Movies like Wall Street made the 1980s all about big money — but coins rarely get a mention when talking about the decade’s financial excess.

Still, the ’80s brought us four coins that are rare, highly sought after, and potentially worth a serious chunk of change. So check those couch cushions and coin jars — because any one of these four coins from the 1980s could turn a humble penny, quarter, or dollar into hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in real cash.

1980 Wide Rim Susan B. Anthony Dollars

CoinWeek notes that when the U.S. Mint rolled out the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979, it did so with great enthusiasm — but the public’s reaction was anything but warm. Demand plummeted, and the coin was scrapped after 1981, with a brief comeback in 1999. It’s still remembered as one of the biggest flops in U.S. coinage history.

Most Susan B. Anthony dollars are barely worth more than face value, even in mint condition. But a few 1980 versions have a striking error — a wide rim that squeezes the date — and collectors go after those.

One of these wide-rim dollars is listed on eBay for $600. Another goes for $575. Some have fetched $1,000 or more.

1984 Error Quarters

The Philadelphia Mint produced 676,545,000 George Washington quarters in 1984, and the Denver Mint added 546,483,064 more, according to Coin Value Checker. Most of these are worth just 25 cents — but not all.

A number of 1984 quarters were double-struck or overstruck during minting, and those minting errors can mean serious value.

You’ll find 1984 error quarters selling for $150, $200, or even $2,000 on platforms like Ruby Lane, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay — it all depends on how rare and noticeable the error is.

1986 Full Red Pennies

Coin Value Checker reports that fewer than 100 full red pennies — which show off a rich, coppery hue thanks to a higher copper content — were minted in 1986. That makes them incredibly rare and hot commodities among collectors.

Most sell for around $175 in excellent condition. But according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), one flawless example went for a whopping $2,400 on eBay in 2019.

1986 S Proof Pennies

1986-S proof pennies also have high potential value, according to Coin Value Checker. These coins, produced by the San Francisco Mint, were specially struck for collectors with razor-sharp details and a reflective finish. That year, the mint produced 3,792,233 proof pennies — so most are still common.

However, the few that exist in pristine, gem-like condition tend to sell for about $185.

One 1986-S proof Lincoln penny still holds the record for the highest sale: PCGS reports it sold for $3,450 in 2003 — a record that has stood strong for over two decades.

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