Collecting rare nickels is more than just holding shiny pieces of metal; it is a history dive and treasure hunt that could fetch hefty sums. Some nickels hold stories of minting mishaps, historical moments, or sheer rarity that make them coveted among numismatists. Let’s look into the top ten most valuable nickels and what makes them so special.
1913 Liberty Head V
Only five 1913 Liberty Head V Nickels are known to exist, making it one of the rarest coins in the world. This coin was not officially minted, and therefore, its origin is shrouded in mystery. Its rarity, combined with historical mystery, saw one sell for $4.56 million in 2018. Owning one is like holding a piece of U.S. monetary legend.
1918/7-D Buffalo
Overdates and other mistakes can happen. Here’s the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel. It was made when the die engraved for “1917” was re-engraved to “1918.” These pieces were created at the Denver Mint. They’re scarce, especially in higher grades. Critical collectors believe this error is worth having because it’s unique and historic.
1926-S Buffalo
The key date coin has a mintage of only 970,000. Although many of these coins are heavily circulated, finding one in good condition is difficult. High-grade examples of the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel bring a premium price and are a central item to any collection.
1916 Doubled Die Obverse
The 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is an eye-catching error coin. Doubling is most noticeable on “LIBERTY” and the Native American’s face. This coin is a favorite for its eye-catching flaw, with well-preserved examples being especially valuable.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo
Here’s a coin with an unforgettable error: a buffalo with only three legs. The missing leg resulted from excessive die polishing at the Denver Mint. This quirky mistake has elevated the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel into a legendary status among collectors.
1924-S Buffalo
Struck in a limited number of 1.4 million, the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is a tough find, especially in good condition. Poor minting quality and frequent circulation mean well-preserved coins are rare, driving up their value among collectors.
1885 Liberty Head V
The 1885 Liberty Head V Nickel is one of the most sought-after coins in the Liberty Head series, with only 1.47 million minted. Its historical significance and low mintage make it highly prized. Well-preserved specimens of this coin command a premium because of their rarity.
1912-S Liberty Head V
The 1912-S Liberty Head V Nickel was the very first nickel made at the San Francisco Mint with a production count of only 238,000, which actually makes it the lowest mintage of the entire series. Its desirability is very high, especially in higher grades, and that makes it particularly popular among collectors interested in rare Liberty Head coins.
1867 Shield (With Rays)
This 1867 Shield Nickel with Rays is a true historical gem. Its unique design, with rays around the shield, was produced for only one year due to minting problems. Thus, this short-lived design makes it a very interesting and rare addition to any nickel collection.
1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson
War-era nickels are full of stories, such as the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel. The “D” mint mark was punched horizontally before being corrected due to a minting error. This rare defect is highly collectible, and high-quality specimens are very valuable.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner looking to dive into the world of coin collecting, these nickels offer a mix of history, rarity, and artistic charm that make them treasures worth pursuing.
FAQs:
Why is the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel so rare?
Only five were ever made, and their origin is mysterious.
What is a three-legged buffalo nickel?
It’s a 1937-D nickel with a minting error removing one buffalo leg.