That five-cent coin in your pocket could be worth more than you expect.
While most nickel coins are worth only their face value, some rare coins have earned a special place in the world of numismatics (the study and collection of coins). Some of these coins have sold for millions of dollars at auction.
Why are these coins so expensive?
Sometimes these coins become very rare due to a mint mistake, being issued in small numbers, or historical significance. These rare coins are no longer just ordinary currency today, but have become priceless treasures for collectors. Let’s learn about five such rarest and most expensive US nickel coins.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Most Valuable and Mysterious Coin
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps the rarest and most mysterious nickel coin ever. This coin was never actually officially released, as the Liberty Head design was phased out in 1913 in favor of the Buffalo nickel. But still, five such coins have surfaced, possibly made in secret by a Mint employee.
- Total Known Coins: 5
- Highest Auction Price: $4.56 Million (2018)
This coin’s mysterious origins and rarity make it one of the most valuable coins for collectors. Experts believe that if this coin went to auction again today, it could fetch over $5 million.
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – A Unique Minting Error
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is famous for an overdate error (accidentally having two years’ dates on the same coin). This mistake happened when a new date of 1918 was engraved on an old 1917 mint die. This causes the image of the “7” below the “8” to appear faint. This mistake happened in very few coins, making this coin extremely rare.
- Estimated coins remaining: Less than 100
- Highest auction price: $350,750 (2006)
If you have this coin, it can be worth anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000 depending on its condition.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel – The Most Famous Mint Error Coin
This coin is considered to be one of the most famous mint errors in the world of numismatics. The buffalo on this coin is missing one of its front legs. This mistake was caused by over-polishing of the coin’s die (mold) at the mint. Due to this, this coin quickly caught the attention of the people and became popular among collectors.
- Estimated coins remaining: 1,000-2,000
- Highest auction price: $161,000 (2017, in MS-67 grade)
Even if the condition of this coin is poor, its price can start from $500 and exceed $100,000. This coin is considered to be one of the most popular rare coins of the US coins.
4. 1880 Shield Nickel – One of the least minted coins
The 1880 Shield Nickel was released in very small numbers, making it one of the rarest nickel coins of the US currency. Demand for nickel coins was low at that time, due to which only 16,000 coins were made.
- Total Coins Issued: 16,000
- Highest Auction Price: $108,000 (2019, in MS-66+ grade)
This coin, even if worn, starts at $2,000, and uncirculated coins can go up to $75,000.
5. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel – The Rarest Coin of the Modern Era
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is a unique rare coin from the post-World War II era. Its total minting was only 2.63 million, which is considered very low for nickel coins. Collectors were already aware of its rarity, so it was treasured in large numbers.
- Total Coins Issued: 2.63 million
- Highest Auction Price: $15,275 (2018, in MS-67+ Full Steps grade)
If this coin is even slightly worn, it can be worth $15-$30. But coins in excellent condition (Full Steps) can go for $500-$5,000.
Could you own a rare nickel coin?
If you have a passion for coin collecting, you may already own one of these valuable coins! The value of any coin is determined by considering minting errors, rarity, and historical significance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many 1913 Liberty Head nickels are left?
There are only 5 known coins in existence.
What is the most expensive nickel coin ever minted?
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel, which sold for $4.56 million in 2018.
How to Identify a 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel?
This coin will be missing one of the buffalo’s front legs, making it an easy coin to identify.
Why is the 1950-D Jefferson Nickel valuable?
This coin was made in very small numbers, making it rare.
Can rare nickel coins still be found in circulation?
This is very rare, but sometimes old or error coins can be found in rolls of coins or in inherited collections.
Conclusion
These five rare nickel coins prove that even an ordinary-looking coin can be worth millions of dollars. If you have an old coin, it may be one of the rarest and most valuable treasures around!