Have you ever dug around in your pockets or searched your sofa cushions for loose change? Before you spend or toss those coins, take a moment to check them closely. Some coins can be worth a small fortune if they are rare, old, or have unique features.
Rare 1930s Coins That Are Worth a Fortune
The History of the Five-Cent Coin
According to the U.S. Mint, the five-cent coin, commonly known as the nickel, was first introduced in 1866. Initially called “shield coins,” the design evolved over the years. By 1883, we saw the Liberty Head nickel, which featured a woman representing liberty. This design was in use until 1913.
Then came the Buffalo nickel, which showcased an American bison on the reverse side from 1913 to 1938. Today, we mostly use the Jefferson nickel, named after the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson.
During World War II (1942-1945), the nickel composition changed. The Mint had to stop using nickel and instead made coins from silver and magnesium to save resources for the war effort. Today’s nickels consist of 25% nickel and 75% copper.
Valuable Nickels: $500 to $30,000
While some early versions of the Jefferson nickel can be worth millions, many other five-cent coins are worth checking out too! Here are some that might be sitting in your collection:
1936-D Buffalo Nickel, 3 1/2 Legs, MS 63
If you find a 1936-D Buffalo Nickel, especially one with the rare “3 1/2 legs” error, you could have something valuable! This error happened because the die used to mint the coin was over-polished, making it look like the bison’s left foreleg is missing. Only around 300 of these coins exist, so their rarity boosts their value significantly.
Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. Even a poorly graded Buffalo Nickel (grade 4) can fetch around $500. The highest known sale for a coin graded MS63 reached an impressive $20,700, and it could now be worth up to $30,000!
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Keep Your Eyes Open!
When searching for valuable coins, don’t overlook your spare change! Some nickels could be hiding in plain sight, waiting to turn into big bucks. If you think you’ve found something special, consider getting it appraised by a professional.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just someone who enjoys the occasional treasure hunt, knowing about these valuable nickels can help you make the most of your coin collection. So next time you dig through your change, remember to keep an eye out for those rare five-cent coins!
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.