7 Coins From the 1930s That Are Worth a Lot of Money

The 1930s was a decade marked by economic challenges and historical significance, making it a notable period for coin collectors. Many coins minted during this time have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity, design, and historical context. From the famous 1933 Double Eagle to the unique 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, several coins from this era have earned their place as prized possessions in the world of numismatics.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer to coin hunting, these 1930s coins are more than just pieces of currency—they are tangible pieces of history. In this blog, we’ll explore seven of the most valuable and sought-after coins from the 1930s, providing detailed insights into their significance and what makes them worth a lot of money today.

1. 1933 Double Eagle

The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. numismatic history. Minted in 1933, this gold coin features a striking design by artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The obverse shows Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, while the reverse features a majestic eagle in flight. Only a few 1933 Double Eagles ever entered circulation, as the U.S. government decided to recall them due to the Gold Reserve Act of 1934, which prohibited the private ownership of gold coins.

Most of the coins were melted down, and it was believed that no legal specimens remained. However, a few were found in the hands of collectors, and in 2002, one was sold for a record-breaking $7.6 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold at auction. The rarity of this coin, combined with its fascinating history, makes it incredibly valuable, with the remaining examples commanding astronomical prices in today’s market.

2. 1933 Indian Head Gold Eagle

The 1933 Indian Head Gold Eagle is another highly sought-after coin in the world of numismatics. Designed by renowned sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, the coin features a unique incuse design, meaning the images are sunken into the coin rather than raised. This design made the coin stand out from other gold coins of the time. While the Indian Head Gold Eagle was minted from 1907 until 1933, the 1933 version is particularly valuable due to its low mintage and historical significance.

The coin was part of the final batch minted before the United States transitioned away from the gold standard. Like the 1933 Double Eagle, most of the 1933 Indian Head Gold Eagles were never released to the public. The remaining examples have been the subject of legal battles and have commanded significant sums at auctions, with one particular specimen selling for over $2 million in recent years. This coin’s rarity and its connection to the end of the gold standard make it an iconic piece of American numismatic history.

3. 1932-D Washington Quarter

The 1932-D Washington Quarter is one of the key dates in the Washington Quarter series. It was the first year that the Washington Quarter was issued, and the 1932-D is particularly notable because of its limited mintage. The “D” mintmark signifies that it was struck at the Denver Mint, and only around 436,800 of these coins were produced, making it one of the rarer quarters from the early 20th century.

The design, created by John Flanagan, features a portrait of George Washington on the obverse, while the reverse shows an eagle. Due to its scarcity and demand among collectors, the 1932-D Washington Quarter can fetch thousands of dollars, depending on its condition. Coins in higher grades, such as MS-65 or better, are especially valuable. The 1932-D quarter is considered one of the most important coins for Washington Quarter collectors and remains a sought-after piece for anyone serious about U.S. coin collecting.

4. 1934 Peace Dollar

The 1934 Peace Dollar is a highly collectible coin from the last year of the Peace Dollar series, which was minted from 1921 to 1935. Designed by Anthony de Francisci, the Peace Dollar was created to commemorate the end of World War I and symbolizes peace with its depiction of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a perched eagle on the reverse. The 1934 version is significant for its relatively high mintage compared to other years in the series, with over 1.1 million coins produced.

Despite the high mintage, the 1934 Peace Dollar remains a valuable coin, especially in high-grade conditions. The coin’s popularity grew over time as collectors began to appreciate its historical context and artistic design. Its value can range from a few hundred dollars for coins in circulated condition to several thousand for coins in uncirculated grades. The 1934 Peace Dollar is a favorite among collectors because of its symbolism and the quality of its design, making it an important piece in any coin collection.

5. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous and intriguing errors in U.S. coinage history. This coin is part of the Buffalo Nickel series, which was minted from 1913 to 1938, and features an iconic design by James Earle Fraser, depicting an American bison on the reverse and a Native American on the obverse. The “three-legged” error occurred at the Denver Mint in 1937, when a portion of the buffalo’s leg was accidentally worn away during the die-making process.

This resulted in the bison appearing to have only three legs instead of four. Although the error was not intentional, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel became one of the most famous coin errors in U.S. history, with only a few examples known to exist. The coin is highly sought after by collectors, and in good condition, it can command prices well into the thousands of dollars, with pristine specimens fetching even higher amounts. The combination of its rarity and unique error makes the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel one of the most valuable coins from the 1930s.

6. 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar

The 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is a stunning example of 20th-century American coinage. Designed by Adolph A. Weinman, the Walking Liberty Half Dollar features a beautiful, full-length portrait of Lady Liberty walking toward the sun on the obverse, and an eagle standing on a rock with a rising sun in the background on the reverse. The 1938-D version, struck at the Denver Mint, is notable for its relatively low mintage compared to other years in the series, with only around 491,600 coins produced.

This makes the 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar a sought-after coin among collectors. The design of the coin is highly regarded for its artistic quality and symbolism, representing freedom and the American spirit. The 1938-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar is one of the last coins to feature the Walking Liberty design, as the series was discontinued in 1947. Its scarcity, coupled with its timeless design, ensures its value continues to rise, with coins in higher grades often selling for several hundred dollars.

7. 1932-D Lincoln (Wheat) Penny

The 1932-D Lincoln (Wheat) Penny is one of the most important and valuable coins from the Lincoln Wheat series, which was minted from 1909 to 1958. The 1932-D penny is especially notable due to its low mintage of just over 10 million coins, making it one of the rarer pennies in the series. The obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor D. Brenner, while the reverse displays two wheat stalks. The “D” mintmark indicates that this coin was struck at the Denver Mint.

Although the 1932-D Lincoln Penny is not as rare as some other key dates in the Lincoln series, it is still highly valued by collectors due to its limited availability and historical significance. In higher grades, such as MS-65 or better, this penny can command prices in the hundreds of dollars. Its scarcity and its connection to the Great Depression make it a desirable piece for anyone interested in U.S. coinage. The 1932-D Lincoln Penny remains one of the most coveted coins in the Lincoln Wheat series.

Bottom Line

The 1930s produced several iconic and rare coins that have become highly valuable in the world of numismatics. These coins, such as the 1933 Double Eagle and the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, continue to captivate collectors due to their scarcity, historical importance, and unique designs. If you’re looking to invest in rare coins, the 1930s is an era you shouldn’t overlook. Always do thorough research and seek professional advice before making any purchases to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

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