Nickels might jingle in your pocket, but some are worth millions! These tiny treasures are super rare, with stories that make coin collectors’ hearts race. The top five most valuable nickels together are worth around $250 million, thanks to their scarcity and fascinating history. Let’s explore these incredible coins and why they’re so special.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Secret Coin
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is a legend in the coin world. Only five were ever made, and they weren’t even supposed to exist! The U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913, but someone—possibly a Mint worker named Samuel Brown—secretly made these. Two are in museums, and three are owned privately, with grades from PR55 to PR66. The best one, called the Eliasberg specimen, sold for $4.56 million in 2018 and is now worth about $6.25 million, according to PCGS. All five together could be valued at $20-$30 million. Their mystery makes them a collector’s holy grail.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: The Wartime Mistake
This Buffalo Nickel is a rare find because of a cool mistake. During World War I, the Denver Mint reused a 1917 die in 1918, stamping an “8” over a “7.” You can see both numbers, which is super rare! Fewer than 100 are thought to exist, and the date area wears out fast, making nice ones hard to find. A top-grade MS-65 sold for $350,750 in 2006 and could hit $500,000 today. Its wartime story and unique error make it a big deal, adding millions to the total value.
1926-S Buffalo Nickel: The Rare Low-Minter
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is special because the San Francisco Mint made only 970,000 of them. Most were poorly made, so finding one in great shape is tough. A high-quality one sold for $322,000 in 2008, and today, the best ones could go for even more. Collectors love it because of the low number made and the challenge of finding a crisp one. This nickel’s scarcity boosts its value, making it a key player in the $250 million total.
1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel: The Blurry Beauty
The 1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel is famous for a minting error where 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 fetching $281,750 at auction in 2011. Today, top examples could be worth over $400,000. Its unique look and rarity make it a favorite among collectors, contributing big to the combined worth of these nickels.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: The Odd One Out
This nickel is a quirky treasure. A mistake at the Denver Mint in 1937 caused the buffalo on the back to look like it has only three legs. Many were circulated, so finding one in great condition is a big deal. A top-grade MS-65 sold for $99,000 in 2016, but the best ones could now hit $150,000 or more. Its odd design and fun story make it a must-have, rounding out the list of valuable nickels.
| Nickel Type | Key Feature | Estimated Top Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | Secretly minted | $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 are more than just coins—they’re pieces of history! From secret minting to wartime errors, each has a story that drives its massive value. If you ever find one in your change, you might just be holding a fortune!
