Nickels, which regularly cross neglected in normal transactions, maintain large cost to collectors. Some uncommon coins have fetched impressive sums at public sale, and some have bought for over 1/2 a million bucks.
In addition to those well-known treasures, there are other nickels that won’t be as famous but are still in brilliant demand amongst numismatists (coin collectors).
In this text, we’ll pass over the pinnacle 10 most precious nickels worth over $500,000, as well as shed mild on a few greater hidden treasures you may have to your series.
Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Over $500,000
Below is a table summarizing these unique coins:
| Rank | Coin Name | Year | Estimated Value | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel | 1913 | $5,262,000 | Only five known; unauthorized minting; one sold for $4.5 million in 2018. |
| 2 | 1964 Jefferson Nickel Mirror Brockage | 1964 | $1,153,000 | Unique error with mirror brockage; sold for over $1 million on eBay. |
| 3 | 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die | 1918 | $504,164 | Overdate error with visible ‘7’ under ‘8’; rare and highly valued. |
| 4 | 1926-S Buffalo Nickel | 1926 | $433,400 | Low mintage of 970,000; rare in high grades; one sold for $322,000 in 2008. |
| 5 | 1916 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse | 1916 | $432,198 | Doubling on obverse; rare and sought after by collectors. |
| 6 | 1880 Shield Nickel | 1880 | $208,581 | Low mintage; rare in high grades; proof versions highly valued. |
| 7 | 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays | 1867 | $202,868 | Features ‘rays’ design; rare in high grades; proof versions are particularly valuable. |
| 8 | 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 | 1913 | $193,447 | Type 2 design; rare in high grades; sought after by collectors. |
| 9 | 1917-S Buffalo Nickel | 1917 | $185,729 | Low mintage; rare in high grades; highly valued by collectors. |
| 10 | 1920-D Buffalo Nickel | 1920 | $185,729 | Low mintage; rare in high grades; sought after by numismatists. |
Detailed Analysis of the Top 3 Nickels
- 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is considered a milestone in numismatic history. There are only five recognized copies of these cash, and their rarity is unrivaled. These cash were no longer formally minted while the transition to the Buffalo nickel become being made in 1913. Their secretive introduction made them all of the more appealing, making them rather prized among collectors. In 2018, this sort of coins bought for $four.Five million, indicating its widespread value. - 1964 Jefferson Nickel Mirror Brockies
This unique coin displays a mirror brockies error, creating a reflected image on one side. Such errors are extremely rare, and this particular nickel created buzz when it sold for over $1 million on eBay. Its specific error and the circumstances of its sale make it a legend among numismatists. - 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is known for its overdate error, in which the numeral ‘7’ is clearly stamped below the numeral ‘8’. The error occurred during the die preparation process at the Denver Mint. Due to its rarity and the prominence of the error, this coin is highly sought after, and perfect condition examples can sell for over $500,000.
Five Hidden Treasure Nickels
Although the above nickels are well-known in numismatic circles, there may be some other valuable coins that are commonly overlooked but are actually worth a lot of money:
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Due to a die polishing error at the Denver Mint, one of the few 1937 Buffalo nickels was missing one of the buffalo’s legs. This specific mistake makes these coins very attractive among collectors. Depending on their condition, these coins can fetch good prices at auction. - 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
This coin has a notable mint mark error, in which a ‘D’ symbol is printed over a horizontal ‘D’. Such errors are rare, and existing coins in good condition can sell for high prices among enthusiasts. - 1935 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Reverse
This nickel shows doubling on the reverse side, particularly in the “FIVE CENTS” inscription. Coins with this error are rare and can be very valuable, especially in higher grades. - 1924-S Buffalo Nickel
Due to the low production and the small number of coins surviving in good condition, the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is a very valuable coin. Collectors value this coin highly due to its rarity and historical significance. - 1936-D Buffalo Nickel Three and a Half Legs
Like the 1937-D mistakes, this coin indicates the buffalo with three and a half of legs, that is due to die polishing mistakes. Its precise look makes it a perfect piece amongst numismatists.
There are many hidden treasures inside the world of coin accumulating, and nickels are no exception. While a few cash, like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, are well-known for their awesome expenses, others may be quietly hidden in collections or even in movement.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious beginner, it’s continually a good concept to check your coins—you could have a treasure that could sell for a massive greenback.
FAQs
What are the 10 valuable nickels worth over $500,000?
The 10 valuable nickels include rare, mistake, and limited-edition coins like the 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the 1937-D “three-legged” buffalo nickel. These coins can fetch over $500,000 due to their rarity and historical significance.
What makes certain nickels worth over $500,000?
Nickels worth over $500,000 are often valuable due to misprints, errors, or unique characteristics. Collectors seek coins with unusual features like wrong designs, rare mint marks, or oddities in production, making them highly sought after.
What is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the rarest U.S. coins, with only five known to exist. It was minted without authorization, making it an extraordinary piece of numismatic history worth over $500,000 each.