Nickels are some of the most popular coins for collectors, and certain ones have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity and historical significance. These valuable nickels have caught the attention of collectors and investors alike, with some fetching nearly $2 million at auction. Let’s explore eight of the most valuable nickels in history that you should keep an eye on if you’re a coin enthusiast.
The Most Valuable Nickels in History
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most famous coins in American history. Only five are known to exist, making this coin a true gem for collectors. In fact, one of these coins sold for over $4 million in 2018, making it one of the most valuable nickels ever. Its unique history and extreme rarity have contributed to its immense value.
2. 1943-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1943-D Jefferson Nickel is a special war-time coin made from a unique alloy that includes silver. It’s highly sought after because of a major minting error, making it one of the most valuable Jefferson nickels. While not as famous as the Liberty Head, its value can exceed thousands of dollars, particularly when found in mint condition.
3. 1916 Buffalo Nickel
Known for its iconic Native American design, the 1916 Buffalo Nickel is a collector’s favorite. A particularly rare variant, with an unusual overdate error, has been known to sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its historical design and error make it a highly valuable coin.
4. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged)
This particular nickel is famous for its minting error, where one of the buffalo’s legs is missing. The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel, known as the “Three-Legged” variety, is highly collectible and valuable due to its rarity and the error’s novelty. Pristine examples can command prices upwards of $100,000.
5. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
Another overdate error, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is prized for the clear doubling of the date. Because of this minting anomaly, it’s one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels ever produced. Depending on its condition, this coin can fetch prices that reach into six figures.
6. 1942-P Jefferson Nickel (Silver War Nickel)
During World War II, the U.S. Mint temporarily switched to silver to conserve nickel for the war effort. The 1942-P Jefferson Nickel is particularly valuable for its historical context and its composition. While not as rare as others on this list, it remains a highly sought-after coin among collectors due to its silver content.
7. 1883 Shield Nickel
The 1883 Shield Nickel is famous for its unique design and the absence of the word “cents,” which led to confusion among the public. Many of these coins were gold-plated to pass as five-dollar coins. This confusion and rarity make the 1883 Shield Nickel a valuable piece of American numismatic history.
| Coin Name | Year | Mint Mark | Estimated Value ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | No mint mark | 4,000,000+ |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1943-D | D | 15,000+ |
| Buffalo Nickel | 1916 | No mint mark | 100,000+ |
| Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged) | 1937-D | D | 100,000+ |
| Buffalo Nickel (Overdate) | 1918/7-D | D | 150,000+ |
| Jefferson Nickel (Silver) | 1942-P | P | 10,000+ |
| Shield Nickel | 1883 | No mint mark | 30,000+ |
These valuable nickels continue to be treasures in the coin collecting world, and their values only seem to grow with time. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, keeping an eye out for these nickels can prove to be a rewarding pursuit.
FAQs
1. What makes a nickel valuable?
The value of a nickel can be determined by factors like rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and the condition of the coin. Coins with minting errors or that were produced in limited quantities tend to be the most valuable.
2. Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so expensive?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is extremely rare, with only five known to exist. Its rarity and unique history have made it one of the most sought-after coins in the world, contributing to its high value.
3. What is the Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is known as the “Three-Legged” variety due to a minting error where one of the buffalo’s legs was accidentally omitted. This error has made it a favorite among collectors and a valuable coin.
4. Can silver war nickels still be found in circulation?
Although rare, it is still possible to find silver war nickels from 1942-1945 in circulation, but they are becoming increasingly hard to come by as collectors have pulled many of them from circulation.
5. How do I determine the value of my nickel collection?
To determine the value of your nickels, consult a professional coin grading service or a numismatist. The value will depend on factors such as the coin’s condition, rarity, and any errors it may have.
