People may think of pennies or quarters when thinking of valuable coins. But over the years, some nickels have also become very expensive. Nickel fans want certain rare and one-of-a-kind coins, some of which can sell for hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
These nickels are valuable because they are hard to find and come with exciting stories and mistakes made during the minting process. To the joy of nickel fans, some rare coins may still exist.
1. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The King of Rare Nickels
The Liberty Head coin from 1913 is probably the most well-known rare coin. There are only five known examples of this coin, which makes it a valuable piece of numismatics. This nickel was made in secret, which means it wasn’t legal money at the time, making it even more mysterious and hard to find.
Why It’s Valuable
The Liberty Head Nickel is very rare because it is hard to make, and no one knows how it was made. Because of this, these coins have been auctioned off for up to $5 million, and all five are now in important collections around the world.
Interesting Facts
The Liberty Head Nickel from 1913 is unique because it is very hard to find and was made without permission. Because of this, it is one of the most sought-after coins among fans who are interested in its origins and past.
2. The 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel Is a Mistake with a Lot of Value
Another precious coin is the 1942-D Over Horizontal D nickel. It has a unique minting mistake: two “D” s were cast in a horizontal pattern, one on top of the other, during WWII. This mistake makes the coin very valuable to collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
The 1942-D Over Horizontal D is one of those coins that people like to collect because it has a mistake on it. Because this mistake is uncommon, even used copies of this coin can fetch high prices.
Value Guessed
Depending on its quality, the 1942-D Over Horizontal D coin can fetch around $100,000. Due to its historical value (it was minted during WWII) and the mint mistake, this coin is very sought after.
3. The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: A Famous Date Mistake
One of the most well-known overdate mistakes in U.S. coin history can be found on the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. During the minting process, the number “7” was stamped over “8” by mistake, making an exciting overlap that can be seen with the naked eye.
Why It’s Valuable
The 1918/7-D has an incorrect date. Because of the Buffalo Nickel, it is one of the most sought-after mistake coins. The noticeable mistake in printing this coin makes it one of a kind, and collectors have been interested in it for decades.
Value Guessed
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel can be worth as much as $350,000 if it is in perfect shape. Collectors like this coin for its historical value and its mistake.
4. A 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with Three Legs: A Coin Without a Leg
Another excellent coin worth a lot because of a mistake made when minted is the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel. Die cleaning took away the front right leg of the Buffalo on this nickel, which was made at the Denver Mint. This coin is popular and easy to spot because it is missing a leg.
Why It’s Valuable
The three-legged Buffalo on this nickel was an accident. Part of the image was erased when the die was polished too much. This is one of the most well-known mistakes in American money, so collectors are willing to pay a lot for this nickel.
Value Guessed
The Buffalo Nickel from 1937-D with three legs can fetch as much as $150,000. It is scarce and has an odd appearance, which makes it a treasured addition to any collection.
5. The 1943-P War Nickel Is a One-Of-A-Kind Coin from World War II
The 1943-P War Nickel is a unique coin made during World War II. The U.S. government removed nickel from regular coins to save money for the war effort. Because of this, silver metal was used to make these nickels, which makes them different from other nickels.
Why It’s Valuable
The 1943-P War Nickel is valuable because it has historical value and an odd makeup, even though it is not as rare as the other nickels we’ve discussed. Because these coins are 35% silver, they are important to fans of things from the war.
Value Guessed
In perfect shape, the 1943-P War Nickel can fetch a lot of money. Even though it’s not as rare as some other mistake coins, this one is very popular because it’s made of silver.
Estimated Value
The 1943-P War Nickel can sell for thousands of dollars in mint condition. While not as rare as other error coins, its silver composition makes it highly collectible.
Summary of Rare Nickels and Their Features
| Coin Name | Scarcity | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Extremely Rare | Up to $5 million | Unauthorized minting |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D | Rare | $100,000+ | Double mint mark error |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Rare | Up to $350,000 | Overdate error |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo | Rare | Up to $150,000 | Missing buffalo leg |
| 1943-P War Nickel | Collectible | Thousands | Silver composition |
How to Find and Keep Rare Nickels
If you think you might have a valuable nickel, you should be careful and have a professional numismatist look it over. Putting expensive coins in cases that protect them can help them stay in good shape and avoid damage that could lower their worth.
FAQs
Q1: What makes a nickel valuable?
Often, a nickel’s worth is based on its rarity, well-being, historical importance, and whether any mistakes were made when it was minted. Coins with unique flaws or small mintages are usually worth more.
Q2: How can I tell if the nickel I have is rare?
Check your nickels for numbers, mint marks, or mistakes that don’t make sense. An expert can tell you if your coin is valuable because it has unique qualities that make it stand out.
Q3: Does anyone still have any good nickels?
Yes, even though they aren’t common, expensive nickels like War and mistake may still be used. You might find something unexpected if you check your change or coin rolls often.
Q4: Can I sell my rare nickels on eBay?
Of course. There are lots of sale houses and websites that buy and sell rare coins. If your nickels are in good shape, they can help you get a reasonable price.
Q5: What’s the best way to keep my expensive nickels safe?
To keep rare nickels in good shape, keep them in a cool, dry place in safe cases. This will help prevent damage from the weather that could lower their value.
READ MORE: Three Unknown Coins Worth Thousands That Might Be in Your Pocket
