These 9 Nickels Still in Circulation Are Worth Up to $4,200

Some nickels that you may find in your everyday change are worth much more than just five cents. While most nickels are common and don’t hold much value, a few rare varieties can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. From unique minting errors to low-mintage years, these nickels are prized among collectors. In this guide, we’ll explore nine valuable nickels that you might find in circulation and what makes them so special.

Overview of Valuable Nickels

These nickels have become valuable due to factors like minting errors, low production numbers, or unique designs. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these, it could be worth a lot more than its face value.

NickelYearMintmarkValue Range
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel1913No MintmarkUp to $4,200,000 (extremely rare)
2. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo1937D$550 – $4,200
3. 1942-D Over Horizontal D1942D$100 – $1,500
4. 1943-P War Nickel1943P$10 – $200 (silver content)
5. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel1950D$15 – $1,500
6. 2005 Speared Bison2005Various$300 – $1,200
7. 1975 No S Proof Nickel1975No Mintmark$1,000 – $3,000
8. 1990 No S Proof Nickel1990No Mintmark$600 – $2,000
9. 1964 SMS Jefferson1964SMS$2,000 – $4,000

Detailed Breakdown of Each Rare Nickel

1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

  • Year: 1913
  • Mintmark: None
  • Value: Up to $4,200,000 (in mint state)
  • Why It’s Valuable: Only five of these coins are known to exist. This nickel is considered one of the rarest and most valuable in American numismatics.

2. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel

  • Year: 1937
  • Mintmark: D
  • Value: $550 to $4,200
  • Why It’s Valuable: This error coin features a buffalo missing a leg due to an over-polished die. It’s a popular find among collectors.

3. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel

  • Year: 1942
  • Mintmark: D
  • Value: $100 to $1,500
  • Why It’s Valuable: This coin has a distinctive minting error where a “D” mintmark was stamped over another horizontally positioned “D.” It’s rare to find in circulation.

4. 1943-P War Nickel

  • Year: 1943
  • Mintmark: P
  • Value: $10 to $200
  • Why It’s Valuable: These nickels contain 35% silver due to metal shortages during World War II, making them more valuable than standard nickels.

5. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel

  • Year: 1950
  • Mintmark: D
  • Value: $15 to $1,500
  • Why It’s Valuable: With a low mintage of around 2.6 million, this is one of the most sought-after Jefferson nickels among collectors.

6. 2005 Speared Bison Nickel

  • Year: 2005
  • Mintmark: Various
  • Value: $300 to $1,200
  • Why It’s Valuable: This error coin features a die gouge that appears to pierce the image of the bison on the reverse, making it a collector’s item.

7. 1975 No S Proof Nickel

  • Year: 1975
  • Mintmark: None (Proof)
  • Value: $1,000 to $3,000
  • Why It’s Valuable: A proof nickel that was accidentally struck without the “S” mintmark. This is extremely rare and valuable among proof coin collectors.

8. 1990 No S Proof Nickel

  • Year: 1990
  • Mintmark: None (Proof)
  • Value: $600 to $2,000
  • Why It’s Valuable: Similar to the 1975 no-S proof, this error involves a missing mintmark on a proof coin, making it highly sought-after.

9. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel

  • Year: 1964
  • Mintmark: Special Mint Set (SMS)
  • Value: $2,000 to $4,000
  • Why It’s Valuable: This coin was part of a limited Special Mint Set (SMS) and has a unique finish, making it extremely rare and valuable among Jefferson nickel enthusiasts.

Tips for Finding Rare Nickels in Change

  • Check Mintmarks: Look for mintmarks like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. Some valuable coins lack mintmarks, especially proofs.
  • Inspect Coin Dates: Rare coins often come from specific years like 1937, 1942, or 1950. Pay attention to the date on each nickel.
  • Examine for Errors: Coins with unique features, like missing or doubled elements, could be worth more. Look closely for errors.

Conclusion

Finding a valuable nickel in your pocket change might seem like hitting the jackpot, but it’s possible if you know what to look for. The rarest and most sought-after coins often have intriguing stories behind them, from minting mistakes to low mintage years. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just getting started, keeping an eye out for these rare nickels could turn a simple hobby into a rewarding discovery.

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FAQs

1. What makes a nickel valuable?

Nickels become valuable due to factors like low mintage, minting errors, and special designs. Coins with historical significance or those in mint condition are highly sought after.

2. How can I identify a valuable nickel?

Check the date, mintmark, and look for any unique features like errors or missing mintmarks. Compare with known rare varieties.

3. Can I find rare nickels in pocket change?

Yes, although it’s uncommon, some valuable nickels still show up in circulation, especially coins from certain years or with errors.

4. Why are War Nickels more valuable?

War Nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945, contain 35% silver due to wartime metal needs, which increases their value above face value.

5. Where can I sell my valuable nickels?

You can sell rare nickels through coin dealers, online auction sites like eBay, or at coin shows. Make sure to have them appraised for accurate value.

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