The next time you find loose coins in your pockets or sofa, take a closer look! Some five-cent coins (nickels) can be worth a lot more than their face value. If they are rare, old, or have unique features, they can earn you thousands of dollars. Let’s take a look at some of these valuable nickels that are still out there.
A Quick History of the Five-Cent Coin
The five-cent coin, also known as a nickel, was first created in 1866. Back then, it was called a “shield coin” because it had a shield design on it. In 1883, the design changed to the Liberty Head nickel, which had a symbol of liberty on it. This version was used until 1913, when the Buffalo Nickel was introduced. The Buffalo Nickel, featuring an American bison, was minted until 1938. Today, the nickel in circulation is the Jefferson Nickel, which has been in use since 1938.
During World War II (1942-1945), the nickel stopped being made from its usual materials. To save nickel for the war effort, the U.S. Mint used silver and magnesium instead. After the war, the recipe was changed again, and today’s nickels are made from 25% nickel and 75% copper.
Valuable Nickels: Worth $500 to $30,000
Some early versions of the Jefferson nickel, as well as older nickels, can be worth a lot of money. In fact, some of these coins have sold for over $30,000! Let’s dive into one particularly rare coin and others that could be worth a fortune.
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel: 3 1/2 Legs
One of the most valuable nickels is the 1936-D Buffalo Nickel with a rare misprint known as the “3 1/2 Legs.” This coin was made in Denver, and its unique name comes from the fact that the buffalo on the coin appears to have only three and a half legs. The missing leg is the result of over-polishing the die used to make the coin.
There are only about 300 of these coins known to exist, making them extremely rare and valuable. The worth of these coins depends on their condition. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, uncirculated coin.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a Buffalo Nickel with a grade as low as 4 can be worth $500. One graded MS63 (mint state, meaning it has never been circulated) sold for $20,700. Today, a similar coin could fetch up to $30,000!
How Coins Are Graded
Coins are graded to determine their value. A low-grade coin might be worth only a few hundred dollars, while a perfect coin could be worth tens of thousands. Understanding how coins are graded can help you figure out whether the nickels you have are valuable or not. The higher the grade, the more your coin could be worth.
Table of Valuable Nickels
| Nickel Type | Year | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1936-D Buffalo Nickel (3 1/2 Legs) | 1936 | $500 – $30,000 |
| 1942 Jefferson Nickel (War Nickel) | 1942 | $600 – $2,500 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | Up to $5,000,000 |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | 1950 | $600 – $800 |
| 1937 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel | 1937 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
Conclusion
Your loose change could be hiding a fortune! Some old nickels, especially those with unique designs or errors, are highly valuable to coin collectors. Whether it’s the 3 1/2-legged Buffalo Nickel or another rare find, these nickels can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars if kept in good condition. So next time you find a nickel, it might be worth more than you think!
FAQ’s
How do I know if my nickel is valuable?
Check for rare designs, dates, or errors like the “3 1/2 Legs” Buffalo Nickel. Also, condition matters—a well-preserved coin is worth more.
Can I find valuable nickels in circulation today?
Yes! Many valuable nickels are still in circulation, so keep an eye out for older coins and rare designs.
How should I store my coins to keep them valuable?
Store your coins in a protective case and avoid cleaning them, as cleaning can reduce their value.