Rare nickels have become highly sought after by collectors, with some fetching close to $1 million at auction. Surprisingly, a few of these valuable nickels are still in circulation today, hiding in plain sight.
Below, we will explore five of the rarest nickels, their features, and why they’re worth so much. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it could be a life-changing discovery!
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This is one of the most famous and rarest coins in U.S. history. Only five examples are known to exist, making it a true treasure. These nickels were minted without official authorization, making them illegal to produce at the time. The scarcity, combined with their fascinating history, has led to values soaring close to $5 million.
1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel
The 1942-D nickel is prized for its unique minting error where the “D” mintmark appears twice—one over another in a horizontal fashion. This error makes it incredibly rare, and collectors are willing to pay high prices for well-preserved examples. With its historical significance and the fact that it’s a World War II-era coin, this nickel’s value is near $100,000.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This is another highly valuable nickel, notable for its famous overdate. In 1918, a 7 was struck over an 8 due to an error in the minting process. This kind of minting error is rare, and collectors are willing to pay a high premium for it, with prices reaching up to $350,000.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
This unusual error coin from the Denver Mint is famous for its missing front leg on the buffalo due to over-polishing of the die. The scarcity and striking error make it a highly sought-after piece among collectors, with some examples valued at up to $150,000.
1943-P War Nickel
The 1943-P War Nickel stands out for being minted during World War II when nickel was a strategic war material. These nickels contain silver, making them unique compared to standard nickels. While they may not be as rare as the others on this list, they are highly collectible and can be worth thousands in high-grade condition.
| Coin Name | Scarcity | Estimated Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Extremely Rare | Up to $5 million | Unauthorized minting |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D | Rare | $100,000+ | Double mint mark error |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Rare | Up to $350,000 | Overdate error |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo | Rare | Up to $150,000 | Missing buffalo leg |
| 1943-P War Nickel | Collectible | Thousands | Silver composition |
FAQs
What makes a nickel valuable?
The value of a nickel depends on its rarity, minting errors, condition, and historical significance. Coins with errors or low mintage numbers tend to be more valuable.
How do I know if I have a rare nickel?
Carefully examine your coins for minting errors, special markings, and dates that correspond with valuable nickels. It’s also helpful to have them appraised by a professional.
Are rare nickels still in circulation?
Yes, though extremely rare, some of these valuable nickels could still be in circulation, particularly war nickels or error coins.
Can I sell rare nickels at auction?
Absolutely! Many collectors and auction houses are willing to pay top dollar for rare and valuable nickels in good condition.
How should I store valuable nickels?
Keep them in protective cases to avoid damage and store them in a cool, dry place to preserve their condition and value.
