Nickel error coins are highly desirable among collectors due to their rarity and unique characteristics. Some of these mistakes can make a nickel worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
Let’s take a closer look at the ten most valuable nickel errors that have fascinated numismatists worldwide.
Table of Contents
- 1 1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel
- 2 1954-S S Over D Mint Mark Error
- 3 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel
- 4 2004-P Peace Medal Nickel with Doubled Die Reverse
- 5 1971 No-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
- 6 1942-P Nickel with Overdate (1942/1)
- 7 1938 D Over S Jefferson Nickel
- 8 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
- 9 1983-P Jefferson Nickel with Die Clash Error
- 10 2000-P Jefferson Nickel with Off-Center Strike
- 11 FAQs
1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel
One of the most famous Jefferson Nickel errors, the 1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel features a strong doubling on the inscriptions “Monticello” and “Five Cents.”
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Doubled die reverse
- Estimated Value: Up to $20,000
This error is particularly valuable in high-grade conditions, as the doubling is highly visible even to the naked eye.
1954-S S Over D Mint Mark Error
This fascinating error occurred when the San Francisco Mint mistakenly struck an “S” mint mark over a previously stamped “D.”
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S over D)
- Error: Over-mintmark
- Estimated Value: Up to $10,000
Collectors need magnification to see the blending of the mintmarks, making this an exciting find for numismatists.
2005-D Speared Bison Nickel
Part of the Westward Journey series, the 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel features a die gouge that creates the illusion of a spear piercing the bison’s back.
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Error: Die gouge error
- Estimated Value: Up to $3,500
This modern error is highly collectible, especially in uncirculated condition.
2004-P Peace Medal Nickel with Doubled Die Reverse
A major doubled die error appears on the reverse of this 2004-P Peace Medal Nickel, part of the Westward Journey series.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Error: Doubled die reverse
- Estimated Value: Up to $1,500
The doubling is most noticeable in the inscriptions “Louisiana Purchase” and “Peace Medal,” making it a sought-after error.
1971 No-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
Proof coins are struck with extreme precision, making errors incredibly rare. However, the 1971 No-S Proof Jefferson Nickel was mistakenly struck without the “S” mintmark.
- Mint Mark: None (supposed to be San Francisco)
- Error: Missing mintmark
- Estimated Value: Up to $5,000
Since only a few examples exist, this is one of the most valuable proof nickel errors ever observed.
1942-P Nickel with Overdate (1942/1)
During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of nickels to save nickel for military use. Some 1942 nickels show remnants of a “1” beneath the “2,” creating an overdate error.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Error: Overdate (1942/1)
- Estimated Value: Up to $25,000
This wartime overdate error is a rare find and highly sought after by collectors.
1938 D Over S Jefferson Nickel
This mintmark error happened when a “D” mintmark was mistakenly stamped over an “S,” making it a unique variety.
- Mint Mark: Denver (D over S)
- Error: Over-mintmark
- Estimated Value: Up to $7,000
Since 1938 was the first year of the Jefferson Nickel series, this error adds historical significance to its value.
1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Jefferson Nickel remains a mystery in the numismatic community. These coins have a distinct finish and sharp strike, setting them apart from regular 1964 nickels.
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Error: Special Mint Strike (SMS)
- Estimated Value: Up to $30,000
Because of their unknown origin and extreme rarity, these coins are among the most valuable Jefferson Nickels.
1983-P Jefferson Nickel with Die Clash Error
A die clash occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin in between, leaving design impressions on both dies.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Error: Die clash marks
- Estimated Value: Up to $1,000
Strong and visible die clashes increase the value of these error coins.
2000-P Jefferson Nickel with Off-Center Strike
One of the most visually striking errors, the off-center strike occurs when the coin blank is misaligned during striking.
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (P)
- Error: Off-center strike
- Estimated Value: Up to $2,500
Coins that are off-center by 50% or more, while still showing part of the design, are especially valuable.
Nickel errors add a unique twist to coin collecting, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of minting history. If you come across any of these mistakes, you might just be holding a rare and valuable coin!
FAQs
What is the most valuable nickel error?
The 1942/1 Overdate Nickel and 1964 SMS Nickel are among the most valuable.
Why are error nickels valuable?
Nickel errors are rare, unique, and sought after by collectors, increasing their value.
How can I tell if my nickel has an error?
Look for doubling, overdates, missing mintmarks, off-center strikes, or die clashes.
Are modern nickel errors worth money?
Yes! Coins like the 2005 Speared Bison and 2004-P Peace Medal Nickel are valuable.
Where can I sell my error nickel?
You can sell error nickels at coin auctions, online marketplaces, or coin shops.
