If the coin is in excellent condition, it can sell for even more.
- If you have a 1986-S Proof Penny, make sure to check its quality and luster, because this could be a big opportunity for you!
Conclusion
Some coins issued in the 1980s are selling for thousands of dollars today instead of just 25 cents or $1. If you have a collection of old coins, you should check these out carefully.
- 1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollar ($600-$1,000+)
- 1984 Error Quarter ($150-$2,000+)
- 1986 Full Red Penny ($175-$2,400+)
- 1986 S Proof Penny ($185+)
By identifying these coins and selling them to the right place, you can make a big profit. So, the next time you check your coins, pay attention—you might have a rare treasure hidden inside of you!
FAQs On 4 Rare Coins From the ’80s That Only Coin Collectors Know About
Q. Can all of these coins be worth thousands of dollars?
A. No, the price depends on the rarity, quality, and error of the coin. Some coins can sell for $150, while others can be worth more than $2,000.
Q. How can I verify the authenticity of my coins?
A. You can consult a numismatist or get certification from organizations like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).
Q. Where should I sell my rare coins?
A. You can sell these coins on eBay, Etsy, Mercari, and other auction websites. You can also contact specialized coin collectors’ clubs and dealers.