Coin collecting is not just a hobby for many – it’s an investment that has the potential for impressive returns. While most coins you find in everyday transactions are worth just their face value, there are rare coins from decades ago that are now fetching astonishing prices.
If you’re holding onto older nickels, it might be time to take a closer look, as some rare nickels from over 20 years ago have become incredibly valuable. In this article, we’ll explore four rare nickels that are worth a fortune now and how you can determine if you own one.
1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is perhaps the most famous and valuable nickel ever created. Known for its distinctive design, only five of these coins were ever minted. Today, just three are in private hands, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
Key Details:
- Rarity: Only five minted
- Recent Auction Prices: A PR66 example sold for $4.56 million in 2018, and a PR63 sold for $4.2 million in 2022.
- Reason for Value: Rarity and historical significance, with only a few in private collections.
What Makes It Special? The Liberty Head V Nickel is an iconic part of U.S. coin history. Its rarity and the fact that it is one of the few coins to have survived over 100 years make it an extremely valuable collector’s item. These prices reflect both its scarcity and the fierce competition at high-end coin auctions.
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a fascinating error coin. It was initially struck with the 1917 date, then mistakenly struck again with the 1918 date, leaving behind remnants of the 1917 digits beneath the final imprint.
Key Details:
- Rarity: This error is rare but not impossible to find.
- Auction Price: A finer example sold for $350,750 in 2006, equivalent to about $549,202 in 2024.
- Reason for Value: Unique error with visible remnants of the original minting, making it highly sought after by collectors.
Why Collectors Love It Errors in coin minting make coins more valuable, especially when they are visible to the naked eye. The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is an incredible piece because it showcases an accidental minting process, making it a must-have for error coin collectors.
3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel was minted in limited quantities at the San Francisco Mint, with only about 970,000 coins produced. This is significantly fewer than the millions produced at other mints, making it a rare find.
Key Details:
- Rarity: Only 970,000 coins were minted, making it rare.
- Auction Price: A high-grade MS66 example sold for $322,000 in 2008, which is equivalent to $472,096 in 2024.
- Reason for Value: Low mintage and high demand for mint-condition coins.
Why It’s Worth So Much The limited production of this nickel makes it a sought-after coin among collectors, especially those looking for well-preserved examples. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin, with well-preserved specimens often commanding impressive auction prices.
4. 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays (Proof)
The 1867 Shield Nickel with rays is one of the most valuable coins from the 19th century. This coin was meant to have rays removed from the reverse, but some escaped the modification, making these examples highly valuable.
Key Details:
- Rarity: Only a few coins were minted with the rays.
- Auction Price: An NGC-graded PR66 example sold for $132,250 in 2004, which equates to $220,998 in today’s market.
- Reason for Value: The error of retaining the rays made this coin extremely rare and desirable to collectors.
Why Collectors Go Crazy for It This coin’s rarity comes from the modification that was meant to take place but didn’t. The presence of the rays, paired with its 19th-century origins, makes it a highly collectible and valuable piece.
Factors That Influence Coin Values
Several key factors contribute to the value of rare nickels, including:
- Rarity: Coins with limited mintages or unique errors are often more valuable.
- Condition: The coin’s condition significantly affects its worth. Coins in uncirculated or proof condition are worth more than those with wear.
- Historical Significance: Coins with historical value or ties to important events are more sought after.
- Demand: Popular coins with significant demand can command higher prices, especially in auctions.
| Coin | Rarity | Auction Price (Approx.) | Mint Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | 5 minted | $4.56 million | 1913 |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Error coin | $350,750 ($549,202 today) | 1918/7 |
| 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | Low mintage (970,000) | $322,000 ($472,096 today) | 1926 |
| 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays | Error coin | $132,250 ($220,998 today) | 1867 |
Rare nickels from over 20 years ago can be worth significantly more than their face value. Coins like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, 1926-S Buffalo Nickel, and 1867 Shield Nickel with Rays have become legendary in the world of numismatics due to their rarity and historical significance.
If you’re fortunate enough to own one of these coins, you might just have a valuable treasure on your hands. Keep an eye out for these unique coins—they could potentially be worth thousands or even millions of dollars!
How do I know if I have one of these rare nickels?
Check for specific mint marks, errors like doubled dies or overstrikes, and examine the coin’s condition. If in doubt, consult a professional coin grader.
Are modern nickels valuable?
Most modern nickels are not valuable, but certain varieties with errors or unique features can be worth more than their face value.
How can I sell my rare nickel?
You can sell rare nickels at coin shows, through auction houses, or to reputable coin dealers. Make sure the coin is properly graded and authenticated before selling.
