Nickels may seem like ordinary coins, but some are incredibly valuable due to their rarity, minting errors, or historical importance. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most valuable nickels, detailing their unique features and current market values. Understanding these rare nickels can offer insights into the fascinating world of coin collecting and investment.
The Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. coins. Only five of these nickels are known to exist, making them extremely sought after by collectors.
- Year: 1913
- Current Value: $3M – $5M
- Key Feature: Unauthorized minting, now part of private collections
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This nickel is notable for its overdate error, where the year 1917 was struck over with 1918. This mistake makes it a highly collectible piece.
- Year: 1918
- Current Value: $350,000
- Key Feature: Overdate error
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low production and poor strike quality, particularly valuable in high grades.
- Year: 1926
- Current Value: $300,000
- Key Feature: Low mintage, poor strike quality
1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
Featuring a doubled date and other elements on the obverse, this coin is a significant error piece and highly desirable among collectors.
- Year: 1916
- Current Value: $300,000
- Key Feature: Doubled die obverse error
1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
This nickel is known for its unique minting error where the “D” mint mark was struck over a horizontal “D,” making it quite rare.
- Year: 1942
- Current Value: $50,000
- Key Feature: Over horizontal “D” mint mark
1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
From the first year of the Type 2 Buffalo Nickel design, this coin is rare and valuable due to its unique reverse design.
- Year: 1913
- Current Value: $65,000
- Key Feature: Type 2 reverse design
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This famous error coin is missing a front leg on the buffalo due to an over-polished die, making it highly collectible.
- Year: 1937
- Current Value: $45,000
- Key Feature: Missing front leg on buffalo
1943-P War Nickel
During World War II, nickels were made with 35% silver to save nickel for the war effort. This coin is valuable due to its silver content.
- Year: 1943
- Current Value: $12,000
- Key Feature: Made from 35% silver
1880 Shield Nickel
This nickel is among the rarest Shield Nickels, with very few surviving in high grades.
- Year: 1880
- Current Value: $20,000
- Key Feature: Low mintage
1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
Known for its major doubling on the reverse, this coin is highly sought after for its distinctive error.
- Year: 1935
- Current Value: $25,000
- Key Feature: Doubled die reverse error
Why Are These Nickels So Valuable?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these nickels:
- Rarity: Coins with low mintage or limited availability, such as the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, are highly sought after.
- Minting Errors: Errors like the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel make the coins unique and collectible.
- Historical Significance: Coins like the 1943-P War Nickel have added value due to their historical context.
- Condition: Coins in excellent condition are worth more than those that are worn or damaged.
Investing in Rare Nickels
For those interested in investing in valuable nickels:
- Focus on Quality: Higher-grade coins are more valuable, so look for the best condition possible.
- Seek Rarity: Rare coins with low mintage or unique errors can be more valuable.
- Authenticate: Get your coins authenticated by professional services like PCGS or NGC to confirm their value.
Nickels might seem like ordinary coins, but in the world of collecting, certain nickels are worth millions. From rare minting errors to historically significant pieces, these valuable nickels highlight why coin collecting can be such a fascinating and lucrative hobby.
1. What is the most valuable nickel?
The most valuable nickel is the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, with only five known examples and a value between $3 million and $5 million.
2. Why is the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel so valuable?
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is valuable due to its rare minting error where the buffalo is missing a front leg.
3. What makes the 1943-P War Nickel unique?
The 1943-P War Nickel is unique because it was made from 35% silver to conserve nickel during World War II.
4. How can I tell if I have a rare nickel?
To identify a rare nickel, look for specific features like minting errors or low mintage, and consider getting the coin authenticated by a professional service.
5. Are there any valuable nickels from the 20th century?
Yes, valuable 20th-century nickels include the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel and the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel, known for their unique minting errors.