Rare Nickel Coins: Have you ever glanced at the nickels jingling in your pocket and wondered if any of them might be worth more than just five cents? While most of us toss our loose change without a second thought, certain rare nickels from decades past could potentially be worth a small fortune.
In fact, some of these five-cent pieces have sold for as much as $350,750 at auction! It’s like finding out that the old family sedan parked in your garage is actually a rare vintage sports car worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In this article, I’ll guide you through four incredibly valuable nickel coins that could still be hiding in circulation, coin jars, or forgotten collections.
Who knows – you might discover that you’ve been unknowingly carrying around a college education fund or down payment on a house in your spare change!
The Fascinating World of Rare Nickel Coins
Before we dive into the specific coins, let’s understand what makes certain nickels so valuable. Like most collectibles, the value of a coin is determined primarily by its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors.
Some nickels become valuable due to low mintage numbers, while others gain worth because of minting errors or historical significance.
Think of rare coins as time capsules – each one tells a story about a specific moment in American history. And just like vintage wine, their value tends to appreciate over time, especially when kept in excellent condition.
The hunt for these rare coins has become something of a national treasure hunt, with everyday people occasionally making life-changing discoveries in their spare change or inherited collections.
1. The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – The Overdate Error
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel stands as one of the most valuable nickels a collector could hope to find. This coin features a fascinating error known as an “overdate,” where a “7” is visible beneath the “8” in the year 1918.
This occurred because the Mint initially stamped a “7” on the die and then corrected it with an “8,” creating a unique overlay that’s visible to the naked eye.
What makes this coin particularly valuable is both its rarity and the fact that it wasn’t discovered until the 1930s, meaning many examples were already in circulation and showing wear.
In 2006, a well-preserved specimen sold for an astounding $350,750 at auction. Adjusted for inflation, that’s around $549,202 in today’s money!
To identify this rare gem, look for:
- A Buffalo nickel with the date 1918 and a “D” mint mark (Denver)
- A visible “7” underneath the “8” in 1918
- A mint mark that tilts slightly to the left (a key authentication feature)
Most examples of this coin are heavily circulated, but even worn specimens can fetch thousands of dollars. It’s like finding a signed first-edition book that’s been hiding on your shelf for years!
2. The 1937-D Buffalo Nickel “3 Legs” Error
The 1937-D “3 Legs” Buffalo Nickel is another highly sought-after error coin. In this fascinating mistake, the buffalo on the reverse appears to have only three legs instead of four.
This occurred when a mint employee over-polished a die, accidentally removing most of the buffalo’s front leg in the process.
This error makes the coin instantly recognizable to collectors and adds a sense of novelty to its value. Well-preserved examples have sold for over $150,000 at auction, making this one of the most valuable Buffalo nickels you could potentially find.
To identify this coin, look for:
- A 1937 Buffalo nickel with a “D” mint mark
- A buffalo on the reverse that appears to be missing its front right leg
- The remaining “stub” of the leg may be faintly visible
Even in circulated condition, these error coins can command prices in the thousands of dollars. It’s worth checking any 1937-D Buffalo nickels in your collection very carefully!
3. The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – Low Mintage Rarity
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel derives its value primarily from its scarcity rather than any error. With the lowest mintage in the Buffalo Nickel series, only 970,000 of these coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint – a tiny number compared to the millions typically struck.
Many surviving examples are heavily worn, as these coins were widely used during the Great Depression. A well-preserved specimen sold for an impressive $322,000 at auction in 2008, highlighting just how valuable this coin has become.
To identify this coin, look for:
- A Buffalo nickel dated 1926
- An “S” mint mark below “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse
- The overall condition will significantly impact value
Even in worn condition, this coin can be worth several hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on how much detail remains. It’s like finding a rare vintage wine that somehow survived decades without being consumed!
4. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Holy Grail
While you’re extremely unlikely to find this coin in circulation, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel deserves mention as the ultimate nickel collecting prize. Only five examples are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American numismatics.
What makes this coin particularly fascinating is that it was created under mysterious circumstances. The Liberty Head design was officially replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in February 1913, yet somehow, five Liberty Head Nickels bearing the 1913 date were secretly produced—possibly by a mint employee acting without authorization.
These coins have commanded jaw-dropping prices over the years:
- One graded PR66 sold for a staggering $4.56 million in 2018
- Another graded PR63 fetched $4.2 million in 2022
The difference in price is largely due to condition—serious collectors pay a premium for coins in near-perfect shape. While finding one of these would be akin to discovering a winning lottery ticket in your attic, it’s worth knowing about this legendary coin.
| Coin | Key Features | Record Sale Price | What Makes It Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Overdate error with “7” visible under “8” | $350,750 (2006) | Rare error, limited examples |
| 1937-D “3 Legs” Buffalo Nickel | Missing front leg on buffalo | $150,000+ | Distinctive error, easily identifiable |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | Standard design, S mint mark | $322,000 (2008) | Lowest mintage in series |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Liberty Head design with 1913 date | $4.56 million (2018) | Only five known examples |
How to Check Your Coins
Now that you know what to look for, here are some practical tips for examining your nickels:
- Use proper lighting: Natural daylight or a bright desk lamp works best for spotting subtle details.
- Get a magnifying glass: A 5x to 10x magnifier will help you see mint marks and small details like the overdate on the 1918/7-D.
- Check dates and mint marks first: This is the quickest way to identify potentially valuable coins.
- Look for errors: Examine each coin carefully for doubling, missing elements, or other unusual features.
- Don’t clean your coins: This can significantly reduce their value. Collectors prefer original surfaces, even if they’re tarnished.
Think of yourself as a detective, searching for clues that might reveal a coin’s hidden value. Sometimes the smallest detail can make the biggest difference!
What to Do If You Find a Rare Nickel
If you believe you’ve found one of these valuable nickels, here’s what to do:
- Handle with care: Hold coins by their edges to avoid damaging the surfaces.
- Store properly: Place the coin in a non-PVC holder or flip to protect it.
- Seek professional authentication: For potentially valuable coins, consider having them authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
- Research current values: Coin values fluctuate, so check recent auction results to get an idea of current market prices.
- Consider insurance: If your coin is authenticated and valuable, make sure it’s properly insured.
Conclusion
The world of rare nickel collecting offers a fascinating blend of history, artistry, and the thrill of the hunt. While finding a $350,750 nickel might be a long shot, these valuable coins do occasionally turn up in unexpected places.
The next time you receive change or come across an old jar of coins, take a moment to examine those nickels carefully – you never know what treasures might be hiding in plain sight!
Remember, the value of these coins extends beyond their monetary worth. Each one represents a piece of American history, a tangible connection to the past that you can hold in your hand.
Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious about what might be in your change jar, the search for rare nickels adds an element of excitement to everyday life. Happy hunting!
FAQs About Rare Nickels
1. How can I tell if my Buffalo nickel is the valuable 1918/7-D overdate variety? Look closely at the date using a magnifying glass. On the genuine 1918/7-D overdate, you’ll see parts of the “7” underneath the “8” in 1918. The mint mark should also tilt slightly to the left. This error was not discovered until the 1930s, making it particularly rare in good condition.
2. Are Buffalo nickels without visible dates worth anything? Most dateless Buffalo nickels are worth only a small premium over face value. The date on Buffalo nickels was the highest point of the design and often wore away first. However, it’s worth checking for a mint mark on the reverse, as some key dates might still have value even with a worn date.
3. Should I clean my old nickels to better see the details? No! Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value. Collectors prefer coins with original surfaces, even if they’re tarnished or dirty. If you believe you have a valuable coin, consult with a professional numismatist before doing anything that might damage it.
4. How can I get my rare nickel authenticated? Professional coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can authenticate and grade your coin for a fee. For potentially valuable specimens, professional authentication is essential before selling.
5. Where’s the best place to sell a valuable nickel? If you have a confirmed rare nickel, you have several options: reputable coin dealers, coin shows, specialized online marketplaces, or major auction houses for extremely valuable specimens. Getting multiple offers is always a good idea, and for very valuable coins, auction houses that specialize in numismatics often achieve the highest prices.
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