While nickels are often overlooked as just another piece of small change, some are worth significantly more than their face value. Whether it’s due to rare minting errors, low production numbers, or unique designs, certain American nickels have become highly desirable for collectors. In this article, we look into 10 valuable American nickels that could potentially be in your pocket.
Liberty Head
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American history. Only five of these nickels were ever produced, and they were minted illegally by a rogue employee at the U.S. Mint. These coins are now worth millions, with one selling for over $4 million at auction. If you ever stumble upon one, you’ve hit the jackpot!
War Nickels
From 1942 to 1945, the U.S. Mint produced War Nickels made with 35% silver to conserve nickel for the war effort. These nickels are easily identified by the large mint mark (P, D, or S) placed above the Monticello building on the reverse side. Because of their silver content, they are worth more than their face value, with collectors often paying $1 to $2 or more, depending on the condition.
Bison Nickel
In 2005, the U.S. Mint released the Bison Nickel as part of a series celebrating the Lewis and Clark expedition. The reverse of this nickel features a striking image of a buffalo, paying tribute to the American West. In uncirculated condition, these coins can sell for a premium, with collectors willing to pay several dollars for a pristine example.
Buffalo Nickel
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel, minted in Denver, is another valuable coin worth more than its face value. With its low mintage and high demand among collectors, this coin has become a sought-after piece. Identifying this coin is easy—just look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse side below the buffalo. Prices can range from $10 to $50, depending on the condition.
Bicentennial Jefferson Nickel
The 2009-D Jefferson Nickel is a special edition nickel minted to commemorate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Its limited production makes it highly collectible, especially in uncirculated condition. Pristine examples of this coin can sell for several times its face value, with prices often reaching up to $5 or more.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is a key date coin that is highly sought after by collectors. Due to its relatively low mintage, it commands a premium in the coin market. In circulated condition, this coin can sell for $10 to $15, and in uncirculated condition, it can be worth much more, sometimes reaching $50 or higher.
1982-P Error Nickel
In 1982, the U.S. Mint mistakenly produced a small batch of Jefferson Nickels with the mint mark placed on the wrong side of the coin. These error coins are highly collectible, with collectors willing to pay well over face value for them. If you come across one, it could be worth $100 or more, depending on the severity of the error and its condition.
Peace Medal Nickel
Released in 2004, the Peace Medal Nickel is part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, which commemorates the Lewis and Clark expedition. This coin features a design of a hand offering a peace medal and is highly collectible, particularly in uncirculated condition. A pristine Peace Medal Nickel can fetch around $3 to $5 or more.
Proof Jefferson Nickel
The 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel is a specially minted coin that was struck with extra care to create a high-quality proof finish. These proof coins are typically sold to collectors and not intended for general circulation. Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse side to identify this proof nickel, which can sell for $5 to $20, depending on its condition.
Bicentennial Portrait Nickel
In 2006, the U.S. Mint released a special Jefferson Nickel featuring an updated portrait of Thomas Jefferson in honor of his bicentennial. This coin is highly collectible, especially in uncirculated condition, and can sell for several dollars, with pristine examples fetching $5 or more.
| Coin Type | Key Feature | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Only 5 made; illegal minting | $4 million+ |
| 1942-1945 War Nickel | 35% silver content | $1 – $2+ |
| 2005 Bison Nickel | Buffalo design; Lewis and Clark series | $2 – $5+ |
| 1936-D Buffalo Nickel | Denver mint; low mintage | $10 – $50+ |
| 2009-D Jefferson Nickel | Bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth | $1 – $5+ |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | Low mintage | $10 – $50+ |
| 1982-P Error Nickel | Mint mark error | $100+ |
| 2004 Peace Medal Nickel | Westward Journey series | $3 – $5+ |
| 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel | Proof finish; “S” mint mark | $5 – $20+ |
| 2006-P Bicentennial Portrait Nickel | Updated portrait of Jefferson | $3 – $5+ |
While most nickels are only worth five cents, some rare and valuable nickels can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. Whether it’s a unique mint error, a low mintage, or a special edition design, these nickels are treasures waiting to be found in everyday transactions. So next time you handle loose change, take a closer look—you might be holding a valuable piece of numismatic history.
FAQs
What is the most valuable nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is worth millions, with only five known to exist.
How can I tell if I have a War Nickel?
Look for a large mint mark above the Monticello building on the reverse side.
What makes a nickel collectible?
Mint errors, low mintage, or special editions can increase a nickel’s value.
Are all 1936 Buffalo Nickels valuable?
Only the 1936-D Buffalo Nickel is significantly valuable due to its low mintage.
How much is a 1950-D Jefferson Nickel worth?
Depending on its condition, it can be worth $10 to $50 or more.
