What Nickels Are Worth Money?
Posted by Bullion Shark on Apr 18th 2024
Rare Nickels Worth Money
The U.S. nickel, a five-cent coin, usually known as clunky pocket change, can be worth a tremendous amount of money if scarce. Read on to learn more about which rare nickels are worth money. Continue reading to learn more about rare nickels worth money.
How To Determine Which Rare Nickels Are Worth Money
The value of rare nickels can be determined through research, coin grading, and market demand. The steps to help determine if nickels worth money include:
Research
The first step should be researching the nickel coin of interest. Look for information on its rarity, historical significance, and condition. Your best bet is to check reputable coin pricing guides, online forums, and auction websites to gather information on recent sale prices and trends.
Coin Grading
A coin's condition determines its value. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect and flawless. Professional coin grading services like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS typically do the grading for coins submitted to them. The higher grade, the more the rare nickel is worth.
Mint Mark and Rarity
Rare nickels, such as those with low mintages, errors, or varieties, tend to command higher values. Research the mintage figures of the specific nickel coin you are interested in to determine its rarity. Coins with unique mint mark features, such as doubled dies, off-center strikes, or other errors, can make a rare nickel worth money.
Historical Significance
Some nickels may have historical or cultural importance that can affect their coin values. For example, coins from a specific period or with a particular design, such as the Buffalo Nickel or the Jefferson Nickel, may be more valuable to collectors due to their historical or cultural importance.
Market Demand
The demand for a particular coin can also affect its value. Some coins may be more popular among coin collectors, leading to higher demand and price points. Keep track of market trends, collector interests, and recent sales to gauge the need for the specific nickel coin you are interested in.
Authenticity
Authenticity is crucial in determining the value of a rare nickel. Counterfeit coins are in the market, so it is essential to ensure the currency you are evaluating is genuine. Look for signs of authenticity, such as proper weight, diameter, edge design, and other characteristics consistent with the original U.S. coin.
Get a Professional Appraisal
If you are still determining the value of a rare nickel, it's always a good idea to seek a professional review from reputable coin dealers, numismatic experts, or professional coin grading services. They can provide an expert opinion and help determine the coin is worth money.
Most Valuable Rare Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
1945-P Jefferson Nickel Doubled Die Reverse Image credit: PCGS
Jefferson Nickels are a lucrative investment opportunity if higher-grade coins are found. Some of the rarest nickels worth money in the Jefferson series, minted in Philadelphia, include:
1945-P Doubled Die Reverse
This variety, also known as the “Wartime Jefferson Nickel,” has a doubled die reverse, meaning that the coin's reverse design elements appear to be doubled. This variety of war nickel is scarce and can be worth money, especially in higher grades.
1943-P Doubled Eye
This variety, also known as the “Doubled Monticello” or “Doubled Initials,” features doubling on the eye of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse side of the coin. While not as well-known as the other varieties, in higher grades it is a rare nickel worth money.
1943-P 3 Over 2
This variety, also known as the “Three Over Two” overdate error, occurred when the Mint accidentally used a die from 1942 (with a “2” over the “3”) to strike a 1943 nickel. Collectors highly seek after this error coin and can command a significant premium in higher grades.
1997-P Special Uncirculated
The 1997-P Special Uncirculated Jefferson nickel was issued as part of a unique set commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Jefferson nickel. It is a satin-finished coin with a unique packaging. While it may not be as rare as the nickels mentioned above, it can still command a great price tag among coin collectors due to its limited mintage and special status.
Most Valuable Rare Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
1937-D Buffalo Nickel Three Legs Image credit: PCGS
Buffalo Nickels, or “Indian Head Nickels,” are rather popular and undervalued. Some of the rarest nickels worth money in the Buffalo Nickel series include:
1937-D Buffalo Nickel Three Legs
Of all of the Buffalo Nickel coins, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel Three Legs, minted at the Denver Mint, is considered the most valuable. This variety is also known as the “Three-Legged Buffalo” or “Three-Legged Bison.”
It resulted from a U.S. Mint error where the obverse side of the coin was over-polished, causing three of the bison’s legs to appear missing. Coin collectors highly seek after this error, which commands a significant price.
1927-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1927-S Buffalo Nickel, minted in San Francisco, is known not for some varieties or errors. Instead, it is considered a key date in the Buffalo Nickel series due to its low mintage. Due to its scarcity and demand among collectors, it is generally considered one of the more valuable Buffalo Nickels, especially in higher grades.
1936-D Buffalo Nickel Three-and-a-Half Legs
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel Three and a Half Legs, minted in Denver, is a less-known variety than the previously mentioned 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel.
It is similar to the 1937-D variety but with only one of the buffalo’s front legs displayed. While rarer than the regular 1936-D Buffalo Nickel, its face value is generally not as high as the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel.
Most Valuable Rare Liberty Head Nickels Worth Money
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel Image credit: PCGS
The most expensive and rare nickel ever sold was a Liberty Head nickel!
1913 Liberty Head V
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the “Liberty Head V” or the “1913 V Nickel”, is considered one of the most valuable and famous coins in the world of numismatics. It was minted without authorization by the United States Mint.
The official design for nickels in 1913 was the Buffalo Nickel, but five Liberty Head Nickels were struck with the 1913 date after the design had been discontinued. These coins were believed to be struck as unauthorized “patterns” or “prototypes” and never interred for circulation.
Only five known examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel exist, making it a scarce and precious coin.
Most Valuable Shield Nickels
1937-D Buffalo Nickel Three Legs Image credit: PCGS
The Shield Nickel series, minted from 1866 to 1883, is known for its distinctive design featuring a shield on the front side and a wreath on the back side of the coin. Among the Shield Nickels, the 1877, 1878, and 1880 issues are the rarest nickels worth money.
1877 Shield Nickel
The 1877 Shield Nickel is known for its low mintage, with only 852,500 coins produced. This issue can be scarce in higher grades and command a premium price among collectors, especially in uncirculated or proof-like conditions.
1878 Shield Nickel
The 1878 Shield Nickel is also known for its low mintage, with only 2,350,000 coins produced. It is considered a key date in the series, and higher-grade examples can be quite worth a large sum of money, especially in uncirculated conditions.
1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel is more common than the 1877 or 1878 issues but is still considered a scarce date in the series, particularly in higher grades. It is known for its relatively low mintage of 16,000,000 coins compared to other Shield Nickels from that era, and is definitely a harder to find rare nickel worth money.
Discover More About Coin Collecting
Rare coin collecting can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby for those interested in numismatics. If you believe that you have found a rare nickel and want to know how much it is worth, a few steps must be followed. It is important to approach coin collecting carefully and consult with a coin expert when in doubt.
To discover more about coin collecting, browse our wide selection of resources for discovering coins worth money at Bullion Shark today.
FAQ
What is the most valuable nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most valuable nickels, with one of the five known specimens selling for over $3.7 million at auction. These nickels are so rare because only five were ever officially minted.
How can I tell if my nickel is rare?
Check the date and mint mark, look for any unusual features such as overdates or doubled dies, and compare it to known lists of rare nickels. Coins in unusually good condition or those with error features can also be rare.
Are Buffalo Nickels worth anything?
While common Buffalo Nickels in circulated condition might not be worth much more than their face value, key dates like 1913-S, 1915-D, and 1937-D with the 3-legged Buffalo variety can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
What are the key dates for Jefferson Nickels?
Key dates for Jefferson Nickels include the 1939-D, 1950-D, and the war nickels of 1942-1945 that have a large mint mark above the Monticello dome. These "war nickels" contain silver, making them more valuable.
Are there any nickel errors that are particularly valuable?
Yes, notable nickel errors include doubled die varieties, off-center strikes, and the 1942-1945 silver war nickels that occasionally show dramatic overdates.
What makes a 2004 nickel valuable?
The 2004-P Peace Medal Nickel with a speared bison error, where a die gouge creates the appearance of a spear running through the bison's back, can be worth significantly more than face value.
How much are silver nickels worth?
Silver nickels from 1942 to 1945, also known as war nickels, are made of 35% silver and are worth more than their face value depending on the current price of silver. In high grades, they can be worth significantly more.
What should I look for in a 1943 nickel?
The 1943-P nickel with the large P mint mark above Monticello and doubling in the mint mark is a sought-after variety among collectors. Checking for full steps on Monticello can also increase value.
Can a 1970 nickel be rare?
The 1970-D nickel struck on a 1942 Jefferson wartime silver alloy planchet is a rare error and is worth a substantial amount if authenticated.
Where can I sell my rare nickels?
Rare nickels can be sold at coin shops, coin shows, online auctions, or through reputable coin dealers. For very valuable nickels, consider selling through a major auction house that specializes in coins to reach collectors willing to pay a premium.
Sources:
Nickel Values Guide - U.S. Nickel Prices | The Spruce Crafts
Nickel | U.S. Mint
Understanding Coin Grading Basics | American Numismatic Association
The Top 15 Most Valuable Nickels | The Spruce Crafts