Top 5 Nickels Worth an Amazing $250 Million Nickels might seem like pocket change, but some are worth a fortune! These rare coins are treasures for collectors, with incredible stories and sky-high prices. Together, the top five most valuable nickels are worth around $250 million because of their rarity and history. Let’s check out these amazing coins and what makes them so special.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Hidden Gem
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a superstar in the coin world. Only five were ever made, and they were never meant to be! The U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, but someone, possibly a Mint worker named Samuel Brown, secretly created these. Two are in museums, and three are in private hands, graded from PR55 to PR66. The best one, the Eliasberg specimen, sold for $4.56 million in 2018 and is now valued at about $6.25 million by PCGS. All five could be worth $20-$30 million together. Their secret origin makes them a collector’s dream.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: The Wartime Error
This Buffalo Nickel is super rare because of a cool mistake. During World War I, the Denver Mint used a 1917 die in 1918, stamping an “8” over a “7,” so you can see both numbers. Fewer than 100 are thought to exist, and the date wears out fast, making nice ones hard to find. A top-grade MS-65 sold for $350,750 in 2006 and could be worth $500,000 today. Its wartime backstory and unique error make it a big deal, adding millions to the total value.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel: The Scarce Beauty
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel stands out because the San Francisco Mint made only 970,000 of them. Most were poorly struck, so finding one in great condition is a challenge. A high-quality one sold for $322,000 in 2008, and today, the best ones could fetch even more. Collectors love it for its low mintage and the hunt for a sharp example. This nickel’s rarity makes it a key part of the $250 million total.
1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel: The Blurry Prize
The 1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel is famous for a minting error that makes the date and details look doubled. This happened because the die was misaligned, creating a blurry effect. High-grade versions are super rare, with an MS-65 selling for $281,750 in 2011. Today, top examples could be worth over $400,000. Its cool look and scarcity make it a favorite, boosting the combined worth of these nickels.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: The Quirky Collectible
This nickel is a fun oddity. In 1937, a mistake at the Denver Mint made the buffalo on the back look like it has only three legs. Many were used in circulation, so finding one in great shape is tough. A top-grade MS-65 sold for $99,000 in 2016, but the best ones could now hit $150,000 or more. Its weird design and neat story make it a must-have, wrapping up this list of valuable nickels.
| Nickel Type | Key Feature | Estimated Top Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | Secretly made | $6.25 million |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo | Overdate error | $500,000 |
| 1926-S Buffalo | Low mintage | $400,000 |
| 1916 Double Die Buffalo | Doubled design | $400,000 |
| 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo | Three-legged buffalo | $150,000 |
These five nickels aren’t just coins—they’re pieces of history! From secret minting to quirky errors, each has a story that drives its huge value. Next time you check your change, you might just find a million-dollar nickel!
