Most Valuable Nickels: 15 Nickels Worth Money in Your Pocket Change

Why Some Nickels Are Worth Thousands

The five-cent coin might seem like the least exciting denomination in your pocket, but certain nickels are among the most valuable coins in American numismatics. From the legendary 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth over $4 million to common-looking Jefferson nickels with subtle errors worth hundreds, the nickel series is full of hidden treasures.

Three main nickel designs have been used in US coinage: the Shield nickel (1866–1883), Liberty Head or V nickel (1883–1913), and the Buffalo or Indian Head nickel (1913–1938), followed by the Jefferson nickel (1938–present). Each series contains key dates, errors, and varieties that collectors actively seek.

The 15 Most Valuable Nickels

1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel — $3,000,000 to $5,000,000

Only five examples are known to exist, and they were never officially authorized by the US Mint. The most recent sale was in 2018 when a specimen graded PCGS PR-66 sold for $4,560,000. These are among the most famous and valuable coins in the world. The five known specimens each have documented histories and are accounted for in museums and private collections.

2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel — $25,000 to $350,000

This overdate variety was created when a 1918 die was punched over a 1917 die at the Denver Mint. The remnants of the 7 are visible beneath the 8. In Good-4 condition, examples sell for $1,000 to $2,000. In MS-65, prices reach $250,000 to $350,000. It is considered the king of Buffalo nickel varieties.

3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel — $8,000 to $100,000

With a mintage of 970,000, the 1926-S is the lowest-mintage regular-issue Buffalo nickel. Finding one in high grade is extremely difficult because most were heavily circulated. In Good-4, expect $15 to $25. In MS-65, this coin can bring $75,000 to $100,000 or more.

4. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel — $3,000 to $50,000

A dramatic doubled die that shows clear doubling on the date and the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. In Fine-12, prices start around $3,000. In MS-63, expect $25,000 to $50,000.

5. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel — $500 to $25,000

One of the most famous error coins in US history. An overly polished die at the Denver Mint removed the front leg of the buffalo on the reverse. In Good-4, these sell for $500 to $800. In MS-65, prices reach $20,000 to $25,000. Be careful of counterfeits — many fakes exist.

6. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel — $400 to $15,000

With a mintage of just 1,472,700 for circulation strikes, the 1885 is the key date in the Liberty Head nickel series. In Good-4, expect $400 to $600. In MS-65, prices exceed $10,000.

7. 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel — $150 to $10,000

The last year of regular Liberty Head nickel production at the San Francisco Mint had a mintage of 238,000. In Good-4, these sell for $150 to $250. This is one of the most affordable key dates in the nickel series for beginning collectors.

8. 1942-1945 Silver War Nickels — $1.50 to $200

During World War II, nickel metal was needed for the war effort, so the Mint changed the composition to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These war nickels are identifiable by the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse. Common dates in circulated condition are worth $1.50 to $3 for their silver content. Uncirculated examples with full steps on Monticello can bring $50 to $200.

9. 1936-D 3.5 Legs Buffalo Nickel — $500 to $5,000

Less well-known than the 1937-D 3-Legged variety, this Denver Mint error shows a partially missing front leg on the buffalo. The leg appears thin and partially effaced. In VF-20, prices start around $500. In MS-63, expect $3,000 to $5,000.

10. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel — $15 to $30

With a mintage of only 2,630,030, the 1950-D was heavily hoarded by speculators at the time. Despite the low mintage, availability of uncirculated examples keeps prices moderate. In MS-65 Full Steps, prices can reach $200 to $400. This is an excellent entry-level key date for new collectors.

11. 1939 Doubled Die Reverse Jefferson Nickel — $50 to $5,000

This early Jefferson nickel variety shows strong doubling on MONTICELLO and FIVE CENTS on the reverse. In VF-20, prices start around $50. In MS-65, expect $3,000 to $5,000.

12. 1867 Rays Shield Nickel — $50 to $2,000

The Shield nickel with rays between the stars on the reverse was only produced for two years (1866–1867). The rays design caused die breakage issues, leading to its removal. In Good-4, expect $50 to $80. In MS-65, prices reach $1,500 to $2,000.

13. 1921-S Buffalo Nickel — $50 to $15,000

Low mintage of 1,557,000 makes this a semi-key date. Most survivors are heavily worn. In Good-4, expect $50 to $80. In MS-65, prices can exceed $10,000.

14. 2005 Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel — $50 to $500

A die gouge on the 2005 Kansas design creates what appears to be a spear running through the bison. This modern error is popular with collectors of Jefferson nickel varieties. In MS-65, prices range from $200 to $500.

15. 1883 No CENTS Liberty Head Nickel — $5 to $300

The first year of the Liberty Head nickel omitted the word CENTS from the reverse. Hustlers gold-plated them and passed them off as $5 gold pieces. The Mint quickly added CENTS to the design. The No CENTS variety in Good-4 is worth $5 to $10. In MS-65, prices reach $200 to $300.

Quick Price Reference Table

Nickel	Mintage	Good/Fine	MS-63 to MS-65
1913 Liberty Head	5 known	$3,000,000+	$4,500,000+
1918/7-D Buffalo	Unknown	$1,000–$2,000	$250,000–$350,000
1926-S Buffalo	970,000	$15–$25	$75,000–$100,000
1916 DDO Buffalo	Unknown	$3,000	$25,000–$50,000
1937-D 3-Legged	Unknown	$500–$800	$20,000–$25,000
1885 Liberty Head	1,472,700	$400–$600	$10,000+
1912-S Liberty Head	238,000	$150–$250	$5,000+
1942–1945 War Nickels	Millions	$1.50–$3	$50–$200
1936-D 3.5 Legs	Unknown	$500	$3,000–$5,000
1950-D Jefferson	2,630,030	$15–$30	$200–$400 FS
1939 DDR Jefferson	Unknown	$50	$3,000–$5,000
1867 Rays Shield	2,019,000	$50–$80	$1,500–$2,000
1921-S Buffalo	1,557,000	$50–$80	$10,000+
2005 Speared Bison	Unknown	N/A	$200–$500
1883 No CENTS	5,474,300	$5–$10	$200–$300

How to Identify Valuable Nickels

• Check dates and mint marks. Key dates listed above should be set aside immediately. Mint marks on Buffalo nickels are on the reverse below FIVE CENTS.
• Look for the 3-legged variety. On 1937-D Buffalo nickels, examine the front leg of the buffalo carefully with a magnifying glass. The genuine variety also shows a raised line of metal where the leg was removed.
• Test for silver war nickels. Look for the large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse of 1942–1945 nickels. These contain 35% silver and are worth pulling from circulation.
• Save all Buffalo nickels. Even common dates in readable condition are worth $1 to $3, and dateless Buffalo nickels are worth $0.25 to $0.50.
• Check Jefferson nickels for Full Steps. Look at the steps of Monticello on the reverse. Coins with 5 or 6 fully struck, unbroken steps (designated FS by grading services) command significant premiums.

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