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10 Valuable Nickels Worth Over $500,000 – Plus 5 More That Are Hidden Treasures

Published

3 weeks ago

February 3, 2025

Angie

10 Valuable Nickels Worth Over $500,000 – Plus 5 More That Are Hidden Treasures

Nickels, often overlooked in everyday transactions, can hold immense value for collectors. Certain rare specimens have fetched staggering sums at auctions, with some even surpassing the half-million-dollar mark.

Beyond these well-known treasures, there are other nickels that, while not as famous, are highly sought after by numismatists.

In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 most valuable nickels worth over $500,000 and highlight five additional hidden treasures that could be lurking in your collection.

Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Over $500,000

Below is a table summarizing these exceptional 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 Insights into the Top 3 Nickels

1913 Liberty Head V Nickel The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel stands as a pinnacle in numismatic history. With only five known specimens, its rarity is unparalleled. These coins were minted without official authorization during the transition to the Buffalo nickel in 1913. Their clandestine origin adds to their allure, making them highly coveted among collectors. In 2018, one of these nickels sold for an astounding $4.5 million, underscoring its immense value.
1964 Jefferson Nickel Mirror Brockage This unique coin features a mirror brockage error, resulting in a mirrored image on one side. Such errors are exceedingly rare, and this particular nickel garnered significant attention when it sold for over $1 million on eBay. Its distinctive flaw and the circumstances of its sale contribute to its legendary status among numismatists.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is renowned for its overdate error, where the ‘7’ is visibly stamped beneath the ‘8’ in the date. This mistake 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, with pristine examples fetching prices upwards of $500,000.

Five Hidden Treasure Nickels

While the aforementioned nickels are well-known in numismatic circles, several other valuable coins might be hiding in plain sight:

1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel Due to a die polishing error at the Denver Mint, some 1937 Buffalo nickels were struck missing one of the buffalo’s legs. This distinctive flaw makes these coins highly desirable among collectors. Depending on their condition, they can fetch substantial sums at auction.
1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel This coin features a notable mint mark error, where a ‘D’ was stamped over a horizontal ‘D’. Such errors are uncommon, and well-preserved specimens can command high prices among enthusiasts.
1935 Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Reverse This nickel exhibits doubling on the reverse side, particularly noticeable in the “FIVE CENTS” inscription. Coins with this error are rare and can be quite valuable, especially in higher grades.
1924-S Buffalo Nickel With a low mintage and even fewer surviving in excellent condition, the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is a prized find. Collectors value this coin for its scarcity and historical significance.
1936-D Buffalo Nickel Three and a Half Legs Similar to the 1937-D error, this coin features a buffalo with what appears to be three and a half legs due to die polishing errors. Its unique appearance makes it a sought-after piece among numismatists.

The world of coin collecting is filled with hidden gems, and nickels are no exception. While some, like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel, are renowned for their astronomical values, others may be quietly waiting in collections or even in circulation.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious novice, it’s worth examining your change—you might just discover a treasure worth a fortune.