Rare nickels are in demand again these days, even though many of the most valuable ones are no longer in use. You can still get them at antique stores, yard sales, estate sales, and auctions. Know how much rare nickels are worth, what important dates and series to search for in the market, and how to determine a nickel’s value based on its price and condition.
What Makes Nickels Valuable?
Nickels can be valuable for some reasons, like their age, design, and rarity:
Age
Older coins and still in good condition and are more valuable. For example, the Jefferson Nickel from 1938–1964 is popular with collectors because of its iconic design and age.
Rarity
Some types of nickels are hard to find in uncirculated conditions. For example, the Buffalo Nickel is a prized coin for collectors, but not many are still around because they were minted decades ago.
Nickel is also used in coins for its durability, aesthetics, and ability to take detailed images. The United States Mint has been striking nickels made of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel) since 1866.
How to Identify Valuable Nickels
To start a coin collection and identify the value of nickels, check the coin’s condition, mintmarks, and rare varieties using a magnifying glass. Here are some key factors that help to identify valuable nickles:
Condition
A nickel’s condition greatly affects its value. Coin grades have:
- Poor (PO-1): Almost unrecognizable, and the design or date missing.
- Fair (FR-2): Date can be identified, but the lettering may be gone, and pictures are hardly visible.
- About Good (AG-3): Most design is outlined, but edges may have worn into the lettering.
- Good (G-4, 6): General design is visual, though some parts are hard to identify.
- Fine (F-12, 15): The word “LIBERTY” is readable with minor wear.
- Very Fine (VF-20, 25, 30, 35): Details are visual with light to medium wear, and “LIBERTY” is still clear.
- Extremely Fine (XF-40, 45): Light wear with possible traces of mint luster.
- About Uncirculated (AU-50, 53, 55, 58): Minimal wear with slight friction on high points.
These steps are general guidelines, and standards may vary by type and date.
Mintmarks and Rarity
Mintmarks indicate which U.S. Mint facility produced the coin, affecting its value. A missing mintmark usually indicates the coin was minted in Philadelphia. Here are common mintmarks:
- W: West Point (1983-present; collector coins only)
- S: San Francisco (1954-present; collector coins only)
- P: Philadelphia
- O: New Orleans (1838-1909)
- D: Dahlonega, Georgia (Gold coins only, 1838-1861)
- D: Denver (1906-present; differs from Dahlonega by date)
- C: Charlotte (Gold coins only, 1838-1861)
- CC: Carson City (1870-1893)
Mintmarks on rare dates can boost a coin’s value. For example, a 1939 Jefferson nickel with a “D” mintmark may be worth more. Nickels from 1942-1945 with a large “S,” “P,” or “D” on the reverse have silver, rising their value.
List of The Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels
- 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
- 1964 Jefferson Nickel
- 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
- 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
- 1880 Shield Nickel
- 1867 Shield Nickel
- 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2
- 1917-S Buffalo Nickel
- 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: $5,262,000
The Buffalo nickel design switched the nickel design in 1913. However, there is a little more to this story. Five known examples of a 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel featuring the earlier Liberty Head V design were produced, for whatever reason. The remainder is devoted to collecting historical artifacts that are on par with some of the most valuable paintings or stamps in existence.
Only three of the five examples are privately held. One sold for $4,560,000 in 2018 (that is, $5,262,000 in 2023 currency). Rarely do nickels valued at millions of dollars end up on the auction block, but you can bet that if it does, a lot of money will exchange hands for something that was formerly just worth five cents.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1913
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $5,262,000
2. 1964 Jefferson Nickel : $1,153,000
There is a strange 1964 Jefferson nickel that is probably the most expensive nickels ever sold on eBay, even though there are other nickels worth money that many people can afford. One 1964 Jefferson nickel featured a mirror brockage, displaying a mirrored head on each side.
One of the most sought-after nickels worth millions was created by accident in the mint. According to reports, it sold on eBay for $1,150,000, or $1,153,000 in 2023 currency.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1964
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $1,153,000
3. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse: $504,164
Keep this one on your list if you want to know which value nickels are worth looking out for. Early in2018, it appears that some Buffalo nickels were struck twice—once with the correct 1918 die and once using the 1917 one. As a result, the overdate was still discernible, with the 7 appearing beneath the 8.
Some of the most expensive nickels available are prime examples. One sold for $350,750 in 2006, which is equivalent to roughly $504,164 in 2023 dollars.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1918
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $504,164
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel: $433,400
Once again, this set of precious nickels is given from the San Francisco mint to nickel enthusiasts. In 1926, the San Francisco mint produced just 970,000 Buffalo nickels, compared to millions of examples in other mints and years.
One particular 1926-S Buffalo nickel, which sold for $322,000 in 2008 (about $433,400 in 2023 dollars), is a unique specimen on this list of rare nickels.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1926
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $433,400
5. 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse: $432,198
If you can get hold on one of these rare nickels to look out for, you will see that the date and Indian Chief’s chin have been doubled. There are only 200 copies known to exist, and fewer than 15 of those are in pristine condition.
One 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die sold for $281,750 back in 2004. That works out to around $432,198 in 2023 dollars adjusted for inflation.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1916
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $432,198
6. 1880 Shield Nickel: $208,581
The 1880 Shield Nickel is a valuable rare nickel that collectors seek out due to its modest production and historical significance from the 19th century. Merely 16,000 were produced for distribution.
At $175,000, one example is among the most costly nickels ever to be auctioned on eBay. However, an other superb copy brought $170,375 (about $208,581 in 2023 dollars) at auction in 2014.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1880
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price:
7. 1867 Shield Nickel : $202,868
From 1866 until 1883, Shield nickels were produced to replace the previous fractional currency notes. Although there have been numerous distributed and proof examples over the years, 1867 Shield Nickel is not one of those years.
Even though the rays were taken out of the die this year, some of them managed to pass through. Today, there are reportedly ten or less examples; in 2004, one sold for $132,250, or $202,868 in 2023 currency.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1867
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $202,868
8. 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2: $193,447
For those who collect nickels, 1913 is an important year. Not only was the Buffalo design used rather of the Liberty Head V design on the nickel, but two distinct Buffalo designs were used as well. The first had five cents on it, but it was later taken off in favor of the Type 2 because of concern that it would degrade.
There are currently very few of excellent collector quality. In 2008, one went for $143,750, or $193,447 in 2023 currency.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1913
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $193,447
9. 1917-S Buffalo Nickel: $185,729
Manufactured during the early phases of World War I, the San Francisco mint produced a small number of unique 1917 Buffalo nickels. Perhaps the dies were spaced too widely apart or had deteriorated and had not been replaced.
Today, premium examples of the 1917-S Buffalo nickel are quite valuable. In 2008, one went for $138,000, which is almost $185,729 in 2023 currency.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1917
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $185,729
10. 1920-D Buffalo Nickel: $185,729
Collectors of all kinds depend largely on rarity, and 1920-D Buffalo nickels are difficult to find in that regard. Out of the 9.5 million flawless nickels made, only a small number remain, such as the Denver Mint’s 1920-D.
An MS-67 grade example sold for an astounding $138,000, or roughly $185,729 in 2023 dollars, even in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis.
- Country: United States
- Year: 1920
- Original Price: $0.05
- Current Price: $185,729
How do I find out the current market value of my Nickels?
Ways to Find the Current Market Value of Your Nickels
- Use a coin app: Apps like Coinoscope (Google Play) and CoinSnap (App Store) can identify coins and estimate their value.
- Hire a professional appraiser: Professional appraisers can grade your coins and evaluate their value. Find them through directories like the American Society of Appraisers and the International Society of Appraisers.
Check with a dealer: Dealers may also help to find out the current value of your nickel’s value.
Also Read – 10 Most Valuable Quarters
Conclusion
While nickels are still in circulation today, some rare finds can be worth a significant amount of money. This list highlights some of the most valuable nickels, with prices reaching well over a million dollars. If you’re interested in collecting nickels, be sure to research and familiarize yourself with valuable dates and mintmarks to potentially discover hidden treasures in your pocket change.
FAQs
1. How can I tell if my nickel is valuable?
Several factors can affect a nickel’s value, including its year, mintmark, condition, and any errors or variations. Researching specific details about your nickel and consulting a professional numismatist can help determine its potential value.
2. Where can I find valuable nickels?
Rare nickels can be found through various sources, such as coin dealers, auction houses, estate sales, and even in circulation. However, it’s important to remember that finding a valuable nickel is uncommon, and most nickels in circulation have minimal value beyond their face value.
3. How much is my nickel worth?
Accurately determining the value of your specific nickel requires considering its unique characteristics and condition. Consulting a professional numismatist for an appraisal is highly recommended.
4. What is a “doubled die” error?
A “doubled die” error occurs during the minting process when a coin’s design is accidentally stamped twice, slightly misaligned. This results in a noticeable doubling on parts of the design, like the date, letters, or other details, making these coins highly collectible.