That forgotten five-cent coin at the bottom of your junk drawer? It might just be worth a fortune. While most nickels are barely worth their face value, a few special issues have achieved legendary status, commanding prices well into the millions.
From mint errors to ultra-rare dates, these coins aren’t just currency—they’re historical artifacts that tell incredible stories. Let’s look into five of the most valuable nickels ever minted in the U.S., why they’re so special, and what collectors are paying for them today.
Liberty
If there’s a holy grail of nickels, it’s the 1913 Liberty Head. Only five are known to exist, and they weren’t even supposed to be minted.
Officially, the Liberty design ended in 1912, but somehow, five nickels with the 1913 date were mysteriously created—most likely by a mint employee.
These rare coins became collector legends, with prices to match. One sold for 4.56 million dollars in 2018, and experts say a sale today could easily top 5 million. Despite its shady origins, the 1913 Liberty has become a cultural icon, even making an appearance on TV shows like Hawaii Five-O.
Overdate
The 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel isn’t just rare—it’s an actual minting mistake. During World War I, the U.S. Mint repurposed a 1917 die and stamped a new date over it, resulting in an obvious overdate: you can see the tail of the 7 under the 8.
This wartime blunder turned out to be a collector’s dream. High-grade examples have fetched over 350,000 dollars, and a pristine one today could top 500,000. Even worn versions can bring in 25,000 or more. It’s rare, dramatic, and a perfect symbol of America’s wartime minting chaos.
Legs
Next up is a fan favorite: the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo. Why three legs? Because a mint worker got a little too aggressive polishing the dies, accidentally removing one of the buffalo’s legs.
It’s easy to spot, and that makes it a big hit—even among casual collectors. Prices range from 500 to over 150,000 dollars, depending on condition. A top-tier version sold for 161,000 in 2017. This coin proves that even mistakes can become masterpieces.
| Grade | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Good | $500 – $1,000 |
| Fine to Very Fine | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Extra Fine to AU | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS) | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
Sleeper
Often overlooked but increasingly sought-after, the 1880 Shield nickel had a mintage of just 16,000. That’s the lowest for any nickel in U.S. history—and most went straight into circulation.
Collectors are waking up to this sleeper coin. Even beat-up versions go for 2,000 dollars or more, while uncirculated ones fetch 20,000 to 75,000. The top example? A stunning MS-66+ that brought 108,000 in 2019. It’s a rarity hiding in plain sight, and many collectors are just now realizing its value.
Modern
Last but not least, the 1950-D Jefferson nickel is proof that you don’t need to go back to the 1800s to find a valuable coin. This one was hoarded immediately upon release thanks to its low mintage of just 2.6 million—the lowest of the Jefferson series.
You’ll find circulated ones for 15–30 dollars, but high-grade uncirculated coins with Full Steps on Monticello’s design are the real winners. These can sell for 500 to 5,000, and a perfect MS-67+ Full Steps went for 15,275 in 2018. It’s rare but accessible, making it perfect for newer collectors.
Hunt
Can you still find valuable nickels today? Surprisingly, yes.
- Bank roll searching: Grab a few $2 nickel rolls and hunt for hidden treasures.
- Estate sales: You’d be amazed at what shows up in old cigar boxes.
- Inherited collections: Grandparents may have unknowingly left you a small fortune in nickels.
Stories pop up every year of collectors finding valuable pieces in unexpected places. While the 1913 Liberty probably won’t turn up in your couch cushions, a 1937-D or 1950-D might.
Certify
If you think you’ve struck nickel gold, get it certified. Services like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS will authenticate and grade your coin, protecting you from fakes. It costs around 25 to 75 dollars, and that’s a smart investment when you’re dealing with coins worth thousands or even millions.
Rare nickels are more than just coins—they’re stories, artifacts, and pieces of American history. Whether they were born from wartime errors, mystery mintings, or overlooked low mintages, each one offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
So next time you hear that nickel jingling, don’t just spend it—examine it. You might just be holding a slice of numismatic history.
FAQs
How many 1913 Liberty nickels exist?
Only five are known to exist today.
What’s a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo worth?
It ranges from $500 to over $150,000.
Why is the 1918/7-D nickel valuable?
It’s a rare wartime mint error with an overdate.
Is the 1950-D nickel still collectible?
Yes, especially in high grades with Full Steps.
Can I still find rare nickels in circulation?
Yes, especially older Jeffersons and varieties.
