With digital payments becoming the norm, physical coins are often overlooked. But did you know some old nickels could be worth a fortune?
Many people may have these valuable coins stashed away without even realizing it. Let’s dive into 16 rare nickels that could bring unexpected wealth if found.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Only five are known to exist, making this one of the rarest U.S. coins. A genuine Liberty Head Nickel can sell for millions due to its rarity and historical significance.
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2. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
This coin from the San Francisco Mint is highly sought after by collectors. Its value can be in the thousands if it’s in excellent condition, making it a valuable find.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
An error coin where the buffalo’s front leg appears missing, this peculiar variety fetches thousands of dollars, particularly in higher grades.
4. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
This wartime error coin shows a D mintmark punched over a horizontal D. The scarcity of this error makes it highly collectible, with values reaching into the hundreds or thousands.
5. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The lowest-mintage Jefferson Nickel ever, the 1950-D is coveted by collectors. Though common circulated versions may not be as valuable, mint-condition pieces are worth much more.
6. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
Special Mint Sets (SMS) from 1964 are scarce, and this nickel stands out among them. In high-grade conditions, these coins can fetch impressive prices.
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7. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
This rare coin features a doubling on the reverse side and is highly prized by collectors. Depending on its condition, it can be worth thousands.
8. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S is one of the lowest-mintage Buffalo nickels, making it rare and desirable among collectors. Even lower-grade versions of this coin are worth more than face value.
9. 1943-P “War” Nickel
Due to the metal shortages during World War II, this nickel was made with silver. A well-preserved example can sell for a decent price, thanks to its unique composition.
10. 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel Overdate
Overdates, like the 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel, are rare and valuable due to the minting mistake. These coins can be quite expensive in top condition.
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11. 1949-S Jefferson Nickel
Though it’s not as famous as some others, the 1949-S is another key date in the Jefferson series. High-grade coins can sell for a premium, making it a sought-after piece.
12. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
This nickel is relatively rare, and collectors often search for higher-grade examples. Well-preserved versions can reach into the thousands in value.
13. 1919-S Buffalo Nickel
Similar to other San Francisco Mint coins, the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel is rare in mint condition. Coins in high grade command a significant price.
14. 1936-D Buffalo Nickel
Another key date for Buffalo Nickels, the 1936-D is valued by collectors and is worth far more than face value when in top condition.
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15. 1942-D Silver Jefferson Nickel
This wartime nickel contains silver due to the shortage of nickel. Its silver content, combined with its historical significance, makes it valuable today.
16. 2005-D Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel
A modern error coin, the Speared Bison variety from 2005 features a die gouge that appears as a spear running through the bison. This unique error makes it a valuable coin for collectors.
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.