Some nickels are worth way more than five cents. A few rare ones, due to minting errors, low production, or wild historical stories, can fetch millions at auction. These coins are treasures for collectors, and their value comes from rarity, condition, and unique quirks. Here’s a look at the top five most valuable nickels in U.S. history, worth a combined $250 million, that could be hiding in your change jar.
The Legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is the rock star of coins. Only five were ever made, and they shouldn’t even exist. The U.S. Mint switched to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913, but someone, likely a Mint worker named Samuel Brown, secretly struck these five coins with the old Liberty Head design. Three are in private hands, and two sit in museums. In 2018, one sold for $4.56 million, and experts say it could top $5 million today. Its mystery and rarity make it a collector’s dream, even popping up in TV shows like Hawaii Five-O.
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: A Wartime Mistake
World War I was chaotic, and so was coin production. The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is a famous error where a 1917 die was stamped with a 1918 date, leaving traces of the “7” under the “8.” Only about 100 of these exist, making them super rare. A top-grade one sold for $350,750 in 2006, and experts think it could hit $500,000 now. You can spot this coin by checking the date for that telltale overdate error. Its wartime story adds to its appeal.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: A Quirky Error
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is a fan favorite because of its obvious flaw. A Mint worker overpolished a die, erasing one of the buffalo’s front legs, creating a three-legged look. This error is easy to see, even without a magnifying glass. About 1,000 are thought to exist, and a high-grade one sold for $161,000 in 2017. Values start at $350 for worn coins, but pristine ones can go for tens of thousands. This coin’s charm lies in its bold, visible mistake.
1880 Shield Nickel: The Rare Old-Timer
The 1880 Shield Nickel is a hidden gem. Only 16,000 were minted for circulation, the lowest in the Shield Nickel series, making it a tough find. Most weren’t saved in good shape, so high-grade ones are super valuable. A well-preserved one can fetch $75,000 or more, with circulated coins starting at $2,000. Its value comes from its scarcity and its place in early American coin history, right after the Civil War.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel: A Modern Treasure
Not all valuable nickels are ancient. The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel, with just 2.63 million minted, is the rarest modern nickel. Collectors snatched them up early, so many are uncirculated. The real prize is one with “Full Steps” on Monticello’s reverse, showing crisp detail. A top-grade Full Steps coin sold for $15,275 in 2018. These are more affordable than older rarities, making them a collector’s favorite.
| Coin | Year | Top Auction Price | Estimated Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | $4.56 million (2018) | Over $5 million |
| Buffalo Nickel (Overdate) | 1918/7-D | $350,750 (2006) | Up to $500,000 |
| Buffalo Nickel (Three-Legged) | 1937-D | $161,000 (2017) | Tens of thousands |
| Shield Nickel | 1880 | $75,000+ | $2,000+ (circulated) |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1950-D | $15,275 (2018) | $500-$5,000 (Full Steps) |
Next time you’re digging through loose change, take a closer look. These nickels, from secret mintings to wartime errors, are more than money—they’re pieces of history. Check dates, mint marks, and odd details like missing legs or doubled numbers. You might just find a fortune.