That unassuming nickel in your pocket change might not be so ordinary after all. While most five-cent coins are only worth their face value, a select few have reached legendary status in the world of coin collecting. From minting mistakes to ultra-rare issues, some U.S. nickels have sold for hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars. Here’s a closer look at five of the most valuable nickels ever minted and what makes them true numismatic treasures.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The $5 Million Mystery
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is arguably the most famous—and controversial—nickel in U.S. history. Officially, the Liberty Head design was retired in early 1913 and replaced by the Buffalo nickel. Yet, five 1913-dated Liberty nickels mysteriously surfaced, believed to have been struck unofficially by Mint employee Samuel Brown.
Only five specimens are known to exist:
- Two reside in museums.
- Three remain in private collections.
Auction prices have been jaw-dropping. The Eliasberg specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018. If one hits the market again, experts predict it could top $5 million, making it one of the most valuable U.S. coins ever.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: A War-Time Overdate
The 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel is a striking example of a minting overdate error. Amidst WWI-era production in Denver, a 1917 die was re-used for 1918, resulting in a faint but visible “7” under the “8.”
This error is exceedingly rare, especially in high grades:
- Circulated: $25,000–$75,000
- Uncirculated (MS-65): Over $350,000
- Today’s market: Could exceed $500,000
Because the date is in a high-wear spot, finding well-preserved examples is especially difficult, adding to its rarity and desirability.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo: A Visual Error with Major Appeal
One of the most visually famous coin errors, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo resulted from over-polishing a die at the Denver Mint, accidentally removing the buffalo’s front right leg.
This instantly recognizable mistake makes the coin highly collectible:
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily worn | $500–$1,000 |
| Moderately worn | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Well-preserved | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Uncirculated | $25,000–$100,000+ |
A top-graded MS-67 specimen sold for $161,000 in 2017, showcasing the enduring appeal of this iconic error.
1880 Shield Nickel: A Forgotten Rarity
Often overshadowed by more famous nickels, the 1880 Shield nickel holds the distinction of having the lowest mintage among regular-issue nickels—only 16,000 were struck.
Values vary by condition:
- Circulated: $2,000–$3,000
- XF/AU: $6,500–$15,000
- Mint State: $25,000+
- Top-tier MS-66+: $108,000 (sold in 2019)
This coin’s scarcity wasn’t due to an error but rather low demand during the time, making survivors in high grades particularly rare.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel: A Modern Classic
Compared to the others, the 1950-D Jefferson nickel is a modern rarity with a mintage of just 2.63 million—low for the series. Its scarcity was quickly recognized, prompting collectors to hoard them from the start.
Current market values:
- Circulated: $15–$30
- Uncirculated: $50–$150
- MS-66 Full Steps: $500–$5,000
- MS-67+ Full Steps: $15,275
While not as rare as earlier nickels, its accessibility and collector interest keep it relevant and valuable.
Comparison Table: The Top 5 Rare Nickels
| Nickel Name | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Unauthorized issue, 5 known | $4M–$5M+ |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Overdate error | $25K–$500K+ |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | Minting error, missing leg | $500–$161K+ |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | Lowest regular mintage | $2K–$108K |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | Modern rarity, low mintage | $15–$15,275 |
Why These Nickels Are So Valuable
Each of these coins tells a different story:
- 1913 Liberty: A coin that shouldn’t exist.
- 1918/7-D: A rare overdate created during wartime chaos.
- 1937-D Three-Legged: A dramatic error loved by collectors.
- 1880 Shield: A sleeper rarity with historical scarcity.
- 1950-D Jefferson: A modern rarity made collectible by early hoarding.
They represent the fascinating intersection of art, history, and minting anomalies—proving that extraordinary value can lie in the most common denomination.
FAQs About Rare Nickels
Are there rare nickels still in circulation?
While highly unlikely, it’s not impossible for a rare 1950-D or an error nickel to slip through. Always check your change!
What does “Full Steps” mean on a Jefferson nickel?
It refers to the steps of Monticello on the coin’s reverse. Clear, complete steps indicate a strong strike and boost value significantly.