Nickels are common coins you might find in your change every day, but some are actually worth a lot more than their face value. Certain rare nickels can sell for hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars! If you’re a collector or just someone who likes to keep an eye on valuable coins, it’s important to know which nickels are worth a fortune. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 most valuable nickels, what makes them special, and how you can identify them.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous rare nickels. Only five of these coins are known to exist, and they are highly valuable. It is not only the rarity that makes this coin special, but also its historic value. The U.S. Mint never officially produced this coin, making it a unique piece of history.
Estimated Value: $4.5 Million
Why It’s Valuable: Extremely rare, only five known to exist, and it’s considered a historic mistake.
2. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous errors in coin history. It has a distinct design flaw where one of the buffalo’s legs is missing. This error makes it highly sought after by collectors.
Estimated Value: $100,000 to $500,000
Why It’s Valuable: A rare minting error where one of the buffalo’s legs is missing.
3. 1866 Shield Nickel (No Motto)
The 1866 Shield Nickel without the “In God We Trust” motto is an extremely rare coin. The U.S. Mint mistakenly left out the motto on some of these coins, making them a highly valuable find.
Estimated Value: $200,000 to $400,000
Why It’s Valuable: A rare coin with a minting error that left off the motto.
4. 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel is another rare coin. Only a few of these were minted, and most have been lost over time. This makes it one of the most sought-after nickels by collectors.
Estimated Value: $150,000 to $250,000
Why It’s Valuable: Rare due to limited minting and high demand from collectors.
5. 1942-P Wartime Nickel
During World War II, the U.S. Mint made nickels with a different composition to save nickel for military use. The 1942-P Wartime Nickel has a special silver content, which makes it more valuable than regular nickels from the same period.
Estimated Value: $10,000 to $20,000
Why It’s Valuable: Made with silver instead of the regular copper-nickel mix, making it rare and valuable.
| Coin Name | Year | Unique Feature | Estimated Value | Why It’s Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Minted illegally, only 5 known to exist | $4.5 million | Extremely rare, historical significance, one of the most valuable coins in history. |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | Minting error, missing a leg on the buffalo | $200,000 – $500,000 | A minting error that makes it highly sought after by collectors. |
| 1866 Shield Nickel (No Motto) | 1866 | No “In God We Trust” motto on the reverse | $50,000 – $100,000 | The lack of the motto makes this a rare and important piece of history. |
| 1942/1 Overdate Nickel | 1942 | Overdate error (the “1” from 1941 appears on the 1942 coin) | $25,000 – $75,000 | The overdate error makes it a prized find for collectors. |
| 1914-S Buffalo Nickel | 1914 | Minted in limited numbers, S mintmark | $5,000 – $15,000 | Rare due to the small quantity minted in San Francisco. |
| 1921-D Mercury Dime (Rare Nickel Variant) | 1921-D | Rare mintmark and low mintage | $20,000 – $50,000 | Low production and rarity make this coin a valuable find. |
| 2004 Wisconsin Extra Leaf Nickel | 2004 | Extra leaf on corn stalk (error coin) | $100 – $500 | A simple mistake that leads to high demand due to its scarcity. |
| 1939 Jefferson Nickel (Rare Die) | 1939 | Die variety error, rare minting | $1,000 – $5,000 | Some 1939 Jefferson Nickels have a rare die error, making them desirable. |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | 1950 | Minted in very small numbers | $10,000 – $30,000 | Low mintage makes this coin a hidden gem for collectors. |
| 1912 Liberty Nickel | 1912 | Rare year with limited mintage | $5,000 – $25,000 | Limited mintage and historical importance increase its value. |
6. 1883 Without Cents Liberty Head Nickel
The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel was originally minted without the word “cents” on the reverse side. This made it easy for people to mistake it for a $5 gold coin. The mint quickly added “cents” to future coins, making the original version very rare.
Estimated Value: $50,000 to $150,000
Why It’s Valuable: A rare minting error where the word “cents” was left off the coin.
7. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel is a rare coin, especially in uncirculated condition. While it is not as rare as some of the other nickels on this list, its value increases depending on its condition.
Estimated Value: $2,000 to $50,000
Why It’s Valuable: The 1938-D is harder to find in good condition, making it a valuable addition to a collection.
8. 1877 Shield Nickel
The 1877 Shield Nickel is rare because it was minted in a time when many coins were not produced in large numbers. This specific year is especially rare due to low mintage and high demand among collectors.
Estimated Value: $20,000 to $60,000
Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage and high collector demand.
9. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low mintage. It is often found in lower grades, but even those can be worth a considerable amount. Higher-grade examples are especially valuable.
Estimated Value: $2,000 to $50,000
Why It’s Valuable: Low mintage and high collector demand.
10. 1884 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1884 Liberty Head Nickel is another rare coin that collectors search for. The 1884 year had a relatively low mintage, making it a key date for collectors interested in Liberty Head nickels.
Estimated Value: $1,500 to $20,000
Why It’s Valuable: Limited mintage makes it a rare find.
FAQs
What makes a nickel valuable?
A nickel becomes valuable when it is rare or has unique features, like minting errors, limited production, or historical significance. Coins in good condition or with special designs are typically worth more.
How do I know if my nickel is rare?
To know if your nickel is rare, check for specific features like unusual dates, minting errors, or limited editions. Research or consult a coin expert to verify the coin’s value.
How much can a rare nickel be worth?
Some rare nickels can be worth thousands, or even millions, of dollars. For example, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel can be worth around $4.5 million, while other rare nickels may range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
Where can I sell rare nickels?
You can sell rare nickels to professional coin dealers, at coin auctions, or through online platforms. Make sure to get the coin appraised to understand its value before selling.
How can I tell the condition of my nickel?
The condition of a coin, known as its grade, is important in determining its value. Coins are graded based on their wear, luster, and overall appearance. Higher-grade coins, with minimal wear, are typically worth more.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare nickels in your change, you could be sitting on a small fortune! Rare nickels like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel, and 1866 Shield Nickel (No Motto) are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique features, minting errors, and low mintage. The value of these coins is influenced by their rarity and condition, so if you think you might have one of these coins, it’s worth getting it appraised by a professional. Start checking your change carefully, and you could just discover a hidden treasure!
