15 Rare Nickels You Should Know About for Collecting

Old nickels can hold surprising value depending on their history and condition. Some were produced in limited numbers, while others have unique features that set them apart. Coin collectors often search for these pieces to add to their collections. Let us explore the nickels that stand out the most.

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1867 Shield Nickel – Proof With Rays

The 1867 Shield Nickel with rays is one of the earliest proof nickels and stands out due to its design. The rays around the shield were removed later that year, making this version scarce. Only a small number of these proofs were struck, which adds to their rarity. Collectors value it for its historic design and limited availability.

This coin was created during a time of change in U.S. coinage, making it interesting for historical collections. The details on the rays are usually sharp in proof versions, adding to their appeal. Surviving examples in high grade are few and can sell for several thousand dollars. A well-preserved 1867 Shield Nickel Proof With Rays is estimated to be worth over $50,000.

1880 Shield Nickel

The 1880 Shield Nickel is rare mainly because of its extremely low mintage. Only about 16,000 pieces were made, which is one of the lowest in the series. Most were proofs, with only a small number released for circulation. That makes circulated examples hard to find.

Collectors look for this coin due to its scarcity and historical significance. It was near the end of the Shield Nickel series, which makes it more sought after. High-grade versions can reach values of over $1,000 depending on condition. An uncirculated 1880 Shield Nickel can sell for upwards of $5,000 today.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous U.S. coins due to its mysterious origin. Official records show no Liberty Nickels were struck that year, but five are known to exist. These coins were likely struck unofficially at the Philadelphia Mint. Their rarity and story have made them legendary among collectors.

These nickels are highly prized and have sold for millions at auction. Each of the five known examples has a nickname and history. Their fame extends beyond numismatics into pop culture. The estimated market value for a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel can exceed $10 million depending on the specimen’s provenance.

1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Olsen Specimen

The Olsen Specimen is one of the five known 1913 Liberty Nickels and is probably the most well-known. It was once owned by King Farouk of Egypt and even appeared in a 1970s TV show. Its unique history adds to its value and appeal.

It is often featured in auctions and major collections. The coin is graded high and shows excellent preservation. It has sold for millions and continues to draw interest worldwide. The Olsen Specimen 1913 Liberty Head Nickel sold for over $4 million at auction, marking its immense value.

1913-D Buffalo Nickel – Type 2

This nickel is part of the first year of the Buffalo Nickel series and features the revised Type 2 reverse. Type 1 showed the buffalo standing on a mound, while Type 2 replaced it with a flatter ground. The Denver Mint struck fewer Type 2 coins in 1913, which makes this coin more desirable.

Collectors seek this version due to the design update and lower mintage. It is a key coin for those building a Buffalo Nickel set. Condition plays a large role in value, especially with full details. A high-grade 1913-D Buffalo Nickel Type 2 is valued around $2,500 or more.

1916 Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Obverse

This coin features a clear doubling of the date and other obverse elements. It was the result of a misalignment during the die creation process. The doubling is visible without magnification, which makes it an exciting find.

Few of these were made before the error was corrected. That makes it rare and highly desirable to collectors. Well-preserved examples can sell for several thousand dollars. A 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Buffalo Nickel is currently valued at over $5,000.

1917-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1917-S Buffalo Nickel is tough to find in higher grades. Most of the coins circulated heavily and show significant wear. It had a moderate mintage, but few examples survived in collectible condition.

Collectors value this date and mint combination for completing sets. Finding one with clear details adds to its worth. Prices increase significantly with better preservation. A well-preserved 1917-S Buffalo Nickel can be valued at over $1,000.

1918 or 1917-D Buffalo Nickel

This coin is famous for the overdate variety, where 1918 was struck over a 1917 date. The error happened during die preparation and is clear in many examples. It is one of the most sought-after Buffalo Nickel errors.

These overdates are rare and exciting for error coin enthusiasts. The doubling is visible around the date area. High-grade versions can reach into the thousands. A 1917-D Buffalo Nickel with the overdate variety can fetch up to $10,000.

1918-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1918-S is another key date in the Buffalo Nickel series. It had a fairly low mintage, and many coins show weak strikes. Wear and poor details are common in circulated examples.

Collectors seek high-grade coins with better details, which are difficult to find. It is a semi-key date that adds depth to any Buffalo set. Coins with full features are especially prized. A 1918-S Buffalo Nickel in great condition can sell for $3,000 or more.

1919-S Buffalo Nickel

This coin is often challenging to locate in good condition. The San Francisco Mint had issues with weak striking and lower quality. The mintage was not especially low, but condition remains a problem.

Sharp examples are worth significantly more. Collectors aim to add a well-struck version to complete their set. It is known more for condition rarity than mintage numbers. A high-quality 1919-S Buffalo Nickel can reach a value of $1,500.

1924-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is one of the toughest dates in the entire series. Many were poorly struck and saw heavy circulation. That makes sharp examples with good details very hard to find.

Even low-grade versions carry solid value. It is a must-have for anyone completing a full Buffalo set. High-quality examples can reach several thousand dollars. A top-grade 1924-S Buffalo Nickel can sell for around $10,000.

1926-S Buffalo Nickel

This is one of the lowest mintage Buffalo Nickels ever made for circulation. Only about 970,000 coins were struck. Most of these circulated widely and are worn today.

Because of its scarcity and condition issues, it is highly prized. Finding one with full details is very difficult. It ranks among the top key dates in the series. A 1926-S Buffalo Nickel can be valued at over $15,000 in excellent condition.

1935 Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Reverse

This coin has a doubled die on the reverse, often visible on the letters and details. It is an error variety that stands out for its bold doubling. These coins were made in limited numbers before the error was fixed.

Collectors value it for its visual appeal and rarity. Many of these coins have been lost or worn. High-grade examples are worth hundreds or more. The current value of a 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel is around $1,500.

1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three Legs

The Three Legs variety happened due to over-polishing of the die, which removed one of the buffalo’s legs. It is one of the most well-known errors in the series. The missing leg is clearly visible and easy to spot.

This error makes the coin unusual and highly collectible. Values vary widely based on condition. Nice examples can sell for thousands of dollars. A well-preserved 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel can be valued at $20,000 or more.

1954-S Jefferson Nickel Full Steps

Jefferson Nickels from this period rarely show full steps on Monticello due to weak strikes. The 1954-S is especially hard to find with this level of detail. Full Steps means all the steps at the base of the building are clearly visible.

These coins are graded carefully, and Full Steps examples bring strong prices. They appeal to those who look for well-struck and detailed coins. It is more about condition rarity than mintage. A Full Steps 1954-S Jefferson Nickel can be worth over $3,000 in great condition.

Some nickels have become valuable not just for their age, but for the stories tied to their designs and errors. Looking through old coin collections may reveal pieces with surprising worth.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.