Ever wonder if that old nickel in your pocket or coin jar could be worth thousands—or even millions? It might sound like wishful thinking, but certain U.S. nickels have become legends in the world of coin collecting.
Thanks to rare mint errors, low production numbers, or mysterious origins, these coins now trade hands for small fortunes. Let’s look into the five most valuable nickels in U.S. history and look into what makes them so special.
Table of Contents
Liberty
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is in a league of its own. Only five of these coins are known to exist, and here’s the kicker—they were never supposed to be made. The Liberty design was replaced by the Buffalo nickel in 1913, yet somehow, five Liberty Head nickels with that year’s date appeared.
Many believe Mint employee Samuel Brown secretly produced them. Today, two are in museums and three are in private collections. Their rarity is unmatched—one sold for 4.56 million dollars in 2018. Experts believe they could fetch 5 million or more today.
This coin isn’t just rare—it’s iconic. It’s appeared on TV shows, in novels, and has fascinated collectors for generations.
Overdate
Next up, we’ve got the 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel, known for its unique overdate error. In a rush to meet wartime demand, the Denver Mint repunched a 1917 die with the year 1918, leaving traces of the “7” beneath the “8.”
With fewer than 100 known, this nickel is the rarest regular-issue Buffalo nickel. Prices range from 25,000 dollars in worn condition to over 500,000 dollars in pristine grades. A near-perfect one sold for 350,750 dollars in 2006.
Collectors love this coin not just for its rarity but because it’s a mistake that tells a wartime story.
Three Legged
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo nickel is a showstopper. A Mint worker accidentally polished off the buffalo’s front leg, and the resulting coin looked bizarre—like the poor buffalo had only three legs.
The error was caught late, so thousands entered circulation. Today, about 1,000 to 2,000 survive. Prices vary wildly:
| Grade | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Good-VG | $500 – $1,000 |
| Fine-VF | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| XF-AU | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Uncirculated | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
One high-grade example sold for 161,000 dollars in 2017. Its dramatic appearance makes it a fan-favorite among collectors.
Shield
Don’t sleep on the 1880 Shield nickel. It has the lowest mintage of any regular-issue U.S. nickel—just 16,000 coins made. That makes it the key date for the Shield series.
Back then, demand for nickels had dropped, so most coins were circulated and worn down. Very few exist in top condition today.
Values range from 2,000 dollars for a worn piece to over 75,000 dollars for an uncirculated example. A nearly flawless MS-66+ sold for 108,000 dollars in 2019.
Unlike the other nickels on this list, this one isn’t an error—it’s a true rarity due to limited production.
Jefferson
The 1950-D Jefferson nickel is a modern key date. With just over 2.6 million minted, it has the lowest mintage in the series. Collectors recognized its potential early, and many were pulled from circulation immediately.
As a result, plenty of uncirculated examples exist, but quality still matters. Here’s what they’re worth:
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $15 – $30 |
| Uncirculated | $50 – $150 |
| MS-65 | $150 – $250 |
| MS-66 FS+ | $500 – $5,000+ |
One exceptional MS-67+ Full Steps coin fetched 15,275 dollars in 2018. It’s a great entry-level rarity for new collectors.
Hunting
Think you’ll never find a valuable nickel? Think again. Treasure still hides in plain sight:
- Inherited coin jars may contain Jefferson or Buffalo nickels with real value.
- Bank roll hunting is a hobby where collectors search $2 rolls for key dates.
- Estate sales and flea markets can hide rare finds from unknowing sellers.
These methods have uncovered valuable nickels before—like the guy who found a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo worth 3,700 dollars in a family collection.
Authenticity
Unfortunately, high prices attract fakes. So how do you know your find is real? Simple: get it certified. Third-party services like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS can authenticate your coin, often for 25 to 75 dollars.
Certification protects you from scams and ensures top value if you sell.
Legacy
What really makes these nickels special? They’re more than just metal—they’re time capsules. From wartime production errors to unauthorized minting, each tells a unique story about America’s past.
Whether you’re investing, collecting, or just curious, these coins prove that even humble pocket change can hold extraordinary secrets.
Next time you handle a nickel, flip it over, squint at the date, and ask yourself: could this be one of the greats?
FAQs
What’s the rarest U.S. nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel—only 5 exist.
Can nickels still be found in circulation?
Yes, especially 1950-D and some Buffalo nickels.
What’s a 3-legged buffalo nickel worth?
Anywhere from $500 to over $150,000.
What does ‘Full Steps’ mean?
It refers to sharp detail on Monticello’s steps.
Is coin certification necessary?
Yes, to prove authenticity and protect value.
