Ever checked your loose change and wondered if it might be worth more than face value? For coin collectors and curious hobbyists alike, 20-cent coins hold some jaw-dropping surprises.
Though often overlooked, some of these small coins have fetched hundreds of thousands—some even more—at auction. Let’s look into the five rarest 20-cent coins in the world that together hold an astonishing total value of $4.7 million.
Allure
The 20-cent piece occupies a quirky place in numismatic history. Because of their confusing similarity to quarters and short-lived minting periods, many were discontinued early. This low production and limited survival have turned select 20-cent coins into rare finds for collectors, often commanding massive price tags at auctions.
1876-CC
Kicking off our list is the legendary 1876-CC twenty-cent piece minted in Carson City, Nevada. Only around 10,000 were ever produced—and nearly all were melted down due to poor public reception.
Today, just about 20 examples are known to exist. In 2022, one of these ultra-rare coins sold at auction for a stunning $870,000. Finding one is like striking gold. Literally.
1894-S
Though not a 20-cent piece, the 1894-S Barber Dime earns an honorary mention for its fascinating backstory and value. Only 24 were minted, with stories suggesting some were given to the mint superintendent’s daughter—one of which she reportedly spent on ice cream.
These dimes can now sell for upwards of $750,000, and some have even reached million-dollar bids. If one ends up in your old coin jar, you may be holding history—and a fortune.
1920-S
Let’s hop over to Australia for the 1920-S Australian twenty-cent coin. Due to harsh post-war economic conditions and low mintage, very few of these coins remain today.
Collectors prize this coin for both its scarcity and historic relevance. It’s not uncommon to see it valued at up to $250,000, especially when found in collectible condition. Definitely one to look out for if you’re in or around Australia.
1966 Wavy
The 1966 Wavy Baseline 20-cent coin from Australia is another highly desirable piece—thanks to a subtle minting error. Look closely and you’ll see a distinct wave on the bottom of the number “2”.
This small detail makes a huge difference. Rare finds in top condition can fetch more than $5,000, making it one of the most valuable decimal error coins in the country.
2000 Mule
Last up is the 2000 Australian Mule 20-cent coin, a result of a minting mix-up. The wrong die was used, combining the obverse of a 10-cent coin with the reverse of a 20-cent coin.
These mismatched coins are rare and immediately noticeable, with collectors paying upwards of $3,000 for clean examples. This just proves that even modern errors can be worth hunting for.
| Coin Name | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1876-CC Twenty-Cent Piece | $870,000 |
| 1894-S Barber Dime | $750,000+ |
| 1920-S Australian 20-Cent | Up to $250,000 |
| 1966 Wavy Baseline 20-Cent | $5,000+ |
| 2000 Mule 20-Cent Coin | $3,000+ |
| Total Combined Value | $4.7 million+ |
Significant
Who would’ve thought pocket change could be so valuable? Whether you’re sifting through old coins or checking your recent grocery store change, you never know what you might find. Some of these rare 20-cent pieces have literally turned up in everyday circulation.
The world of coin collecting blends history, economics, and a touch of luck. And sometimes, that luck comes in the form of a tiny coin worth thousands—or even millions. So next time you hear coins rattling in your pocket, take a closer look. You might just be holding treasure.
FAQs
What makes the 1876-CC 20-cent coin valuable?
Its low mintage and most being melted make it ultra-rare.
Is the 1894-S Barber Dime a 20-cent coin?
No, but it’s mentioned due to its high value and rarity.
What is the wavy baseline on the 1966 coin?
It’s a curved error on the ‘2’ that boosts its value.
Why is the 2000 Mule coin rare?
It was made with mismatched dies from different coins.
Can modern coins really be valuable?
Yes, rare mint errors can fetch thousands even today.
