That humble five-cent piece rattling around in your pocket or sitting in a forgotten drawer might be worth far more than face value. Throughout American coinage history, a handful of nickels have become legendary rarities, with some fetching six or even seven figures at auction.
While most nickels remain worth exactly five cents, a select few have achieved near-mythical status among collectors. Here’s a closer look at five of the most valuable and fascinating nickels ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This is the undisputed king of American nickels. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel wasn’t supposed to exist. The design had been retired in early 1913, replaced by the Buffalo nickel, yet somehow five Liberty nickels dated 1913 emerged years later.
Most historians believe these coins were secretly struck by a Mint employee, Samuel Brown, who later revealed their existence. Only five are known today. Three are in private collections and two are housed in museums.
In recent auctions, prices have been astonishing. The Eliasberg specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018, while another example fetched $3.7 million in 2014. Experts believe if one came to market today, it could top $5 million, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins of all time.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This coin is a textbook example of a minting overdate error. During World War I, a 1917 die was re-used for 1918 production in Denver, with the new date punched over the old one. Remnants of the original “7” remain visible beneath the “8.”
Fewer than 100 examples are believed to exist. Even heavily circulated coins can fetch $25,000 to $75,000. A well-preserved MS-65 example sold for $350,750 in 2006 and could easily surpass $500,000 today.
Because the overdate appears in a high-wear area, finding high-grade pieces is extremely difficult, making this coin one of the rarest Buffalo nickels in existence.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
A minting mishap in Denver led to one of the most famous visual errors in U.S. coinage. A Mint worker, attempting to polish a die, accidentally removed the buffalo’s front foreleg, creating the instantly recognizable “Three-Legged Buffalo” nickel.
This error entered circulation quickly but was spotted not long after. Even so, thousands made their way into pockets, with perhaps 1,000 to 2,000 surviving today.
Values depend heavily on condition:
- Heavily worn: $500–$1,000
- Moderate wear: $1,000–$2,500
- Well-preserved: $3,000–$10,000
- Uncirculated: $25,000–$100,000+
A PCGS MS-67 example sold for $161,000 in 2017. Its unmistakable missing leg makes it popular with collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.
1880 Shield Nickel
While it doesn’t grab headlines like the others, the 1880 Shield nickel holds a unique place in numismatic circles. With only 16,000 pieces struck for circulation, it has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue nickel.
Well-worn examples typically command $2,000 to $3,000, with XF and AU coins bringing $6,500 to $15,000. Uncirculated examples are highly prized, and a superb gem graded MS-66+ sold for $108,000 in 2019.
Its rarity isn’t due to a mistake but to a period of declining demand for nickels in commerce. Few collectors saved them at the time, making surviving high-grade pieces particularly valuable today.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The only modern coin on the list, the 1950-D Jefferson nickel stands out due to its extremely low mintage of 2,630,030. Collectors and dealers recognized its rarity immediately, leading to widespread hoarding upon release.
Today, circulated examples are worth $15 to $30, with uncirculated coins bringing $50 to $150. Gem uncirculated examples fetch $150 to $250, while superb MS-66 Full Steps and better can command $500 to $5,000.
The top-end example, graded MS-67+ Full Steps, sold for $15,275 in 2018. Its affordability compared to other rarities makes it one of the most widely collected valuable nickels.
| Nickel Name | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Unauthorized issue, 5 known | $4,000,000–$5,000,000 |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Overdate error | $25,000–$500,000+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo | Missing front leg error | $500–$161,000+ |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | Lowest mintage nickel | $2,000–$108,000 |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | Modern low mintage rarity | $15–$15,275 |
Why These Nickels Matter
Each of these coins offers a unique story, whether it’s a secret minting, a wartime mistake, or a modern rarity caught before entering widespread circulation. Together, they represent the rich history of U.S. coinage and the thrill of the unexpected find.
Next time you rifle through a coin jar, remember that even ordinary change can hide extraordinary treasures.
FAQs
What is the most valuable U.S. nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head, valued over $5 million.
Why is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo famous?
A mint error removed the buffalo’s front leg.
How rare is the 1950-D Jefferson nickel?
It has the lowest modern nickel mintage at 2.63 million.
What causes overdate errors like the 1918/7-D?
A 1917 die was mistakenly repunched with 1918.
Can I still find valuable nickels in circulation?
Rarely, but it’s possible with older rolls and collections.
