Coins may seem like small, everyday items, but some of them are worth much more than their face value. In fact, a few rare nickels still circulating could be worth thousands of dollars! Whether you’re a coin collector or just curious, it’s worth paying attention to what you have in your wallet or spare change.
Here are some valuable nickels you might still find in circulation today.
A Brief History of the Nickel
The five-cent coin, or nickel, was first introduced in 1866, known as the “shield coin” due to its design. Over the years, the nickel has seen many changes. By 1883, the Liberty Head nickel replaced the shield coin and remained in circulation until 1913. Afterward, the Buffalo nickel, also known as the Indian Head nickel, became popular until 1938, when the U.S. Mint introduced the Jefferson nickel, which is still in use today.
During World War II, the composition of the nickel changed to conserve materials for the war effort. From 1942 to 1945, the U.S. Mint used a mixture of silver and magnesium instead of the usual nickel. However, this formula was later reverted, and today’s nickels are made of 25% nickel and 75% copper.
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Valuable Nickels Still in Circulation
Even though some of these nickels are quite old, they are still found in circulation from time to time. Here’s a list of nine nickels that could make you some serious money, depending on their condition.
1. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – Worth Up to $4,200
- The Buffalo nickel is famous for its detailed design. The 1926-S version, especially in good condition, is highly sought after by collectors.
2. 1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel – Worth Up to $3,800
- Double die coins have a noticeable error in the stamping process, creating an overlapping image. This error makes the 1916 Double Die Buffalo nickel extremely valuable.
3. 1918/17-D Buffalo Nickel – Worth Up to $3,500
- This nickel has a unique overdate error, where the last two digits of the year are slightly doubled. It’s a rare find but worth the hunt.
4. 1879 Shield Nickel – Worth Up to $2,400
- One of the earlier five-cent coins, the 1879 Shield Nickel, is another highly valued piece, with collectors often paying a premium for one in good condition.
5. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel – Worth Up to $2,000
- Due to a minting error, this version of the Buffalo nickel appears to have only three legs, making it a rare and valuable find for coin enthusiasts.
6. 1880 Shield Nickel – Worth Up to $2,000
- Another Shield Nickel from the late 19th century, the 1880 version, is also sought after by collectors, adding a significant value to its original worth.
7. 1942-P Jefferson Nickel – Worth Up to $800
- This particular nickel was minted during World War II and is made of a different material composition, which contributes to its rarity and value.
8. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel – Worth Up to $600–$800
- This nickel was minted in low numbers, making it hard to come by. Its rarity and the demand among collectors push its value up.
9. 1939 Double Monticello Jefferson Nickel – Worth Up to $500
- Like the 1916 Double Die Buffalo, this nickel has a double die error, which significantly increases its value to collectors.
Why Are These Nickels So Valuable?
The value of these nickels comes from a combination of rarity, minting errors, and age. Coins that have errors during the minting process, such as the double die or the 3-legged Buffalo, are particularly valuable to collectors. Additionally, older coins that are still in good condition tend to be worth more.
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How to Care for Valuable Nickels
If you’re hoping to make some money from your nickel collection, it’s important to take care of them properly. The condition of a coin—referred to as its “grade”—plays a huge role in determining its value. Coins that are clean and well-preserved fetch higher prices.
Store your coins in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling them directly with your fingers, as oils from your skin can damage the metal over time. Instead, use soft cotton gloves or place them in protective holders designed for coin storage.
Conclusion
While many of these valuable nickels are from the past, they are still circulating today. So, the next time you find a nickel in your pocket, take a closer look—it could be worth more than you think! Whether you’re a collector or just lucky enough to find one of these rare coins, nickels like the 1926-S Buffalo or the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo could bring in thousands of dollars.