Nickels, which are typically worth just five cents, can sometimes be worth a lot more than their face value. A rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, for example, recently fetched a stunning $4.2 million at an auction. While most nickels in circulation are not worth much, a few rare ones have become highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a look at 11 American nickels that could be hiding in your pocket or jar, worth far more than their five-cent face value.
1. 1879 Shield Nickel
The 1879 Shield Nickel holds historical and patriotic significance. This nickel was one of the first to be minted with the metal nickel, replacing the previous silver composition. Featuring a shield design based on the Great Seal of the United States, it symbolizes strength, unity, and protection. The coin was in circulation around the time of the Civil War, making it a rare and valuable collector’s item. Depending on its condition, an 1879 Shield Nickel can be worth between $450 and $2,650, with some specimens fetching as much as $15,000.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In 1913, only five Liberty Head Nickels were minted, making them incredibly rare. They were never officially released, as the coin’s design was replaced with the Buffalo Nickel. Collectors have gone to great lengths to track down these rare coins, and one of the five was sold for $4.2 million in 2022. The historical intrigue and limited quantity make this nickel one of the most valuable in existence.
3. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This Buffalo Nickel is known for an overdate error—where the number ‘7’ is visible beneath the ‘8’ in the year ‘1918’. Although thousands of Buffalo Nickels were minted, this variety is highly sought after by collectors. In circulated condition, it can be worth between $630 and $29,000. A pristine, uncirculated specimen can go for up to $400,000, with one example selling for $216,000 at auction.
4. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel is famous for a design flaw—missing the front foreleg of the buffalo. This error occurred when an over-polished die led to the missing leg. The coin has been nicknamed the “three-legged buffalo.” While several counterfeit versions exist, genuine 1937-D Buffalo Nickels are highly valued. Depending on the condition, the coins can be worth anywhere from $350 to $1,950, with some uncirculated specimens commanding over $100,000.
5. 1938-D/S Buffalo Nickel
This rare coin features an over-mint mark, where the ‘D’ from the Denver Mint is stamped over the ‘S’ from the San Francisco Mint. This error occurred when a San Francisco die was re-punched with the Denver mark. The coin has sold at auctions for as much as $25,300. In general circulation, it may be worth between $5 and $50, but uncirculated examples have a higher value of up to $13,500.
6. 1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel
The 1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel is valuable due to the strong doubling of the words “Monticello” and “Five Cents” on the coin’s reverse. While most of these coins in circulation are not worth much, a pristine, uncirculated version can be valued at around $600. Its rarity and the noticeable doubling effect make it a favorite among collectors.
7. 1942–1945 Jefferson War Nickels
During World War II, nickel coins were made from a mix of copper, silver, and manganese, as nickel was crucial for the war effort. These war-time Jefferson Nickels have the same design as earlier Jefferson coins, but with a unique composition. They’re relatively easy to find in circulation, worth around $1.25 to $3.75. However, a well-preserved uncirculated coin can be worth up to $800.
8. 1943/2-P Overdate Jefferson Nickel
This coin features a unique error in the date—showing a ‘2’ over a ‘3’ due to a 1942 die being punched for the 1943 coins. It’s the only overdate in the entire Jefferson Nickel series, and its rarity makes it a highly sought-after coin. Circulated versions are worth between $25 and $275, while uncirculated versions can go for up to $5,000.
9. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel stands out for its low mintage of just 2.6 million coins. This scarcity, combined with its growing popularity, has made it a valuable coin. In general circulation, it’s worth between $5.50 and $11. Uncirculated examples, however, can fetch as much as $500.
10. 2004-2005 Westward Journey Nickels
The Westward Journey Nickel series, minted in 2004 and 2005, was released in honor of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The coins featured designs like the Jefferson Peace Medal, Keelboat, and American Bison. These nickels are valuable mainly for their special designs, with the Keelboat coin worth between $0.10 and $325, depending on its condition.
11. 2009 Jefferson Nickels
Minted during the Great Recession, the 2009 Jefferson Nickels are prized by collectors due to their low mintage and historical significance. The design remained the same as earlier Jefferson coins, but the coin was circulated at a time of financial instability. Most of the 2009 nickels are worth their face value, but rare versions can be worth anywhere from $22 to $39.
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