What Nickels Are Worth Money: Complete 2026 Value Guide

Discover 100 Valuable Nickels Worth Thousands - From Buffalo to Jefferson

Understanding what nickels are worth money is essential knowledge for coin collectors, treasure hunters, and anyone who handles loose change regularly. While most nickels you encounter are worth only their face value of five cents, certain dates, mint marks, and varieties can be worth hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars. From the legendary 1913 Liberty Head nickel worth over $4.5 million to valuable Buffalo nickel errors and key-date Jefferson varieties, learning what nickels are worth money can transform casual coin hunting into a profitable hobby. This comprehensive guide presents the complete list of 100 most valuable nickels, helping you identify which coins in your collection or pocket change could be hiding significant value and potentially life-changing discoveries.

What nickels are worth money - collection of valuable Buffalo and Liberty nickels

Complete List: What Nickels Are Worth Money (Top 100)

Rank Coin Name Value
What nickels are worth money - valuable Shield nickels and error varieties

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The Evolution of American Nickels: What Nickels Are Worth Money by Era

Shield Nickels (1866-1883)

Shield nickels were America's first copper-nickel five-cent pieces, replacing the silver half dime. Designed by James B. Longacre, these coins featured a prominent shield on the obverse symbolizing Union strength after the Civil War. Early Shield nickels with rays between stars (1866-1867) are particularly valuable and represent what nickels are worth money from this era, with specimens reaching six figures. Later issues without rays continued until 1883, and all Shield nickels in collectible condition command significant premiums.

Liberty Head Nickels (1883-1913)

Charles E. Barber's Liberty Head nickel design replaced the Shield series and became an American numismatic icon. The infamous 1883 "No CENTS" variety initially lacked denomination wording, leading criminals to gold-plate them as fake five-dollar pieces. This was quickly corrected, creating two distinct 1883 varieties. The series culminated with the unauthorized 1913 Liberty Head nickel—only five specimens exist, making it the ultimate answer to what nickels are worth money, with values exceeding $4 million at auction.

Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938)

James Earle Fraser's Buffalo nickel (Indian Head nickel) captured America's frontier spirit with a Native American chief obverse and American bison reverse. This series contains numerous examples of what nickels are worth money, including the 1918/7-D overdate ($350,750), 1926-S ($322,000), and the famous 1937-D 3-Legs error ($99,875). Low-mintage dates from Denver and San Francisco mints, particularly from the 1920s-1930s, are highly sought after. Many Buffalo nickels show heavy wear due to the design's high points, making well-preserved examples especially valuable.

Jefferson Nickels (1938-Present)

Felix Schlag's Jefferson nickel design won a 1938 competition, depicting Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. While most Jefferson nickels are common, certain dates exemplify what nickels are worth money: 1939 doubled dies, 1942-1945 wartime silver nickels (35% silver with large mint marks), 1949-D/S overmintmark, and modern errors. The 1954-S, 1938-D, and 1969-D represent key dates worth substantial premiums. Jefferson nickels continue in production today with various commemorative designs introduced in 2004-2005 and beyond.

What nickels are worth money - Jefferson nickels and key date varieties

Summary: What Nickels Are Worth Money

Discovering what nickels are worth money requires knowledge of dates, mint marks, varieties, and condition across four distinct nickel series spanning nearly 160 years. From Shield nickels of the 1860s through modern Jefferson varieties, hundreds of nickels command values from hundreds to millions of dollars. The most valuable nickels share common traits: extreme rarity through low mintages, dramatic minting errors, exceptional preservation, or unique historical circumstances. Understanding what nickels are worth money transforms casual coin handling into potential treasure hunting—whether examining inheritance collections, searching rolls from banks, or reviewing pocket change. The key to identifying what nickels are worth money lies in careful examination of dates and mint marks, recognition of error varieties, and appreciation for condition. This guide to the 100 most valuable nickels provides collectors with essential knowledge to recognize potentially valuable specimens and make informed decisions about authentication, grading, and selling strategies for these historically significant and financially rewarding American coins.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Nickels Are Worth Money

What nickels are worth money and how do I identify them?
Nickels worth money include the 1913 Liberty Head nickel ($4.5 million), 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel ($350,750), 1937-D 3-Legs Buffalo nickel ($99,875), and many others. To identify what nickels are worth money, check the date, mint mark location, and look for errors like doubled dies, overdates, and missing design elements. Key dates from the 1920s-1930s Buffalo nickels and pre-1883 Shield nickels are particularly valuable. Use a magnifying glass to examine mint marks (D for Denver, S for San Francisco) and compare details against reference guides.
What nickels are worth money from the 1960s?
When asking what nickels are worth money from the 1960s, the 1969-D Jefferson nickel stands out at $33,600, and the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) nickel is valued at $32,900. These are among the few 1960s nickels worth significant money. The 1961-D in high grades can reach $23,000. Most regular Jefferson nickels from this era are worth face value unless they have errors or are in exceptional uncirculated condition with strong strikes and original luster.
What nickels are worth money in circulated condition?
Even in circulated condition, certain nickels are worth money including Buffalo nickels from the 1920s-1930s, early Shield nickels from the 1860s-1880s, and key-date Jefferson nickels. The 1937-D 3-Legs, 1926-S, and 1931-S Buffalo nickels retain substantial value even when worn. When determining what nickels are worth money in circulation, focus on dates, mint marks, and visible varieties rather than perfect condition. Buffalo nickels with readable dates typically have premium value, and any Shield nickel is worth examination.
What nickels are worth money that I can still find?
While finding what nickels are worth money in circulation is rare, you should search for 1939-1959 Jefferson nickels in excellent condition, 1942-1945 wartime silver nickels (35% silver with large mint marks above Monticello), and any Buffalo nickels regardless of date. Error nickels like off-center strikes, doubled dies, and wrong planchet errors can still be found and are among what nickels are worth money today. Check coin roll hunting at banks for potential discoveries.
What nickels are worth money from Buffalo series?
Buffalo nickels represent a significant portion of what nickels are worth money, with the 1918/7-D valued at $350,750, 1926-S at $322,000, and 1937-D 3-Legs at $99,875. Other valuable Buffalo nickels include 1916 DDO ($281,750), 1913-D Type 2 ($143,750), 1927-S ($125,350), and most S and D mint marks from the 1920s. Nearly all Buffalo nickels in good condition have premium value above face value, making this series particularly important when researching what nickels are worth money.
What nickels are worth money to collectors right now?
Currently, collectors seek what nickels are worth money including the 1913 Liberty Head proof, Shield nickels from 1866-1883, Buffalo nickel overdates and errors, early Jefferson nickels (1938-1950), and wartime silver nickels. The market particularly values high-grade examples, error varieties, and coins with strong eye appeal and original surfaces. Professionally graded specimens of these coins command premium prices in today's market, with condition rarities bringing exceptional results at major auctions.
What nickels are worth money due to silver content?
When considering what nickels are worth money for silver, only the 1942-1945 wartime Jefferson nickels contain 35% silver. These nickels are identifiable by their large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse—the first time Philadelphia used a mint mark. While their silver value provides a base worth of several dollars based on current silver prices, certain dates and conditions make these wartime nickels worth significantly more than just their metal content to collectors.
What nickels are worth money with errors?
Error nickels represent a substantial category of what nickels are worth money. The famous 1937-D 3-Legs Buffalo nickel ($99,875) where over-polishing removed the buffalo's front leg, 1918/7-D overdate ($350,750), 1942-D/D Horizontal D ($32,200), and 1949-D/S overmintmark ($32,900) are prime examples. Off-center strikes, doubled dies (like the 1916 DDO and 1935 DDR), wrong planchet errors, and missing design elements all significantly increase nickel values.
What nickels are worth money from the 1800s?
Shield nickels dominate what nickels are worth money from the 1800s. The 1880 Shield nickel reaches $198,995, while the 1867 ($132,250), 1879 ($86,250), 1885 ($74,750), 1886 ($64,625), and 1884 ($42,300) Shield nickels all command substantial values. Early Liberty nickels from the 1880s-1890s including the 1895 proof ($73,438) and 1899 ($38,188) are also valuable. Any nickel from the 1800s in collectible condition is worth examining professionally, as survival rates are low.
What nickels are worth money and how much?
Understanding what nickels are worth money and their values ranges from hundreds to millions of dollars. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel tops the list at $4,560,000. Ultra-rare varieties like the 1918/7-D ($350,750) and 1926-S ($322,000) represent six-figure investments. Mid-tier valuable nickels like the 1937-D 3-Legs ($99,875) and 1913-D Type 2 ($143,750) are worth five figures. Even more accessible valuable nickels from the top 100 list are worth $20,000-$40,000, making them significant finds for collectors seeking what nickels are worth money.