Nickels are one of the most collected U.S. coins, but while millions were minted over the years, not all are easy to find today. Some rare nickels have become treasures for collectors because they were either minted in limited quantities or very few have survived over time. Let’s take a look at eight of the rarest nickels that might be hiding in someone’s coin collection.
1914 Buffalo Nickel: Why This Coin Still Captivates Collectors Today
1. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The Buffalo Nickel series is a favorite among coin collectors, and the 1926-S Buffalo Nickel stands out as one of the rarest. With only 970,000 made, it had the lowest production of any coin in the series. Although it might sound like a lot, very few survived in good condition, making this nickel a top prize for collectors. In 2008, a 1926-S Buffalo Nickel sold for a whopping $322,000!
2. 1879 Shield Nickel
After a break from regular production, the U.S. Mint returned to making Shield Nickels in 1879, but only 25,900 were produced that year. That’s a huge drop compared to previous years, and now, finding one in good shape is tough. Collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars for this coin, with rare proof versions fetching even higher prices. One such proof sold for $86,250.
3. 1877 Shield Nickel Proof (No Rays)
In 1877, the U.S. Mint only produced proof coins for the Shield Nickel, and the “No Rays” version is one of the rarest. With just about 510 coins made, it’s highly sought after. These proofs often come with unique colors, adding to their beauty and value. One sold for $19,550, making it a collector’s dream.
4. 1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel had the lowest mintage in the series, with only 16,000 coins produced. Today, fewer than 100 of these have been graded, making them incredibly rare. Even though fewer than 4,000 proofs were made, proof versions are more common than regular ones, but both are valuable collector items.
1914 Buffalo Nickel: Why This Coin Still Captivates Collectors Today
5. 1878 Shield Nickel Proof
In 1877 and 1878, only proof versions of Shield Nickels were produced. Although the 1877 proofs are rarer, the 1878 proof is often more valuable. In 2017, an 1878 Shield Nickel proof sold for $25,850, proving just how much collectors are willing to pay for these coins.
6. 1867 Shield Nickel Proof (With Rays)
The 1867 Shield Nickel Proof with Rays is a rare find. No one knows exactly how many were made, but estimates range from 25 to 60. This coin is rare because soon after production began, the Mint removed the rays from the design. Despite some skepticism about its true rarity, this coin remains highly valuable. One has sold for as much as $132,250.
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7. 1913 Liberty Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Nickel is not just the rarest nickel—it’s one of the most valuable coins in the world. Only five are known to exist, and in 2007, one sold for almost $5 million! There’s even a rumor of a sixth coin hiding in a private collection. The mystery around this coin makes it one of the most exciting for collectors