Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels That Are Worth a Fortune – Check If You Have These Rare Coins in Your Collection

Collecting rare nickels is more than a hobby—it’s an opportunity to own pieces of American history and, in some cases, coins that are worth a fortune. From the early Liberty Head series to the Buffalo and Jefferson nickels, certain key dates and mint errors have made these coins highly coveted among collectors.

Here’s a deep look into the 10 most valuable nickels ever produced, each with a unique story and history.

1913 Liberty Head V Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world, with only five known examples in existence. These nickels were struck unofficially at the U.S. Mint and have been the subject of fascination for decades.

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In 2018, one of these rare coins sold for $4.56 million at auction. Its extraordinary value is due to its rarity, historical significance, and the mystery surrounding its production.

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a classic example of an overdate error, where a die engraved with “1917” was re-engraved with “1918.” This error occurred at the Denver Mint and has become a must-have for serious collectors.

In higher grades, this nickel can fetch tens of thousands of dollars, thanks to its unique date error and historical importance.

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1926-S Buffalo Nickel

With a mintage of just 970,000, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest key-date Buffalo nickels. Most of these coins were heavily circulated, making high-grade examples incredibly scarce.

Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for well-preserved specimens, with prices reaching five figures or more for those in exceptional condition.

1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel

The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is a sought-after error coin, known for its doubling on the word “LIBERTY” and the details of the Native American’s face.

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Coins with this doubling are highly collectible, especially in higher grades, where they can bring in thousands of dollars at auction.

1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

One of the most iconic error coins in American history, the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is famous for its missing front leg on the buffalo. This error was caused by excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint.

This mistake has become a collector’s favorite, with high-grade examples commanding prices well into the five-figure range.

1924-S Buffalo Nickel

Another tough-to-find Buffalo Nickel is the 1924-S, with a mintage of about 1.4 million coins. Poor strikes and heavy circulation make high-grade examples extremely rare.

Well-struck coins in excellent condition are highly sought after by collectors, often selling for significant sums.

1885 Liberty Head V Nickel

The 1885 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the key dates in the Liberty Head series, with a mintage of just 1.47 million.

Because most of these coins saw heavy use, high-grade examples are rare and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, especially in near-mint condition.

1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel

The 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel is a significant coin, as it was the first nickel minted at the San Francisco Mint and had a mintage of only 238,000.

This makes it the lowest mintage coin in the Liberty Head series. High-grade examples are extremely valuable, with prices soaring as the grade increases.

1867 Shield Nickel (with Rays)

The 1867 Shield Nickel with Rays is a one-year design that featured rays around the shield. These rays were removed later due to minting difficulties and die wear.

Its short production run and unique design make this coin a favorite among collectors. Well-preserved examples can sell for thousands of dollars, depending on their condition.

1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel

The 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel is a rare wartime error coin. The error occurred when the “D” mint mark was first punched horizontally, then corrected later.

This mistake has made the coin highly collectible, with high-grade examples fetching substantial premiums.

Collecting rare nickels can be both exciting and rewarding. These coins not only offer a glimpse into America’s past but can also be worth a significant amount of money. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, hunting for these valuable nickels can be a thrilling adventure.

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