Nickels may not seem like the most glamorous coins in a collector’s arsenal, but some rare and valuable nickels have fetched astonishing prices at auctions. Whether due to minting errors, low mintage, or unique historical significance, these nickels are highly sought after by numismatists.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 most valuable nickels, providing details, key characteristics, and current market values.
Top 10 Most Valuable Nickel
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in U.S. history. Only five specimens are known to exist, making it an ultra-rarity in the numismatic world.
- Year: 1913
- Mintage: 5 known
- Current Value: $3 million to $5 million
- Key Feature: Unauthorized minting, part of a private collection
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a rare overdate error, where the 1917 date was stamped over with 1918, creating a unique collectible.
- Year: 1918
- Mintage: Unknown, very rare
- Current Value: $350,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Overdate error
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low mintage and poor strike quality, making high-grade specimens extremely valuable.
- Year: 1926
- Mintage: 970,000
- Current Value: $300,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Low mintage, poor strike quality
4. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
This nickel features a prominent doubling of the date and other elements on the obverse, making it a significant error coin.
- Year: 1916
- Mintage: Unknown, rare
- Current Value: $300,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Doubled die obverse error
5. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
This coin features a rare minting error where the “D” mint mark was struck over a horizontal “D.”
- Year: 1942
- Mintage: Unknown, rare
- Current Value: $50,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Over horizontal “D” mint mark
6. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel
This nickel is valuable due to its rarity and being the first year of the Buffalo Nickel’s Type 2 design.
- Year: 1913
- Mintage: 1,209,000
- Current Value: $65,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Type 2 reverse design
7. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous error coins, where the buffalo’s front leg is missing due to an over-polished die.
- Year: 1937
- Mintage: Unknown, rare
- Current Value: $45,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Missing front leg on buffalo
8. 1943-P War Nickel
During World War II, nickels were made from a silver alloy due to the need for nickel in the war effort. The 1943-P War Nickel is valuable in high grades due to its silver content and wartime history.
- Year: 1943
- Mintage: 271,165,000
- Current Value: $12,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Made from 35% silver
9. 1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel is a rare coin due to its low mintage, especially in higher grades. It is part of the last series of Shield Nickels.
- Year: 1880
- Mintage: 16,000
- Current Value: $20,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Low mintage
10. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
This coin is known for its significant doubling on the reverse, making it a rare and valuable error coin.
- Year: 1935
- Mintage: Unknown, rare
- Current Value: $25,000 (in Mint State condition)
- Key Feature: Doubled die reverse error
Key Details: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels
| Nickel | Year | Mintage | Current Value | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | 1913 | 5 known | $3M – $5M | Unauthorized minting |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918 | Unknown | $350,000 | Overdate error |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | 1926 | 970,000 | $300,000 | Low mintage, poor strike |
| 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel | 1916 | Unknown | $300,000 | Doubled die obverse error |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel | 1942 | Unknown | $50,000 | Over horizontal “D” error |
| 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel | 1913 | 1,209,000 | $65,000 | Type 2 reverse design |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | Unknown | $45,000 | Missing front leg on buffalo |
| 1943-P War Nickel | 1943 | 271,165,000 | $12,000 | Made from 35% silver |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | 1880 | 16,000 | $20,000 | Low mintage |
| 1935 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel | 1935 | Unknown | $25,000 | Doubled die reverse error |
Why These Nickels Are So Valuable
The value of these nickels is driven by several factors:
- Rarity: The fewer coins available, the higher the demand, and thus, the value increases. Coins like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel are incredibly rare, with only five known to exist.
- Minting Errors: Coins with minting errors, such as the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel or the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel, are highly sought after due to their unique characteristics.
- Historical Significance: Coins from important periods, like the 1943-P War Nickel, which was minted during World War II, carry historical value that enhances their collectible appeal.
- Condition: The condition or grade of a coin plays a significant role in its value. Coins in Mint State condition, with little to no wear, are far more valuable than those that have been circulated.
Investing in Valuable Nickels
Investing in rare nickels can be a rewarding venture, both financially and historically. Here are some tips for those interested in collecting or investing in these coins:
- Focus on Quality: Higher-grade coins are more valuable, so aim for coins in the best condition possible.
- Look for Rarity: Rare coins, especially those with minting errors or low mintage, are more likely to appreciate in value.
- Authenticate Your Coins: Ensure that your coins are authenticated and graded by reputable services like PCGS or NGC to verify their value and authenticity.
Conclusion
Nickels may seem like common, everyday coins, but within the world of numismatics, some nickels are worth millions. Whether due to their rarity, unique errors, or historical significance, these coins have captured the imagination of collectors and investors alike. The top 10 most valuable nickels outlined in this article are prime examples of why coin collecting remains a fascinating and potentially lucrative hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is valuable because only five are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the world.
What is an overdate error on a nickel?
An overdate error occurs when the date on a coin is struck over a previous date, creating a unique and rare variation, such as the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel.
How can I tell if I have a valuable nickel?
To determine if your nickel is valuable, check for rarity, minting errors, and condition. Having it graded by a professional service can also help establish its value.
What makes the 1943-P War Nickel special?
The 1943-P War Nickel is special because it was made from 35% silver due to the wartime need for nickel, making it both historically significant and valuable in high grades.
Should I invest in rare nickels?
Investing in rare nickels can be profitable, especially if you focus on high-quality, authenticated coins with significant historical or numismatic value.
