Nickels aren’t just everyday coins; some are incredibly rare and valuable due to their unique features and history. For collectors and enthusiasts, finding out which nickels are worth the most can be exciting. Let’s dive into the top 12 most valuable nickels you should know about in 2024.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Overview:
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is famous for being extremely rare. Only five were made, making it highly valuable.
Key Details:
- Value: $4.5 million (approximately)
- Minting Errors: The design was not officially approved by the U.S. Mint.
- Historical Significance: It was made in secret, adding to its mystique and value.
2. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Overview:
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is well-known for its unique design mistake.
Key Details:
- Value: $600,000 (approximately)
- Minting Errors: The buffalo on the coin is missing its right front leg.
- Historical Significance: This error happened at the Denver Mint, making it historically interesting.
3. 2004 Jefferson Nickel (Reverse of 2005)
Overview:
The 2004 Jefferson Nickel with the Reverse of 2005 is a modern coin with a notable error.
Key Details:
- Value: $2,500 (approximately)
- Minting Errors: It features the reverse design meant for the 2005 series.
- Historical Significance: The error was due to a mix-up during production.
4. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
Overview:
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is rare because of its unique overdate error.
Key Details:
- Value: $75,000 (approximately)
- Minting Errors: It has the year 1917 under the 1918 date.
- Historical Significance: This mistake occurred at the Denver Mint and is highly valued by collectors.
5. 1936 Buffalo Nickel (Full Horn)
Overview:
The 1936 Buffalo Nickel with a Full Horn is prized for its perfect design.
Key Details:
- Value: $35,000 (approximately)
- Design Details: The buffalo has a complete horn, unlike most other 1936 nickels.
- Historical Significance: The Full Horn design makes it especially valuable.
6. 1943-S Jefferson Nickel
Overview:
The 1943-S Jefferson Nickel is notable for its wartime production.
Key Details:
- Value: $20,000 (approximately)
- Minting Details: It was made during World War II when silver was used for some coins.
- Historical Significance: Its production during the war adds to its historical value.
7. 1877 Shield Nickel
Overview:
The 1877 Shield Nickel is a rare coin from the late 19th century.
Key Details:
- Value: $15,000 (approximately)
- Minting Details: Features a shield design and is collectible because of its age.
- Historical Significance: An important piece of American coin history.
8. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel (Doubled Monticello)
Overview:
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel with a Doubled Monticello is rare due to its design flaw.
Key Details:
- Value: $10,000 (approximately)
- Minting Errors: The Monticello building is doubled on the reverse side.
- Historical Significance: This error occurred during the minting process.
9. 1883 Liberty Head Nickel (With “V” for Five Cents)
Overview:
The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel features a distinctive “V” for five cents.
Key Details:
- Value: $8,000 (approximately)
- Design Details: The coin has a “V” on the reverse, which was later changed.
- Historical Significance: The design change adds historical value.
10. 1916-S Buffalo Nickel
Overview:
The 1916-S Buffalo Nickel is rare due to its limited mintage.
Key Details:
- Value: $6,000 (approximately)
- Minting Details: One of the few Buffalo Nickels made that year.
- Historical Significance: Its rarity makes it highly collectible.
11. 1946-S Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps)
Overview:
The 1946-S Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps is valued for its detailed design.
Key Details:
- Value: $5,000 (approximately)
- Design Details: The steps on the Monticello building are fully visible.
- Historical Significance: The clarity of the design adds to its value.
12. 1964 Jefferson Nickel (SMS)
Overview:
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel from the Special Mint Set (SMS) is a rare mid-20th century coin.
Key Details:
- Value: $4,000 (approximately)
- Minting Details: Produced as part of a special set, making it less common.
- Historical Significance: Its rarity in high-quality condition makes it valuable.
Summary Table
| Nickel | Year | Value (Approx.) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.5 million | Only five minted, unique design |
| Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937-D | $600,000 | Missing right front leg |
| Jefferson Nickel (Reverse of 2005) | 2004 | $2,500 | Reverse design error |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | 1918 | $75,000 | Overdate error (1917 under 1918) |
| Buffalo Nickel (Full Horn) | 1936 | $35,000 | Complete horn on buffalo |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1943-S | $20,000 | Wartime silver composition |
| Shield Nickel | 1877 | $15,000 | Rare 19th-century coin |
| Jefferson Nickel (Doubled Monticello) | 1938-D | $10,000 | Doubled Monticello building |
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1883 | $8,000 | “V” for five cents design |
| Buffalo Nickel | 1916-S | $6,000 | Limited mintage |
| Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps) | 1946-S | $5,000 | Fully visible steps on Monticello |
| Jefferson Nickel (SMS) | 1964 | $4,000 | Special Mint Set |
Collecting valuable nickels is an exciting part of numismatics, filled with historical and rare finds. From the legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel, these coins each have their own special story and value. Understanding their unique characteristics helps collectors appreciate their worth and historical importance.
1. Why are some nickels worth so much money?
Some nickels are valuable because they are rare, have unique design errors, or are important for collectors. Factors like how few were made and if they have special features or historical significance can make them worth a lot.
2. What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so special?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is incredibly rare because only five were ever made. It has a unique design that wasn’t officially approved, making it one of the most sought-after and expensive nickels.
3. How can I tell if I have a valuable nickel?
To find out if your nickel is valuable, you should look for specific features like design errors, rare years, or special marks. It’s best to compare it with known valuable nickels or consult a coin expert for an accurate assessment.
4. What happened with the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is famous because it has an error where the buffalo is missing its right front leg. This mistake makes it a rare and valuable coin.
5. Why is the 1943-S Jefferson Nickel worth so much?
The 1943-S Jefferson Nickel is valuable because it was made during World War II when the U.S. Mint used silver for some coins. This wartime production adds historical value and makes the nickel rare.
