Did you know that some nickels are worth way more than five cents? While most people overlook these small coins, rare nickels have sold for millions at auctions.
Collectors are always on the hunt for these valuable treasures, and some of them could even be hiding in your pocket change!
Let’s dive into the top 10 most valuable nickels ever minted and find out what makes them so special.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.5 Million
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest coins in existence. Only five were ever made, and they were struck after the design was officially discontinued.
No one knows exactly why they were minted, but today, they are among the most valuable coins in the world. One of these nickels, known as the “Olsen Nickel,” sold for an astonishing $4.5 million in 2018.
2. 1880 Shield Nickel – $3.7 Million
The 1880 Shield Nickel is another rare find, with only a few proof versions ever made. Featuring a unique shield design, this coin is highly sought after by collectors.
In 2008, an 1880 Shield Nickel in perfect condition was sold for $3.7 million.
3. 1916 Buffalo Nickel – $3.2 Million
Buffalo Nickels are among the most popular U.S. coins, but the 1916 edition stands out due to its rarity.
Many of these coins were heavily circulated, making well-preserved ones extremely hard to find. One of these rare nickels fetched $3.2 million at auction in 2021.
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – $2.8 Million
Minted in San Francisco, the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel had a low production number, making it difficult to find today.
Because of its scarcity, collectors are willing to pay big money for one in great condition. A near-perfect 1926-S Buffalo Nickel sold for $2.8 million in 2019.
5. 1867 Shield Nickel – $2.5 Million
The 1867 Shield Nickel with rays on the reverse is a rare proof coin that was never meant for circulation.
Its unique design and historical significance make it a collector’s dream. In 2014, an 1867 Shield Nickel sold for $2.5 million.
6. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged Variety) – $2.2 Million
This nickel is famous for its minting error—one of the buffalo’s legs is missing! The mistake happened when a mint worker accidentally removed part of the design.
Because of this error, the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel has become a highly collectible coin, with one selling for $2.2 million in 2017.
7. 1879 Shield Nickel – $2.1 Million
The 1879 Shield Nickel is another proof coin that never entered circulation. Due to its rarity and pristine condition, one sold for $2.1 million in 2016.
8. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel – $1.9 Million
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel is rare because of its low mintage and the fact that most were heavily used. Finding one in mint condition is incredibly difficult, which is why one sold for $1.9 million in 2020.
9. 1920-S Buffalo Nickel – $1.7 Million
Like the 1918-S version, the 1920-S Buffalo Nickel had a small production run, and many were worn down through circulation. A high-quality 1920-S Buffalo Nickel was auctioned off for $1.7 million in 2018.
10. 1936-D Buffalo Nickel – $1.5 Million
Produced in Denver, the 1936-D Buffalo Nickel is a rare key date coin. Collectors are willing to pay huge sums for well-preserved versions, with one selling for $1.5 million in 2015.
Table: Most Valuable Nickels Ever Minted
| Coin | Mint | Value | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | U.S. Mint | $4.5 Million | Only five known to exist |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $3.7 Million | Rare proof issue |
| 1916 Buffalo Nickel | U.S. Mint | $3.2 Million | Low mintage, heavily circulated |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $2.8 Million | Low mintage, scarce key date |
| 1867 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $2.5 Million | Rare proof with rays |
| 1937-D Buffalo Nickel | Denver | $2.2 Million | Famous “three-legged” mint error |
| 1879 Shield Nickel | U.S. Mint | $2.1 Million | Rare proof coin |
| 1918-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $1.9 Million | Hard to find in high grades |
| 1920-S Buffalo Nickel | San Francisco | $1.7 Million | Many were heavily circulated |
| 1936-D Buffalo Nickel | Denver | $1.5 Million | Rare key date with high demand |
Why Are These Nickels So Valuable?
Several factors determine a nickel’s value:
- Rarity – The fewer coins available, the more valuable they become.
- Historical Significance – Many of these nickels mark important events in U.S. coin history.
- Condition – Coins in mint or near-mint condition fetch the highest prices.
- Minting Errors – Mistakes like the “three-legged” Buffalo Nickel make coins even more desirable.
The world of rare nickels is full of surprises. Some of these coins are worth millions, turning small pieces of metal into prized collectibles.
If you ever come across an old nickel, take a closer look—you might just be holding a fortune!
