Ever thought a nickel would be more than five cents? A little fortune could be waiting for you, tucked in an old drawer or your change jar. This is not a story about pennies; we are revealing nickels valued at thousands of dollars, indeed even millions of dollars. Interested yet?
Nickels possess a wealth of value beyond their initial appearance. Some nickels are worth significantly more than their face value; others are made equal. We will explore the world of precious nickels in great detail in this guide, disentangling their rich history, highlighting their special characteristics, and exposing the reasons they are regarded as hidden treasures in the field of coin collecting. Therefore, please continue reading before dismissing that old nickel as mere spare change or cash for the coin jar. Perhaps you already carry a treasure in your pocket!
Should this pique your interest, you can also find immense enjoyment reading our guide on the most valuable dimes and pennies. Good luck on your treasure hunt!
Here Are 7 Most Valuable Nickels in the World
| COIN | HIGHEST SOLD PRICE | SIGNIFICANCE |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | $4,560,000 | One of the rarest coins with only five known examples. |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse | $350,750 | Notable for its unique error and rarity. |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | $322,000 | Highly sought after for its low mintage. |
| 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse | $281,750 | Famous for its doubled die error. |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | $198,995 | Extremely rare due to its low mintage. |
| 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 | $143,750 | Valued for its design transition and rarity. |
| 1917-S Buffalo Nickel | $138,000 | Sought after for its scarcity in high grades. |
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel—(~$5,262,000)
As rare as it is enigmatic, the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is the most valuable nickel in the world. There are only five known to exist; hence, this nickel was not even formally minted, hence its very existence begs questions and conjecture. This air of mystery only accentuates its amazing worth, calculated to be about $5,262,000.
But the last auction price of this nickel distinguishes it somewhat uniquely. Selling for an eye-watering $4,560,000, a 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel in PR66 condition sold in August 2018. This selling price not only captures the great rarity of the coin but also its special position in numismatics. Therefore, should you ever be fortunate enough to stumble upon one of these elusive nickels, you are clutching a piece of history with an enormous value.
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse—($350,750)
Among numismatists, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse is a highly sought-after coin noted for its unusual mistake and rarity. A minting accident whereby the die used to strike the coin was inadvertently engraved with both the years 1918 and 1917 results in a dual die obverse on this piece.
On the obverse side of the coin, this mistake clearly doubles the date and other design features. Because of its scarcity and collector desire for mistake coins, this coin’s highest known sale price—more than $350,750—was achieved at auction in 2006. Any coin aficionado would cherish it because of its historical relevance and rareness of the inaccuracy.
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel: $322,000
With low mintage and scarcity in excellent grades, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is among the most valuable nickels available. One of the lowest mintages in the Buffalo Nickel series, this coin was created in San Francisco, and just 970,000 pieces were struck. In a 2008 auction, a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel sold for about $322,000—a record set for a coin in great condition (MS66).
Because of its rarity—especially in well-preserved states, which are rare—this coin is much sought after by collectors. Key in the series, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is a must-have for professional collectors, which helps to explain its great numismatic market value.
4. 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse – $281,750
Famously for its doubled die error on the obverse side, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse is another uncommon and collectible coin. This mistake causes the coin’s date to clearly double as well as the word “LIBERTY.”
Acquired in a 2004 auction for a specimen in (MS64), this coin boasts a highest sales price of about $281,750. Collectors really want the 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse since the doubling error is so rare overall. Any coin collector would benefit from this one of the most important mistake coins in the Buffalo Nickel series.
5. 1880 Shield Nickel—$198,995
The very low mintage and historical relevance of the 1880 Shield Nickel make it a highly sought-after coin in the numismatic field. One of the rarest Shield Nickel series coins, just 16,000 of these were struck at the mint. A coin in (MS66) condition in 2023 has had the highest known auction price for an 1880 Shield Nickel—about $198,995.
Because the Shield Nickel series was the first nickel five-cent piece struck by the United States, its worth is derived from both its rarity and the historical background of its manufacture. This coin is sought for by collectors because of its rarity and significance in the development of American coins.
6. 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2—$143,750
A major date in the Buffalo Nickel series, the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 is especially sought after by collectors because of its limited mintage and clear design alterations from Type 1. In a 2008 auction, a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 sold for over $143,750.
The historical background of the coin adds to its worth since it marks a change in Buffalo Nickel design whereby a flat line replaces the bison’s mound to minimize wear on the structure. One of the most precious nickels in the world, its scarcity and importance in the series define it.
7. 1917-S Buffalo Nickel—$138,000
Another prized coin in the Buffalo Nickel series is the 1917-S Buffalo Nickel, which has low mintage and limited good grade availability. One of the less often occurring dates in the series, minted in San Francisco, this coin had an output of just over 4 million. For a 1917-S Buffalo Nickel, the highest sold price—achieved for a coin in MS67 condition—is about $138,000.
Its worth resides in its scarcity and the difficulty it poses for collectors trying to finish a high-grade set of Buffalo Nickels. Considered a sought-after item with particular significance in numismatics is the 1917-S Buffalo Nickel.
Conclusion
Rare nickels appeal not only for their possible monetary worth but also for their historical relevance, artistic quality, and the stories they bear. Every coin is a physical artifact that provides a window into the age it was produced. Each nickel possesses a unique narrative, be it the renowned Indian Head (Buffalo) design, the enigma surrounding the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, or the remarkable minting errors that result in unexpected rarity.
Investing in and gathering these jewels provides a fascinating trip into numismatics. Combining history, art, business, and investigative work, this field presents countless chances for education and discovery. As we have seen, even the modest nickel can have hidden riches, hence emphasizing the adage that often giant things come in little packages. Good coin hunting.
FAQs
What makes a 1964 nickel valuable?
Particularly if it’s a special mint set (SMS) coin or if the minting fault is exceptional like Mirror Brockage, the 1964 nickel can be expensive. For instance, experts value the 1964 Jefferson Nickel SMS at approximately $39,692. Conversely, the 1964 Jefferson Nickel is among the most valued because of the Mirror Brockage mistake. These coins’ rareness paired with their special qualities greatly appeals to collectors and increases their value.
What nickels to look for?
Search for valuable nickels looking for important dates, minting mistakes, and coins in perfect condition. Among the worthwhile nickels are the 1913 Liberty Head V nickel, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel, and the 1964 Jefferson nickel SMS. Additionally, look for any odd-looking nickels since they can have minting mistakes adding to their worth.
What Jefferson nickels are worth keeping?
Because of their low mintage, Jefferson nickels worth conserving are the 1939 double Monticello, 1942–1945 war nickels, and the 1950-D nickel. Furthermore, valuable can be any Jefferson nickel with minting mistakes or in particularly good condition..
How can I determine the value of my nickel?
Check your nickel’s date, mint mark, and condition to ascertain whether it is worth money. Valuable coins include older nickels and low mintage coins with minting defects. See a numismatic expert or coin dealer to get your nickel evaluated should you believe it may be valuable.
What years are nickels worth money?
Regarding nickels, some years are especially worth noting. Among these are 1913 (Liberty Head V Nickel), 1926–S, 1937–D (Buffalo Nickels), and 1950–D (Jefferson Nickel). However, the value of nickel may depend on other factors, not just the year of its issuance.