Most Rare Nickels – People often think of nickels as small, unimportant coins that make noise in our pockets or piggy banks. But even though they look simple, they hold a world of hidden treasures just waiting to be found. Some nickels have become famous among collectors and investors because they are rare, have historical value, or were made by mistake.
These rare nickels can sell for huge amounts of money at auction, making an ordinary day into a life-changing event. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these nine rare nickels, you could become very rich overnight.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous rare nickels and should be on any list of them. In 1913, the U.S. Mint officially switched to the Buffalo nickel design, but somehow five Liberty Head nickels were made that year. There are many different ideas about how these coins came to be, which makes them even more mysterious.
There are only five known examples, and each one has a unique story to tell. In 2021, one specimen that PCGS graded Proof-66 sold for more than $4.5 million. Finding one of these rare nickels is like winning the lottery; it could make you a millionaire right away.
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2. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickel
Another very rare coin is the 1916 doubled die obverse nickel. This mistake happened because the die that struck the coin was not lined up correctly during production, which caused the date and inscriptions to double.
This nickel sells for astronomical prices at auction because there are thought to be fewer than 100 of them. A high-quality example can easily sell for six figures, so serious collectors need to have one. If you see this strange thing in your change, don’t spend it; get it appraised right away.
3. 1867 Shield Nickel with Rays
The Shield nickel series, which started in 1866, had rays between the stars on the back. But because it was hard to strike, the rays were taken off after just one year. This makes the 1867 Shield nickel with rays very rare.
This coin is valuable to collectors because of its unique design and historical importance. High-quality examples are very desirable and often sell for tens of thousands of dollars. It might seem like a long shot to find one in circulation, but it’s not impossible, and the reward could be huge.
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo nickel series, which started in 1913, is well-known for showing a Native American profile on one side and a buffalo on the other. The 1926-S issue, which was made in San Francisco, is very rare because only 970,000 were made.
Because it is rare in uncirculated condition, it is a valuable addition to any collection. Well-preserved examples often sell for thousands of dollars, and pristine examples can go for even more. This important date could be worth a lot more than what it says on the surface.
5. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Overdate
The 1918/7-D overdate is one of the most interesting types of Buffalo nickels. A worker at the Denver Mint made this mistake when they tried to re-engrave a 1917 die with “1918.” When you look closely, you can see parts of the original “7” under the “8.”
This overdate is very rare because there are fewer than 100 known examples of it. Even circulated specimens are very valuable, and high-grade ones can be worth more than $100,000. If you find this kind, you are very lucky.
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6. 1936-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1936-D 3-legged nickel is another famous type of Buffalo nickel. This mistake happened because the reverse die was polished too much, which made one of the buffalo’s legs disappear. Even though it had a clear flaw, collectors loved the coin.
High-grade examples are very hard to find, and their prices can reach five figures. If you find one of these strange nickels in your pocket change, it could make your day better in the best way possible.
7. 1914-S Buffalo Nickel
Another great coin from the early years of the series is the 1914-S Buffalo nickel. It was made in San Francisco and only 1,250,000 of them were made, which is not a lot by today’s standards. There aren’t many high-grade survivors, which makes them more valuable and in demand.
Collectors are always looking for high-quality examples, which can sell for $20,000 or more, depending on how well they are kept. It could be a sleeper hit that you can see right now.
8. 1885 Proof Shield Nickel
Collectors can buy proof coins that have sharp details and mirror-like surfaces. The 1885 proof Shield nickel is special because only 3,790 of them were made. A lot of these coins were well cared for, which is why they are still in great shape.
Today, pristine examples sell for a lot more than they are worth, with prices going over $50,000 for the best ones. It’s unlikely that you’ll find one in circulation, but old collections or estate sales might have this hidden gem.
9. 1912-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1912-S Buffalo nickel, which was also made at the San Francisco Mint, is the last item on our list. It has a mintage of 2,105,000, which makes it a little more common than some of its peers, but it is still a key date.
People who collect coins like this one because it’s old and has ties to the early days of the Buffalo nickel series. High-quality examples often sell for thousands of dollars, which makes them attractive to both new and experienced collectors.
Conclusion
Nickels may not take up much space in your wallet, but they are a great way for collectors to find rare and valuable items. These coins, like the hard-to-find 1913 Liberty Head nickel and the strange 1936-D 3-legged Buffalo nickel, are a mix of art, history, and luck that still fascinates collectors all over the world.
It’s so exciting to find something new, whether you’re going through rolls of coins, looking at old collections, or just checking your pocket change. Having one of these nine rare nickels isn’t just about making money; it’s also about connecting with a piece of American history and feeling the thrill of finding something truly special.
So keep your eyes open, trust your gut, and you might just find the next great numismatic treasure. Every nickel tells a story, and yours might be worth a lot of money.
