Nickels, the five-cent coins of the United States, are sometimes disregarded in the field of numismatics. However, some nickels have grown in value over time due to their scarcity, historical significance, and distinctive qualities.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the rarest and most precious US nickels, which collectors seek out and may command millions of dollars at auction.
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The Liberty Head V Nickel from 1913 is among the rarest U.S. nickels. Only five known copies exist, making it the most valuable in the United States.
An unidentified individual struck The current coins covertly, and the U.S. Mint did not formally release this currency. Only three of the incredibly rare 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels are in private possession.
One of these nickels, graded PR66, brought an incredible $4.56 million at auction in 2018. In 2022, PR63, another lower-grade coin, brought $4.2 million. These values demonstrate the potential value of these rare nickels, which are mostly determined by their rarity and condition.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, which has a flaw called a “doubled die obverse,” comes next on our list. The “7” from the original 1917 strike was visible beneath the new 1918 date when a 1917 coin was struck again with a 1918 die, resulting in this mistake. The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is extremely desirable to collectors because of its uncommon error.
One of these coins sold for $350,750 in 2006; given inflation, that amount would be around $549,202 in 2024. Although finding such a coin is extremely rare, it can be very valuable for those who are fortunate enough to find one.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel
Due to its limited production, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is also a desirable coin. While other mints produced millions of these pieces, the San Francisco Mint only produced 970,000. The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is therefore quite desirable to collectors.
In 2008, a graded MS66 copy of this piece sold for $322,000, or roughly $472,096 in today’s currency. This nickel is a valuable asset for collectors of rare U.S. coins because coins in superior condition sell for considerably more money.
1867 Shield Nickel
Another rare coin is the 1867 Shield Nickel, particularly the one with the rays. Although shield nickels were manufactured from 1866 to 1883, some of them were unintentionally released in 1867 with rays encircling the number 5 on the back. Although the rays were supposed to be eliminated from these coins, several survived with the rays still visible, which makes them extremely valuable today.
In 2004, a specimen of this 1867 Shield Nickel with rays brought $132,250, or $220,998 in current currency.
A few Rare & Valuable Nickels
Other nickels that are worth more than the typical coin include the uncommon coins listed above. World War II silver war nickels, for instance, are highly valuable, particularly when they are in good shape. Depending on their rarity and grade, these coins can fetch up to $16.
Furthermore, depending on their year of release and condition, shield nickels—especially the older editions—can also be highly valuable. Even though these coins might not be as valuable as the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel or the 1913 Liberty Head, numismatic enthusiasts nevertheless want to own them because they might yield a respectable return on investment.
One of the most well-known 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels is the Walton Nickel, which was called after one of its previous owners. This coin was discovered in 1962 following a horrific vehicle accident and was kept concealed in an heir’s closet for nearly 40 years before being rediscovered in 2003.
In 2022, the Walton Nickel sold for $4.2 million, making it one of the most valuable coins ever sold. The Walton Nickel’s rich history just adds to its attraction, and it serves as a reminder of how scarce and valuable some of these coins can become over time.
Final Words
While the majority of nickels in circulation are worth only five cents each, a few are extremely uncommon and expensive. Coins that can cost millions of dollars at auction include the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, 1926-S Buffalo Nickel, and 1867 Shield Nickel with rays.
Whether you’re a collector or just interested in the world of rare coins, these nickels demonstrate how valuable American currency can be when it’s rare, historic, and in superb condition.
