Some nickels aren’t worth just five cents—they’re worth thousands or even millions! These rare coins are prized by collectors for their unique features, condition, and interesting history. From the famous 1913 Liberty Head Nickel to the unique 1938 Jefferson Nickel, these valuable finds prove that small coins can lead to big payoffs. Here, we’ll explore four of the rarest and most valuable nickels that have fetched high prices at auctions.
1938 Jefferson Nickel – A Rare First-Year Coin
The 1938 Jefferson Nickel, minted in Denver, was one of the first coins in the Jefferson series. This coin’s high value comes from its remarkable quality and scarcity. It features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on one side and his Monticello home on the other.
- Auction Price: Sold for $33,600 in July 2022.
- Grading: MS68+ (near-perfect condition).
- Special Feature: “Full Steps” design on Monticello, which shows a clear detail of the steps.
This high-quality coin with a rare design makes it highly desired by collectors and worth far more than its face value.
Complete Proof Shield Nickel Collection – A Historic Set
The Shield Nickel series, produced from 1866 to 1883, includes some of the oldest and rarest American nickels. A complete set of these coins from the Law Collection sold at Heritage Auctions.
- Auction Price: Sold for $176,250 in August 2012.
- Condition: Graded PR65 to PR67.
- Unique Feature: The coins include rare “Cameo” and “Deep Cameo” finishes, where the mirrored and frosted surfaces contrast beautifully.
The rarity and pristine condition of this collection make it highly valuable, especially for those interested in older coins.
| Coin | Key Feature | Auction Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 Jefferson Nickel | First-year coin, “Full Steps” design | Up to $33,600 |
| Shield Nickel Collection | Complete set, high “Cameo” finish | Up to $176,250 |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Overdate error, rare mintage | Up to $264,500 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Only 5 exist, rich history | Over $3.7 million |
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – A Rare Mint Error
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, minted in Denver, is famous for its “overdate” error, where the number eight is stamped over the number seven. This mistake occurred because of a rushed die-making process.
- Auction Price: Sold for $264,500 in January 2010.
- Condition: MS65, which means it’s in excellent condition.
- Significance: The overdate error and limited high-quality examples make this coin a collector’s favorite.
If you happen to find a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, you could have a treasure worth hundreds of thousands.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The “Mona Lisa” of Coins
Known as one of the most famous coins in U.S. history, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is an incredibly rare coin. Only five of these coins exist, and they are sometimes called the “King of 20th Century Coins.”
- Auction Price: Sold for over $3.7 million in January 2010.
- Condition: PR64, indicating excellent preservation.
- Notable Ownership: Past owners include Egyptian King Farouk and Dr. Jerry Buss, an NBA team owner.
With its rich history and legendary status, this coin is highly sought after and incredibly valuable.
These rare nickels show just how valuable coins can become due to unique features, historical importance, or minting errors. Some of these coins, like the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, have even reached legendary status in the numismatic world. Whether you’re a serious collector or just curious about coins, finding one of these could be life-changing.
FAQ’s
What makes a nickel valuable?
A nickel’s value can skyrocket if it has unique errors, rare designs, or is in excellent condition.
Where can I sell a rare nickel?
Auction houses like Heritage Auctions or online platforms like eBay are popular places to sell rare coins.
Are all old nickels valuable?
Not necessarily. Older nickels may be valuable if they have rare features, minting errors, or high grades.