I had a penny in my pocket change worth almost $3,000 - a coin expert said the date is 'nearly impossible' to find

POCKET change is easy to ignore due to its everyday use and supposedly low value.

By looking closer, one lucky shopper discovered a rare coin worth thousands in their spare cents.

Upon closer inspection, the humble penny was revealed as a 1922 treasure that could sell for hundreds of times its original value.

Depending on the quality of the coin, it could reach a value of around $3,000.

The discovery was thanks in part to social media — the lucky coin owner shared their rare coin on social media to ask if it was worth anything.

Replying on TikTok, coin influencer Eric Miller (@thecoinchannel) examined the lucky loot, telling them “the answer is hell yes.”

TREASURE TROVE

Looking at the coin’s details, Eric verified that it appeared to be a 1922 penny with no mint mark.

Mint marks typically signify where a coin was made, and in 1922, most pennies were printed with a “D” under the date — for Denver.

These 1922-D pennies can be worth value on their own, with Eric showing off one that sold for around $30.

But the mark was missing from this coin.

That makes it rare and valuable to collectors, as Eric said it was “near impossible” to find.

To back this up, Eric showed the prices of previously sold 1922 pennies without the mark.

One in ordinary condition sold for $820.

Another, in extremely good condition, sold for $2,929.

It’s unclear what state the coin was in, as professional coin graders typically need to weigh in to assign a grade to any coin.

A high grade can help boost the value of the coin.

Miller also shared another penny that could be worth significant cash.

A 1943 copper penny — made at a time when pennies were meant to be minted with steel — can be worth $211,000.

There are a few key ways to spot a fake one, however.

While finding treasure hidden in plain sight is a dream for many, others dig more actively for riches.

One metal detector enthusiast recently found a historic quarter worth $19,000 while digging on a farm.

Then, he found a second coin worth even more money.

Digging even further, he hit an 1800s “matron head” coin that could sell for up to $376,000.