Collecting rare and valuable nickels is more than a hobby—it’s a way to hold a piece of history in your hands. Some nickels are so rare and iconic that they fetch extraordinary prices at auctions. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 most coveted and valuable nickels, each with its own unique story and appeal.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
- 2 2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
- 3 3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
- 4 4. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
- 5 5. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
- 6 6. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
- 7 7. 1885 Liberty Head V Nickel
- 8 8. 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel
- 9 9. 1867 Shield Nickel (with Rays)
- 10 10. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
- 11 FAQs
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
Known as one of the rarest coins ever, the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel has only five known examples. Its mystery, rarity, and historical significance have captivated collectors for decades.
- Value: One sold for $4.56 million in 2018, and its estimated worth continues to climb.
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This fascinating overdate coin was created when a die engraved with “1917” was over-engraved with “1918.” Struck at the Denver Mint, this error makes it highly desirable among collectors.
- Value: In high grades, it’s one of the most valuable Buffalo Nickels.
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
With only 970,000 minted, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is among the rarest in the series. Most circulated heavily, making high-grade examples exceptionally scarce.
- Value: Collectors pay a premium for well-preserved coins in mint condition.
4. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel
This error coin features noticeable doubling on the obverse, particularly in the word “LIBERTY” and the Native American’s facial features.
- Value: The doubled die error boosts its value, especially in higher grades.
5. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
One of the most famous error coins, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel appears to have only three legs due to excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint.
- Value: Its unique design flaw makes it a must-have for serious collectors.
6. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
Struck in low numbers, the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel had a mintage of only 1.4 million. Poor striking quality and heavy circulation make well-preserved examples exceedingly rare.
- Value: High-grade coins command significant premiums.
7. 1885 Liberty Head V Nickel
This low-mintage Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the most sought-after dates in the series. Only 1.47 million were produced.
- Value: Scarcity and historical importance make it highly collectible.
8. 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel
As the first nickel minted in San Francisco, the 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel had the lowest mintage of the series, with only 238,000 coins produced.
- Value: Its value increases dramatically with higher grades.
9. 1867 Shield Nickel (with Rays)
The 1867 Shield Nickel “with Rays” featured a unique design that was used for just one year. Issues with die wear led to the removal of the rays in subsequent designs.
- Value: Its rarity and distinctive design make it a cornerstone of any nickel collection.
10. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
This World War II-era error coin features a horizontally punched “D” mint mark that was corrected later. It’s a fascinating example of minting errors.
- Value: Collectors prize this error, with high-quality specimens fetching premium prices.
These nickels not only offer collectors a chance to own rare pieces of history but also highlight the artistry and quirks of U.S. coin production. Whether you’re building a collection or investing in rare coins, these top ten nickels are treasures worth seeking out.
FAQs
What is the rarest nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, with only five known examples.
Why is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel valuable?
Its unique design flaw makes it highly collectible.
How many 1926-S Buffalo Nickels exist?
Only 970,000 were minted, and few are in high grades.
What is an overdate coin?
A coin with a date re-engraved over a previous year, like the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel.
What is the value of an 1867 Shield Nickel with Rays?
It varies, but high-grade examples are highly valuable.
