Most Valuable Nickels to Add to Your Coin Collection – Nickels may seem like one of the most humble coins in circulation, but don’t let their small size fool you. Among the billions of nickels minted over the years, a select few stand out as rare and highly valuable treasures.
These coins, often overlooked by the average person, can fetch thousands or even millions of dollars at auction. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out,
adding these 13 most valuable nickels to your collection could be a game-changer. Let’s dive into the stories behind these extraordinary coins and why they’re worth so much.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 0.2 2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter – The “Nickel Lookalike”
- 0.3 3. 1867 Shield Nickel – Rays Variety
- 0.4 4. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
- 0.5 5. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- 0.6 6. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three-Legged Variety
- 0.7 7. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
- 0.8 8. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel
- 0.9 9. 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
- 0.10 10. 1942-P Jefferson Nickel – Doubled Die Reverse
- 0.11 11. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
- 0.12 12. 1918/7-S Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
- 0.13 13. 1878 Shield Nickel – Proof Version
- 1 Final Thoughts
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps the most famous rare coin in American history. Only five examples are known to exist, and its unauthorized creation adds to its intrigue.
One sold for $4.2 million in 2021, making it one of the most valuable coins in the world. Its rarity and mystique make it a crown jewel for any collection.
Also Read: 11 Most Valuable Coins Still in Circulation Today
2. 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter – The “Nickel Lookalike”
While technically a quarter, this coin is often mistaken for a nickel due to its similar size. With a mintage of just 52,000, the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter is incredibly rare.
High-grade examples have sold for over $10,000, and its striking design makes it a favorite among collectors.
3. 1867 Shield Nickel – Rays Variety
The 1867 Shield Nickel with rays on the reverse is a transitional variety that was quickly abandoned due to production difficulties.
Fewer than 3 million were minted, and high-grade examples can fetch up to $50,000. Its unique design and historical significance make it a must-have for nickel enthusiasts.
4. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
This rare overdate error occurred when a die intended for 1917 was reused and re-engraved for 1918.
The result is a faint “7” visible beneath the “8.” Only a handful of these coins are known to exist, and an MS-65 example sold for $150,000 in 2022.
5. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just 970,000, making it one of the scarcest dates in the series.
High-grade examples are particularly rare, with an MS-66 coin fetching $75,000 in 2023. Its low mintage and stunning design make it a prized addition to any collection.
6. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three-Legged Variety
This iconic error coin features a buffalo with only three legs due to excessive polishing of the die. It’s one of the most famous varieties in U.S. coinage
and high-grade examples have sold for over $100,000. Its quirky appearance and rarity make it a collector favorite.
7. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is the lowest-mintage nickel of the 20th century, with just 2.6 million produced.
High-grade examples are extremely rare, and an MS-67 coin sold for $125,000 in 2021. Its historical significance and scarcity make it a standout piece.
Also Read: Found One? These 10 Pennies Are Worth Hundreds
8. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest coins in the series, with fewer than 1,000 believed to survive in collectible condition.
A high-grade example fetched $120,000 in 2023. Its low survival rate and classic design make it a treasure for collectors.
9. 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
This overdate error features a faint “3” visible beneath the “4,” making it a fascinating piece for collectors.
Only a few dozen examples are known to exist, and an AU-55 coin sold for $85,000 in 2022. Its rarity and uniqueness make it a standout nickel.
10. 1942-P Jefferson Nickel – Doubled Die Reverse
This error coin features doubling on the reverse, particularly noticeable in the lettering.
Very few examples are known to exist, and an MS-65 coin brought $50,000 in 2023. Its subtle error and rarity make it a hidden gem.
11. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1921-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of just 1.5 million, and many were heavily circulated.
High-grade examples are exceedingly rare, with an MS-65 coin selling for $80,000 in 2021. Its low mintage and beautiful design make it a must-have.
12. 1918/7-S Buffalo Nickel – Overdate Error
Similar to the 1918/7-D overdate, this San Francisco Mint version is even rarer. Only a handful of examples are known to exist, and an MS-64 coin fetched $110,000 in 2022.
Its extreme rarity and historical appeal make it a top-tier nickel.
Also Read: Found One? These 10 Pennies Are Worth Hundreds
13. 1878 Shield Nickel – Proof Version
Proof versions of the 1878 Shield Nickel are incredibly rare, with fewer than 30 believed to exist. These coins were specially struck for collectors and feature a mirror-like finish.
A PR-65 example sold for $100,000 in 2023, making it a prized piece for advanced collectors.
Final Thoughts
From the legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the quirky 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel, these 13 coins represent some of the most valuable and fascinating nickels in U.S. history.
Whether you’re drawn to their rarity, beauty, or historical significance, adding these treasures to your collection could be a life-changing experience. Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when you might stumble upon a piece of history worth a fortune.
