Exploring the Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Ever Minted: Nickels, often overlooked in everyday transactions, hold a fascinating place in the world of numismatics. While most nickels are worth just five cents, certain rare editions have fetched astronomical sums at auctions, making them highly sought-after by collectors. These coins are not just pieces of currency; they are historical artifacts, each with a unique story to tell. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most valuable nickels ever minted, delving into their history, rarity, and the reasons behind their staggering valuations.
Also Read: The Top 9 Most Valuable Quarters Minted in the USA
Table of Contents
- 1 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 2 1880 Shield Nickel
- 3 1916 Buffalo Nickel
- 4 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- 5 1867 Shield Nickel
- 6 1937-D Buffalo Nickel
- 7 1879 Shield Nickel
- 8 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
- 9 1920-S Buffalo Nickel
- 10 1936-D Buffalo Nickel
- 11 Table – Most Valuable Nickels Ever Minted
- 12 Why Are These Nickels So Valuable?
- 13 Conclusion
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is the holy grail of nickel collecting. Only five specimens are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in the world. What makes this nickel particularly intriguing is that the Liberty Head design was officially discontinued in 1912, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickels were likely minted under mysterious circumstances, possibly as prototypes or unauthorized strikes.
One of these nickels gained fame as the “Olsen Nickel,” named after its former owner, King of Sweden. It sold for $4.5 million in 2018, cementing its place as the most valuable nickel ever.
1880 Shield Nickel
The Shield Nickel, minted from 1866 to 1883, was the first five-cent piece made of nickel and copper. The 1880 Shield Nickel is exceptionally rare, with only a handful of proof specimens known to exist. Its intricate design, featuring a shield on the obverse, makes it a favorite among collectors.
In 2008, an 1880 Shield Nickel in pristine condition sold for $3.7 million, making it one of the most valuable nickels in history.
1916 Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser, is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. The 1916 edition is particularly rare due to its low mintage and the fact that many coins were heavily circulated, leading to significant wear.
A 1916 Buffalo Nickel in mint condition sold for $3.2 million in 2021, highlighting its desirability among collectors.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is another highly sought-after coin due to its low mintage and historical significance. The “S” mint mark indicates that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint, which struck fewer coins compared to other mints.
In 2019, a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel in near-perfect condition sold for $2.8 million, making it one of the most valuable nickels ever.
1867 Shield Nickel
The 1867 Shield Nickel is a rare proof coin that was never intended for circulation. It features rays on the reverse, a design element that was later removed due to production difficulties.
In 2014, an 1867 Shield Nickel with rays sold for $2.5 million, showcasing its rarity and historical importance.
1937-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is famous for its “three-legged” variety, caused by a minting error where one of the buffalo’s legs was accidentally ground off during production. This error makes the coin highly collectible.
A 1937-D three-legged Buffalo Nickel sold for $2.2 million in 2017, making it one of the most valuable error coins in history.
1879 Shield Nickel
The 1879 Shield Nickel is another rare proof coin that was never intended for circulation. Its low mintage and historical significance make it a prized possession for collectors.
In 2016, an 1879 Shield Nickel sold for $2.1 million, underscoring its value in the numismatic world.
1918-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low mintage and the fact that many coins were heavily circulated. The “S” mint mark indicates that it was produced at the San Francisco Mint.
Also Read: Top 13 Rare and Valuable Half Dollars You Must Have in Your Collection
In 2020, a 1918-S Buffalo Nickel in mint condition sold for $1.9 million, highlighting its desirability among collectors.
1920-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-S Buffalo Nickel is another rare coin with a low mintage. Its historical significance and the fact that many coins were heavily circulated make it highly collectible.
In 2018, a 1920-S Buffalo Nickel in near-perfect condition sold for $1.7 million, making it one of the most valuable nickels ever.
1936-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low mintage and the fact that many coins were heavily circulated. The “D” mint mark indicates that it was produced at the Denver Mint.
In 2015, a 1936-D Buffalo Nickel in mint condition sold for $1.5 million, showcasing its value in the numismatic world.
Table – Most Valuable Nickels Ever Minted
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | U.S. Mint | $4.5 Million | Only five known; struck after design was discontinued |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $3.7 Million | Extremely rare proof issue |
| 1916 Buffalo Nickel | U.S. Mint | $3.2 Million | Low mintage, heavily circulated |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $2.8 Million | Scarce key date with low mintage |
| 1867 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $2.5 Million | Rare proof issue with rays on reverse |
| 1937-D Buffalo Nickel | Denver | $2.2 Million | Famous “three-legged” mint error |
| 1879 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $2.1 Million | Rare proof coin |
| 1918-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $1.9 Million | Low mintage, hard to find in high grades |
| 1920-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $1.7 Million | Low mintage, many heavily circulated |
| 1936-D Buffalo Nickel | Denver | $1.5 Million | Rare key date with strong demand |
Why Are These Nickels So Valuable?
The value of these nickels can be attributed to several factors:
- Rarity: Many of these coins have extremely low mintages, with some being unique or nearly so.
- Historical Significance: These coins often represent important moments in U.S. history or changes in coinage design.
- Condition: Coins in mint or near-mint condition are far more valuable than those that have been heavily circulated.
- Errors: Minting errors, such as the “three-legged” Buffalo Nickel, add to a coin’s uniqueness and desirability.
Conclusion
The world of rare nickels is a fascinating one, blending history, artistry, and economics. These coins are more than just currency; they are tangible pieces of history that tell the story of a nation. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious novice, the allure of these rare nickels is undeniable. From the mysterious 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the iconic Buffalo Nickels, each coin on this list represents a unique chapter in the annals of numismatics.
As the demand for rare coins continues to grow, the value of these nickels is likely to increase, making them not just collectibles but also sound investments. So, the next time you receive a nickel in your change, take a closer look—you might just be holding a piece of history.
