1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps the most famous and valuable nickel in U.S. history. Only five examples of this coin are known to exist, making it incredibly rare. It was struck as a prototype, despite the fact that the Liberty Head design was officially replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. This coin has become one of the most coveted pieces among numismatists, with one specimen selling for over $3 million in a 2018 auction.
If you happen to find a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, you have a treasure on your hands, but remember that only five coins are known to exist, so the likelihood of discovering one is slim.
2. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is an iconic error coin. During production at the Denver Mint, a die used to strike the coins was damaged, resulting in the buffalo appearing to have only three legs instead of four. This unique error has made the coin one of the most famous in American numismatics. Only a few examples of the 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel are known to exist, and high-grade specimens can easily fetch $10,000 or more.
The coin’s popularity has made it a must-have for serious collectors, and its rarity only adds to its allure.
3. 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel is another highly valuable coin due to its low mintage and scarcity. Only 238,000 of these coins were struck, making it one of the rarest coins in the Liberty Head Nickel series. The S mintmark indicates that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which produced very few of this particular issue.
The 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel is highly prized by collectors and can be worth $10,000 or more in excellent condition. If you have one in your collection, it could be a valuable asset.
4. 1936-D Buffalo Nickel (Doubling Error)
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel is notable for its doubling error, which makes the mintmark “D” appear twice on the coin. This error occurred during the minting process when the die was improperly aligned, resulting in the duplication of the mintmark. Though not as rare as some other coins, the 1936-D Doubling Error Buffalo Nickel can still fetch several thousand dollars, particularly if the doubling is visible and the coin is in high grade.
Coins with this error typically range in value from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on condition and the clarity of the doubling.
5. 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel
The 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel is a famous coin because it was initially produced without the word “Cents” on the reverse. The omission led to confusion, as unscrupulous individuals began to gold-plate the coins and pass them off as $5 gold pieces. As a result, the U.S. Mint corrected the design in later years to include the word “Cents.”
The 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel is one of the most popular error coins, and examples in excellent condition can be worth upwards of $10,000. This coin is a classic example of how small design errors can lead to high demand.
6. 1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel
The 1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel is an error coin from World War II, struck by the Philadelphia Mint. The coin was supposed to feature the year 1942, but some dies used the date from 1941, resulting in an overdate that is visible on the coin. These overdate nickels are considered rare and valuable, especially those in higher grades.
In mint state, the 1942/1 Jefferson Nickel can sell for around $3,000 to $5,000, making it one of the more valuable error coins in the Jefferson Nickel series.
7. 1911-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1911-S Liberty Head Nickel is another rare coin from the Liberty Head series, with only 238,000 coins produced at the San Francisco Mint. This low mintage makes it a highly desirable coin for collectors, especially those focused on the Liberty Head design. In circulated condition, it can fetch around $1,000, but higher-grade examples can easily exceed $10,000.
Its scarcity and historical significance make it one of the top picks for any serious numismatic collection.
8. 1935 Buffalo Nickel (Sharpness Error)
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel with a sharpness error is another highly prized error coin. During the minting process, the die used to strike the coin experienced issues, resulting in a design with a noticeably sharper or unclear strike. While not as famous as other error coins, the 1935 Buffalo Nickel with this particular flaw can be worth $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the error and the condition of the coin.
Collectors are always on the lookout for such errors, as they add a unique element to any collection.
9. 1901 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1901 Liberty Head Nickel is a highly valuable coin due to its relatively low mintage of 50,000 coins. While not as rare as some other Liberty Head issues, the 1901 is still highly sought after by collectors, especially in high-grade condition. Coins in MS-65 or higher can easily fetch $10,000 or more, making this a must-have for any serious nickel collector.
The 1901 Liberty Head Nickel stands out for its historical significance, as it was one of the last years of the Liberty Head design before it was replaced by the Buffalo Nickel.
10. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is another highly collectible coin, largely due to its low mintage. Only 3.2 million coins were struck, making it one of the rarer issues in the Liberty Head Nickel series. As a result, the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is worth significant amounts in higher grades. Examples in MS-65 or better can easily fetch between $2,000 and $5,000.
This coin is one of the top choices for those looking to expand their collection with a historically significant piece.
11. 1912 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof)
The 1912 Liberty Head Nickel is highly valuable in Proof condition, with only a small number of these coins ever being struck in this format. Proof coins were specifically minted for collectors and are known for their exceptional quality and sharpness. The 1912 Proof Liberty Head Nickel is a particularly rare find, with prices ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 for high-quality examples.
These coins are considered among the most prestigious in the entire Liberty Head series, making them a must-have for advanced collectors.
12. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel (First Year of Issue)
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel holds significant historical value as the first year the U.S. Mint produced the Jefferson Nickel design, which replaced the Buffalo Nickel. While not particularly rare in general circulation, higher-grade examples of the 1938-D can be worth several thousand dollars, particularly coins in MS-65 or higher.
Collectors value this coin as part of the Jefferson Nickel series, and it remains one of the top picks for anyone looking to build a collection.
13. 1948 Jefferson Nickel (Low Mintage)
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel is a relatively low-mintage coin, with fewer than 4 million examples struck. While not as rare as other coins in this list, the 1948 Jefferson Nickel is still valuable due to its limited production and its place in the Jefferson Nickel series. High-grade examples can sell for between $1,000 and $3,000, making it a desirable coin for collectors.
Its historical significance as part of the early Jefferson Nickel issues makes it an important coin to add to any collection.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if a nickel is valuable?
Valuable nickels are typically rare due to low mintage, design errors, or historical significance. To determine value, you should examine the coin’s rarity, mint year, and condition. Having the coin professionally graded can help you accurately assess its worth.
Q2: What should I look for when buying rare nickels?
When purchasing rare nickels, check for signs of authenticity, such as the correct mintmark and date. It’s also important to assess the coin’s grade, as condition significantly affects its value. If possible, buy from reputable dealers or get the coin certified by a professional grading service.
Q3: Are there any common nickels that are worth a lot of money?
Yes, some common nickels can be worth money due to errors or unique features. Coins like the 1936-D Doubling Error Buffalo Nickel or the 1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel may seem ordinary at first glance, but their rarity makes them valuable.
Q4: Should I clean my nickels before selling them?
No, cleaning your coins can reduce their value by damaging their surface. Always leave coins in their original condition and seek professional advice or certification before selling.
Conclusion
These 13 most valuable nickels highlight the diversity and intrigue of U.S. coinage. From rare error coins like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to low-mintage pieces like the 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel, each of these coins offers a unique glimpse into American history. Whether you’re an experienced numismatist or a beginner, adding any of these nickels to your collection can significantly increase its value and historical importance.