1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most renowned and valuable nickels in U.S. coin history. Only five of these coins are confirmed to exist, making them extremely rare and sought-after. Although the Liberty Head design was officially replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, these coins were struck as unofficial prototypes.
Due to their rarity and historical significance, collectors highly prize them, with one example selling for over $3 million at auction in 2018. If you ever come across a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, you hold a true treasure, but keep in mind only five specimens are known, so discovering one is highly unlikely.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a famous error coin highly regarded in American numismatics. A damaged die used at the Denver Mint caused the buffalo on the coin to appear as if it had only three legs instead of the usual four. This distinctive mistake makes the coin very collectible and rare.
Only a limited number of these error coins exist, and those in excellent condition can command prices of $10,000 or more. Its unique nature and rarity have made it a prized possession for serious collectors seeking to add something unusual to their collections.
1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel is prized for its rarity and low production numbers. Only 238,000 of these coins were minted, making it one of the scarcest in the Liberty Head series. The “S” mintmark identifies it as being produced at the San Francisco Mint, which had a very limited output of this coin.
Collectors highly value the 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel, with well-preserved examples often worth $10,000 or more. Owning this coin can be a significant asset for any numismatic enthusiast.
1936-D Buffalo Nickel (Doubling Error)
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel stands out because of a doubling error where the “D” mintmark appears twice on the coin. This happened because the die was misaligned during minting, causing the mintmark to be duplicated.
While this error isn’t as rare as some others, the 1936-D doubling error Buffalo Nickel is still quite valuable, especially if the doubling is clear and the coin is in excellent condition. Depending on quality, these coins usually range in value from $2,000 to $5,000, making them attractive to collectors interested in minting mistakes.
1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel
The 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel is a well-known coin due to its initial design omission of the word “Cents” on the back. This absence created confusion because some dishonest individuals would gold-plate the coin and falsely sell it as a $5 gold piece.
To prevent this, the U.S. Mint later added the word “Cents” to the coin’s reverse. The 1883 No Cent Liberty Nickel remains a popular error coin, and those in excellent condition can fetch prices above $10,000. This coin is a great example of how a small design oversight can create significant interest among collectors.
1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel
The 1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel is an error coin produced by the Philadelphia Mint during World War II. Some dies used for this coin still showed the date from 1941, resulting in an overdate visible on the coin’s surface. These overdate nickels are rare and highly sought after, especially when found in higher mint condition. Coins in mint state with this error can sell for between $3,000 and $5,000, making the 1942/1 Jefferson Nickel one of the more valuable pieces in the Jefferson Nickel series.
1911-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1911-S Liberty Head Nickel is a rare coin from the Liberty Head series with a low mintage of just 238,000 pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint. This scarcity makes it highly desirable for collectors, especially those focused on Liberty Head nickels. While circulated coins may sell for about $1,000, higher-grade examples can easily reach values over $10,000. Its rarity and historical importance place this coin among the top choices for serious numismatists.
1935 Buffalo Nickel (Sharpness Error)
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel with a sharpness error is another notable coin with a minting flaw. During production, the die used caused an unusually sharp or sometimes unclear strike on the coin’s design. Although this error is not as famous as others, it still draws interest from collectors. Depending on the coin’s condition and the extent of the error, values can range from $1,000 to $5,000. Such errors add uniqueness to collections, making this coin a desirable find.
1901 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1901 Liberty Head Nickel is highly prized due to its relatively low mintage of about 50,000 coins. Though not as rare as some other Liberty Head nickels, it remains a sought-after coin, particularly in high grades. Coins graded MS-65 or higher can sell for $10,000 or more, making it essential for serious nickel collectors. This coin is historically significant, being one of the final years before the Liberty Head design was replaced by the Buffalo Nickel.
1885 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is also a collectible coin due to its limited mintage of roughly 3.2 million coins, making it one of the rarer issues in the series. Because of this, the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel can command high prices in good condition. Coins graded MS-65 or better can be valued between $2,000 and $5,000. It remains a popular choice for collectors wanting a historically important piece in their collections.
1912 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof)
The 1912 Liberty Head Nickel in Proof condition is exceptionally valuable, with only a small number minted in this special format. Proof coins were made for collectors and are known for their sharp detail and superior finish. The 1912 Proof Liberty Head Nickel is rare and highly prized, with prices typically ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 for well-preserved examples. These coins are among the most prestigious within the Liberty Head series and are essential for advanced collectors.
1938-D Jefferson Nickel (First Year of Issue)
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel is important historically as the first year the Jefferson design was produced, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. While not rare in everyday circulation, higher-grade examples of the 1938-D coin can be worth several thousand dollars, especially those graded MS-65 or above. This coin is a key part of the Jefferson Nickel series and a valuable addition for collectors starting or expanding their collections.
1948 Jefferson Nickel (Low Mintage)
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel has a relatively low mintage, with fewer than 4 million coins produced. Though it is not as rare as some other nickels on this list, its limited production and status within the Jefferson series make it desirable. High-grade 1948 nickels can sell for between $1,000 and $3,000. Its historical position among the early Jefferson issues makes it a noteworthy coin to include in any numismatic 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.