Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby for many people around the world. For some, it’s a casual interest, while for others, it can be a serious investment that brings in a lot of money. Most of the coins we come across in everyday life are only worth their face value. However, there are some rare coins, especially nickels, that can be worth a lot more. These rare nickels, minted decades or even centuries ago, are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch a huge amount of money today. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable and rare nickels that could be worth a fortune.
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the most valuable U.S. nickels ever made. Only five of these coins are known to exist, and three of them are owned by private collectors. These coins are so rare that they can sell for millions of dollars at auction. One of them, graded PR66, was sold for an incredible $4.56 million in 2018. Another coin with a slightly lower grade, PR63, sold for $4.2 million in 2022. The price of these coins depends on their condition, with higher-grade coins fetching much higher prices.
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is another highly valuable coin, but its value comes from a unique error. This coin was mistakenly struck with the date 1917, and then the same coin was struck again with the correct date of 1918. As a result, you can still see the “7” from the original strike beneath the final “8”. This doubled die error makes the coin very special. A well-preserved version of this coin was sold for $350,750 back in 2006, which would be around $549,202 today due to inflation.
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is another rare coin that could make you a lot of money. The “S” on this coin indicates it was minted at the San Francisco Mint, and only 970,000 of these coins were made. This number is tiny compared to the millions of other Buffalo nickels that were produced at different mints. If you find one of these coins in mint condition, it could be worth a lot of money. In 2008, a particularly well-preserved example of this coin was sold for $322,000 at an auction. Today, this would be equivalent to $472,096 in 2024 dollars.
4. 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays (Proof)
The 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays is a unique coin because it was produced during a time of change. The “rays” around the “5” on the back of the coin were originally meant to be removed, but some coins escaped this change. These rare coins are the most valuable from the Shield Nickel series. One of these rare coins, graded PR66, was sold for $132,250 in 2004, which would be about $220,998 in today’s money.
5. Silver War Nickels (1942-1945)
Though not as rare as the coins listed above, Silver War Nickels from 1942-1945 are still valuable. These coins are made with a different mixture of metals, including silver, due to shortages during World War II. While they are more common than the older nickels mentioned earlier, they are still worth more than their face value. For example, these coins typically start at around $16 in value, according to The Spruce Crafts.
6. Other Modern and More Common Nickels
While many of the most valuable nickels are from the distant past, there are still some rare and valuable examples from more recent years. For instance, there are Shield Nickels from various years that can start at about $16 if they are in good condition. These are not as valuable as the older coins listed here, but they are still worth more than most everyday nickels.
7. How to Find Rare Nickels
If you want to get into coin collecting and possibly find valuable nickels, it’s important to know where to look. The best place to find rare coins is often in older change, as many rare nickels are no longer in circulation. You can also check through your personal coin collection or visit antique shops and coin dealers. Be sure to do your research to identify the most valuable coins and learn how to check for important details like the mint mark, year of production, and condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rare nickels from the past can be worth a fortune today. Coins like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, and the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel can fetch millions of dollars at auction, making them highly prized by collectors. While most of the coins we see in everyday life are worth only their face value, these rare and unique nickels are proof that the world of coin collecting can be a valuable investment. If you’re interested in coin collecting, it’s important to be on the lookout for these rare finds and learn about their history and significance.
Guilderland Historical Society
FAQs
What makes a nickel valuable?
A nickel becomes valuable due to its rarity, historical significance, or minting errors.
Are all 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels worth millions?
No, only well-preserved 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels are worth millions, with a few in private collections.
What is a silver war nickel?
Silver war nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945, contain silver and are more valuable than regular nickels.