Top 10 Rare Nickels That Could Make You Rich

Nickels, while often overlooked in the world of coin collecting, can hold immense historical and monetary value. Whether due to unique minting errors, low production runs, or being from iconic series, certain nickels have become treasures sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at ten of the rarest and most valuable nickels that could turn a humble five-cent coin into a fortune.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most legendary coins in U.S. history. Only five are known to exist, and they were struck under mysterious circumstances. These nickels have fetched millions at auction, with one selling for over $5 million. Its rarity and intriguing backstory make it a cornerstone of numismatic lore.

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1916/1916 Buffalo Nickel (Doubled Die Obverse)

A striking error resulted in the doubling of the date on the obverse of this Buffalo Nickel, creating one of the most sought-after error coins. Highly visible under magnification, this doubling significantly increases the value of the coin, with some examples selling for tens of thousands of dollars.

1926-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its low mintage of only 970,000 coins. Combined with its tendency to wear down quickly, finding one in excellent condition is a challenge. A well-preserved example can fetch thousands of dollars, making it a coveted piece for collectors.

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Overdate)

This fascinating error coin features the remnants of a “7” underneath the “8” in the date, caused by a reworking of the dies. It’s one of the most famous overdates in U.S. coinage and is highly desirable, often selling for tens of thousands depending on its condition.

1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel

Minting errors strike again with the 1942-D Jefferson Nickel. On this coin, the “D” mintmark was struck over a horizontal “D,” creating a unique design flaw. Collectors pay a premium for this mistake, with high-grade examples selling for several thousand dollars.

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1943-P War Nickel (Doubled Eye)

During World War II, nickels were minted with a silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort. The 1943-P War Nickel with a “doubled eye” error on the Jefferson portrait is a valuable anomaly. Collectors value this piece for its wartime history and distinctive flaw, often pricing it in the thousands.

1937-D Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged Buffalo)

Perhaps the most famous error in the Buffalo Nickel series, the 1937-D “Three-Legged Buffalo” was caused by an over-polished die, removing part of the fourth leg. This iconic error has made it a highly sought-after coin, with values ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.

1917-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to a relatively low mintage and poor quality control at the San Francisco Mint that year. Coins in higher grades are scarce, and collectors are willing to pay a premium, with values often exceeding several thousand dollars.

1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel

The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Jefferson Nickel is a mysterious coin believed to have been part of an experimental minting process. Only a handful are known to exist, making it one of the rarest nickels in the Jefferson series. Prices for this coin can reach six figures.

1885 Liberty Head Nickel

With a mintage of just over 1.4 million, the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is the rarest in its series. Finding one in high-grade condition is especially difficult, making it a prized coin for collectors. Exceptional examples can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.

Nickels may seem like ordinary coins, but certain pieces tell unique stories of minting errors, historical significance, and rarity. If you’re lucky enough to come across any of these rare nickels, they could be worth far more than their face value. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, keeping an eye out for these treasures could lead to a truly valuable discovery.

FAQ

Why are certain nickels so valuable?
Rare nickels are valuable due to factors such as low mintage, minting errors, historical significance, and demand among collectors.

What is the rarest nickel ever made?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is considered the rarest, with only five known to exist, each worth millions of dollars.

How can I determine if my nickel is valuable?
Look for specific dates, mintmarks, errors, and overall condition. Consulting a professional coin grader or guidebook can help.

What makes error coins like the “Three-Legged Buffalo” so special?
Minting errors are unintentional and rare, making these coins unique and highly desirable to collectors.

Where can I sell rare nickels?
Rare nickels can be sold at auctions, coin shows, or through reputable dealers. Online platforms like eBay and Heritage Auctions are also popular.