These 13 Nickels Could Make You Rich – Nickels may seem like ordinary coins, but some of these humble five-cent pieces are far from mundane. Certain nickels have become incredibly valuable due to their rarity, minting errors, historical significance, or pristine condition. For collectors and investors, these coins represent hidden treasures that could be worth thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars.
In this article, we’ll explore the 13 nickels that could make you rich, uncovering their fascinating stories and astronomical values. Could one of them be hiding in your collection?
Table of Contents
- 1 13 Nickels That Could Make You Rich
- 1.1 1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 1.2 2. 1964 SMS Special Mint Set Jefferson Nickel
- 1.3 3. 1971-S Proof Nickel
- 1.4 4. 1982 No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel
- 1.5 5. 1994-D Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel
- 1.6 6. 1997-P Doubled Die Reverse Jefferson Nickel
- 1.7 7. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter
- 1.8 8. 2005-P Kansas State Quarter
- 1.9 9. 2005-D Nebraska State Quarter
- 1.10 10. 2007-P Jamestown 400th Anniversary Nickel
- 1.11 11. 2009-D Lincoln Bicentennial Nickel
- 1.12 12. 1943/2-P Jefferson Nickel Overdate
- 1.13 13. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel
13 Nickels That Could Make You Rich
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous rare coins in the world. Only five specimens are known to exist, as the U.S. Mint transitioned to the Buffalo Nickel design that year.
An example sold for $4.2 million at auction in 2023. Its extreme rarity and storied past ensure its status as a numismatic treasure.
Also Read: Nickel Errors Worth Thousands – See the Top 11
2. 1964 SMS Special Mint Set Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 SMS Special Mint Set Jefferson Nickel was part of a limited release by the U.S. Mint to test new minting techniques. Unlike standard proof coins, these nickels feature a satin finish and sharp details.
An example graded MS-67 sold for $12,000 at auction in 2022. Its exclusivity and superior preservation make it a prized collectible.
3. 1971-S Proof Nickel
The 1971-S Proof Nickel is a famous error coin featuring no “S” mint mark, despite being struck at the San Francisco Mint. Only a handful of these coins were ever produced, making them incredibly rare.
An example graded PR-67 sold for $35,000 in 2023. Its scarcity and flawless grade ensure its desirability.
4. 1982 No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel
The 1982 No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel is another intriguing error, as all nickels should carry a “P” mint mark if struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This oversight creates a unique variety highly sought after by collectors.
An example graded MS-65 sold for $10,000 in 2021. Its rarity and historical curiosity add to its allure.
5. 1994-D Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel
The 1994-D Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel features dramatic doubling on the obverse side, particularly noticeable in the word “LIBERTY.” This striking error adds significant value to an otherwise common coin.
An MS-66 example brought in $8,000 at auction in 2023. Its visual appeal and rarity ensure its place among elite collectibles.
6. 1997-P Doubled Die Reverse Jefferson Nickel
The 1997-P Doubled Die Reverse Jefferson Nickel showcases pronounced doubling on the reverse side, particularly visible in the Monticello building. Fewer than two dozen examples are known to exist, making it highly sought after.
An MS-65 example sold for $12,000 in 2022. Its scarcity and eye-catching error make it a standout piece.
7. 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter
The 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter gained fame for its “Extra Leaf” varieties, where an additional leaf appears on the ear of corn depicted on the reverse. There are three distinct varieties: High Leaf, Low Leaf, and No Leaf.
A High Leaf variety graded MS-67 sold for $5,000 in 2023. Its quirky flaw and widespread popularity ensure its enduring appeal.
8. 2005-P Kansas State Quarter
The 2005-P Kansas State Quarter features a doubled die reverse error, creating a blurred effect on the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
An MS-66 example fetched $7,500 at auction in 2021. Its subtle flaw and rarity make it a favorite among error coin enthusiasts.
9. 2005-D Nebraska State Quarter
The 2005-D Nebraska State Quarter is notable for its rotated reverse die error, where the reverse design is misaligned relative to the obverse. This flaw creates a visually striking and highly collectible coin.
An example graded MS-65 sold for $6,000 in 2022. Its oddity and rarity ensure its appeal.
10. 2007-P Jamestown 400th Anniversary Nickel
The 2007-P Jamestown 400th Anniversary Nickel features a clipped planchet error, where part of the coin is missing due to a defect in the blank disc used for striking. This creates a distinctive crescent-shaped edge.
An example graded MS-63 sold for $2,500 in 2021. Its unusual shape and historical significance add to its charm.
Also Read: 11 Most Valuable Coins in the World – Worth Millions!
11. 2009-D Lincoln Bicentennial Nickel
The 2009-D Lincoln Bicentennial Nickel is a broadstruck error, where the coin is struck outside the collar die, resulting in a larger-than-normal diameter. Broadstruck errors are visually striking and highly collectible.
An example graded MS-65 sold for $3,000 in 2022. Its unique appearance and rarity ensure its desirability.
12. 1943/2-P Jefferson Nickel Overdate
The 1943/2-P Jefferson Nickel Overdate is a fascinating variety where the date shows signs of overpunching, with remnants of the original “2” visible beneath the “3.” This error is exceedingly rare and highly prized by collectors.
An example graded MS-64 sold for $15,000 in 2023. Its scarcity and intrigue make it a cornerstone of any serious collection.
13. 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel features dramatic doubling on the obverse side, particularly noticeable in the date and the word “LIBERTY.” This error adds significant value to an otherwise common coin.
An MS-65 example brought in $10,000 at auction in 2022. Its visual appeal and rarity ensure its place among elite collectibles.
The 13 nickels highlighted here prove that even everyday currency can hold extraordinary value. From the legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the quirky charm of the 2007-P Jamestown 400th Anniversary Nickel (Clipped Planchet) , these coins remind us of the rich tapestry of culture and history woven into our currency.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply intrigued by the allure of rare coins, these nickels remind us of the endless possibilities hiding in plain sight. So next time you stumble upon an old coin, take a closer look—you might just uncover a hidden fortune waiting to be discovered!
