It is considered more than just a pastime; collecting rare nickels opens doors to becoming part-owners in the history of America and, in some instances, the chance for acquiring very valued coins. From the old Liberty Head series from the Buffalo and Jefferson nickels, some key dates and mint errors make these coins very coveted among collectors.
The following delves into ten of the most valuable nickels to have ever been struck and the story/history accompanying each.
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
Possibly the most famous and valuable coin in the world, the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is already known to five examples in existence. These nickels were thrown by the U.S. Mint under the unofficial titles and have fascinated collectors for decades.
One sold at auction in 2018 for $4.56 million. The coin’s extraordinary value comes from its rarity, its historical significance, and the unanswered questions about the process through which it was made.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel represents a classic overdate error where a die engraved “1917” was re-ground and became “1918.” This event happened at the Denver Mint and has since become a must-have item in one serious collector’s list.
In higher grades, this nickel can fetch tens of thousands of dollars because of its error and historical importance.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
Of the rarest key-date Buffalo nickels is the 1926-S with a limited mintage of only 970,000. Most of these coins suffered extensive circulation, making the high grades incredibly scarce.
Those in pristine condition will find a slew of collectors happy to pay five figures or even a bit more for such a coin.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is highly sought after as this coin bears the doubling of the word “LIBERTY” and the characteristics of the face of the Native American.
This doubling is very collectible, particularly in higher grades, and can bring thousands of dollars at auction.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is among the most famous types of error coins in the history of the United States for its buffalo with a missing front leg. An error caused it by excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint.
This error is a favorite among collectors, and high-grade examples command national prices well into the five figures.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel
Yet another among the great Boston Butterfingers would be the 1924-S with a mintage of approximately 1.4 million coins. Poor strikes and heavy circulation preclude the availability of such high-grade examples.
Coinages of this type that are well struck, and are in great condition are highly sought after by collectors and frequently sell for considerable amounts of money.
1885 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1885 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the key dates in the Liberty Head series, having struck just 1.47 million coins.
Because most of these coins saw heavy use, few high-end examples exist and sell for tens of thousands of dollars in near-mint condition.
1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel is a very significant coin, as it represents the first nickel minted at the San Francisco Mint, which had a mintage of only 238000.
It is, in fact, the lowest mintage coin in the Liberty Head series. High grade examples can be extremely valuable, with prices skyrocketing based on their grade.
1867 Shield Nickel (with Rays)
This 1867 Shield Nickel created rays around the shield for a single year and was subsequently removed due to difficulties in minting and wear on the dies.
Due to its short production run and unusual design, this coin is a must-have for a collector. Well-preserved examples can sell for thousands, depending on their state.
1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
The wartime error coin of all time is the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel. In the making of this publicized error, the “D” mint mark was first punched horizontally and later corrected.
This unique mistake makes the coins highly collectible, which is why high-grade examples command hefty premiums.
Collecting rare nickels can be very exciting and rewarding. Such nickels not only show part of America’s past but are valuable coins to boot. So whether you have been at this for years or are just beginning, hunting down rare nickels can be a thrilling adventure.
FAQS:
What things can make a nickel worth something?
Rarity, errors, and high-grade conditions will all increase its value.
Which nickel is worth the most?
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, which is valued at over $4.5 million.
What is a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
This is an error coin with an absent buffalo front leg.