10 Most Valuable Nickels & Rare Nickels Worth Money

The Most Valuable US Nickels

1913 Liberty Head V Nickel

Worth more than 3 million dollars at auction, this is one of the most famous rarities in American coinage. Only five examples are known, created privately and never officially released by the Mint. Its extreme scarcity makes it one of the crown jewels of U.S. numismatics.

1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel

This nickel displays a doubled image on the date and lettering. Values vary widely by grade; high‑grade examples can exceed several thousand dollars, while lower grades may be worth far less.

1937 D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel

A polishing error removed part of the buffalo’s front leg, creating the well known 3 legged variety. In strong condition, this coin can bring in as much as 2,000 dollars.

1926 S Buffalo Nickel

With fewer than one million minted, the 1926 S is one of the key low mintage dates in the Buffalo Nickel series. High-grade examples can exceed 4,000 dollars.

1880 Shield Nickel

This late date Shield Nickel is rare due to its limited mintage. Well-preserved pieces often command values around 2,000 dollars.

1918/7 D Buffalo Nickel

This overdate variety displays the remnants of a 7 beneath the 8. Its rarity makes it highly desirable, with values range widely depending on condition and can exceed several thousand dollars in higher grades.

1942 P Jefferson Nickel

One of the early wartime nickels to carry the large P mint mark above Monticello. Most 1942‑P nickels, even in high grade, are typically valued far lower, though rare top‑grade specimens can command higher prices.

1879 Shield Nickel

Another low mintage Shield Nickel, the 1879 issue is valued at approximately values vary widely depending on grade; high‑grade proofs can be worth several thousand dollars.

1950 D Jefferson Nickel

With only 2.6 million minted, this remains one of the most sought after Jefferson Nickels. Most 1950‑D nickels sell for far less; only top‑graded or certified full‑step pieces reach high prices.

1939 Doubled Monticello Jefferson Nickel

This variety features a doubled image of the word Monticello on the reverse. In collectible grades, it typically brings around common values vary by grade; high‑grade examples can exceed several hundred dollars.

Nickel Series

U.S. nickels have evolved through several distinct designs. Each series offers unique historical significance and collectible opportunities.

• Shield Nickels (1866 to 1883): The first true nickel alloy five cent pieces, recognized by the shield emblem on the obverse.
• Liberty Head or V Nickels (1883 to 1913): Known for the Roman numeral V on the reverse, these coins marked an important transition in American coinage design.
• Buffalo or Indian Head Nickels (1913 to 1938): Featuring the portrait of a Native American and an American bison, these remain favorites among collectors.
• Jefferson Nickels (1938 to present): The modern nickel showcases Thomas Jefferson and his Monticello home. This series continues today with both circulating and special edition strikes.

What Years of Nickels Are Worth Money

Certain dates and varieties consistently attract collector interest and stronger values. These include:

• Pre World War I Nickels: Older dates tend to have lower surviving populations and higher demand.
• War Nickels (1942 to 1945): These coins contain a silver alloy that replaced traditional nickel metal during wartime resource conservation. Their silver content and unique mintmarks give them added collectible and bullion interest.
• Nickels from the 1950s: Some years in this decade had limited mintages, making certain Jefferson Nickels more desirable.
• Overdate Nickels: Coins showing one year stamped over another are widely collected and often valuable.

What Year Jefferson Nickels Are Worth the Most

Several Jefferson Nickel dates stand out for scarcity or notable minting varieties. These include:

• 1950 D: A well known key date that typically sells between 600 and 800 dollars.
• 1939 D: With only about 3.5 million minted, this coin can reach values up to 300 dollars.
• 1943 P 3 over 2: An overdate that remains popular among collectors and can sell for as much as 400 dollars.
• 1945 P Double Die Reverse: Known for doubled lettering on Monticello and Five Cents, top specimens may reach values near 1,000 dollars.

Which Nickels Should I Keep

Whether you inherited old coins, found something unusual in pocket change, or started exploring collectible U.S. coinage, the following nickel categories are especially worth holding on to:

• Older Nickels: Anything minted before 1960 is generally worth evaluating because of potential rarity and collector interest.
• War Nickels: Produced from 1942 to 1945, these include silver content and often trade above face value.
• Nickels with Errors: Obvious minting mistakes can make coins significantly more valuable.
• Low Mintage Nickels: Lower production numbers typically mean stronger long term interest.

Why Is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel So Rare

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most mysterious United States coins. The Liberty Head design officially ended in 1912, yet five examples dated 1913 were somehow minted and quietly entered private hands. The exact circumstances of their creation remain unproven; unauthorized minting is considered a leading theory but not confirmed.

Because these coins were never released for circulation and exist in a tiny population of five, they have become some of the most coveted collectibles in American history. Several have set auction records, and their fascinating backstory only adds to their appeal.

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