Is there a list somewhere of all US rare / scarce coins from lats say 1900 to now?
YQQ
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As you all know, I am not into US coins. otherwise I would most likely have an answer to this question. whenever I get US coins, I either trade them 1:1 for canadian coins or sell them.
A friend asked me if I knew of a list with all the rare US coin dates , all denominations, showing mint marks and other markers.
I suggested a book with all US coins, but she insisted that there should be a list. ( the Lady is 81).
so, as a good friend, I am looking for a list, or a link to one, on the forum 
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
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AFAIK, there is no "list" and what you are asking may be different depending on one's interests. I have a suggestion. Consult a Red Book and make one for us over the weekend. You will learn a lot doing it and others will probably add to it.
Yep. The Redbook is the way to go. All the mintages are listed.
The list would be different person to person. For example, rare does not always mean valuable. Also, some obscure die varieties are rare but only chased by a relative few.
"Rare" is a relative term. Many of us can list the keys from memory, but there are plenty of not-so-rare coins that also carry a premium.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
Key Dates
A simple solution with an online list is to use the PCGS Price Guide.
You could define "rare" as a non-proof coin that is worth over $100 in the lowest grade.
For example, for Indian Cents, the 1909-S at grade G-4 is worth $340 retail, so it would be "rare" by this definition.
https://pcgs.com/prices/
Similarly for Lincoln Cents it would be:
1909-S VDB ($650), 1914-D, 1922-D No D Strong Reverse, 1955 DDO.
Liberty Nickel: 1912-S
Buffalo Nickel: 1913-S Type 2, 1914/(3), 1914-D, 1916 DDO, 1918/7-D, 1936-D 3.5 legs, 1937-D 3 legs.
... etc.
Is this list for coins in circulated or uncirculated condition? If circulated, I believe there are other dates that should be candidates for inclusion.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
Rarity and price are sometimes not very correlated.
http://www.shieldnickels.net
There ARE lists. For example:
http://cointrackers.com/blog/11/most-valuable-coins/
But, you would be better served by smaller lists by type or period as many of the top of such lists are not likely to be encountered. Lists of Indian cents or Buff nickels would be more helpful as being more likely to be encountered. There's also the grade issue.
So, as others have noted, Redbook or Greysheet
I agree, if you are using the usual numismatic definition of rarity - supply scarcity.
This is why I put "rare" in quotes.
It was my interpretation that the original poster was looking for a list of "high value" coins that might possibly be found in an existing collection. You know, the dream of finding a valuable coin in your change jar.
Yes, I would agree. The lady likely has an old family collection and she would like to discreetly check the coins for value. Cheers, RickO
I think that everyone here might be misinterpreting what is needed.
I suspect that the O/P and 81 year old woman does not wish to invest in a book but rather is looking for a free online or printable valuation guide.
As stated by Yosclimber, the PCGS price guide will probably fill her needs.
https://pcgs.com/prices/
Thank you all for your input.
Great stuff..
and yes old Jenn is financially very comfortable but has a heck of a time parting with more than $5 for a book.
So, a free list is what I assume, she is after. Her Husbamd (he passed 26 years ago) left her tons of resources, including several old Albums with US and Mexican coins. She does not wish to sell, not even one piece. As to my question Why not?
here is her answer: " I do not need money snd while I still can, and that will be for many years to come, I take out an album once in a while and spend time admiring all these coins, wondering in whose pockets they could have been and where they have been and what they have "possibly" seen" and WHAT they could tell if they could talk.
A couple of weeks ago she asked me: what is the most valuable American 1 cent in circulated condition ?
I could not answer her as I do not know.
Hence the iquiry for a "magic List".
I think I will get her one of these "red books" as a late x-mas present.
Thanks again everyone. I will read her all your responses later in the week. (she does not "do" computers as they are "detrimental to your health").
It sounds like she is having fun with an inherited collection and that is great!
If these are miscellaneous coins then it would be more difficult to identify the rare or key dates, but If she has albums by series, then that is far easier, as that focuses the universe of possibilities (why bother with a list of rare gold $20 double eagles if she has no gold, for example).
I would have her sit next to me at the computer and show her the PCGS price guide in all its glory
If you included all the coins, dates and mint marks with pricing that US government issued after 1900, the list would be a small book. Red Book is the best option for someone who does not use computers. I paid $12 shipped for my 2018 Red Book copy on eBay.