Hey there, friends! Today, we’re going on a fun adventure to explore some special coins called nickels. Nickels are like pennies, but a little bigger and made of a shiny metal called nickel. Did you know that some nickels are super rare and worth a lot of money? It’s true! These special nickels are like treasure to collectors all around the world. So, let’s dive in and discover the top 10 most valuable nickel coins together!
10.1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American numismatics. What makes it particularly unique is that it was minted without authorization from the United States Mint. The story behind the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel adds to its allure.
Only five specimens of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known to exist, making it exceptionally rare. They were struck under mysterious circumstances by Samuel W. Brown, a mint employee, who allegedly created them using the dies for the Liberty Head nickel but with the date 1913, after the design was officially discontinued in favor of the Buffalo nickel.
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel has been the subject of fascination and intrigue among coin collectors and enthusiasts for decades. Its rarity and the mystery surrounding its creation have contributed to its status as one of the most sought-after and valuable coins in the world.
9.1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel is a coin that holds historical significance within American numismatics. The Shield Nickel series was produced by the United States Mint from 1866 to 1883 and was the first nickel five-cent coin issued by the Mint.
The 1880 Shield Nickel, like others in the series, features a design on the obverse (front) depicting a shield with a large “V” for the Roman numeral five. The reverse (back) of the coin showcases a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “5 CENTS” and the mint year.
While the 1880 Shield Nickel is not as rare or valuable as some other coins on your list, it still holds significance to collectors due to its historical context and the fact that it represents a period of transition in American coinage.
8.1881 Shield Nickel
The 1881 Shield Nickel is another coin from the Shield Nickel series, which holds significance in American numismatics. Like other Shield Nickels, it features a design on the obverse depicting a shield with a large “V” for the Roman numeral five. On the reverse, you’ll find a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “5 CENTS” and the mint year, in this case, “1881.”
The Shield Nickel series was produced by the United States Mint from 1866 to 1883 and represented a significant departure from previous coinage designs. These coins were the first five-cent pieces to be made of copper-nickel, rather than silver, and they played a crucial role in addressing the shortage of small denomination coins during the Civil War era.
7.1927 S Buffalo Nickel
The 1927-S Buffalo Nickel is a notable coin in the Buffalo Nickel series, which was minted from 1913 to 1938. The “S” mint mark indicates that it was minted at the San Francisco Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, is celebrated for its iconic design, which features a Native American chief on the obverse (front) and an American bison (often mistakenly referred to as a buffalo) on the reverse (back).
While the 1927-S Buffalo Nickel is not considered one of the key dates in the series, it still holds value to collectors, especially when in good condition.
6.1867 Shield Nickel
The 1867 Shield Nickel is one of the early issues of the Shield Nickel series, which holds significant historical importance in American coinage. As with other Shield Nickels, it features a design on the obverse (front) depicting a shield with a large “V” for the Roman numeral five. On the reverse (back), you’ll find a laurel wreath encircling the denomination “5 CENTS” and the mint year, in this case, “1867.”
The Shield Nickel series was introduced in 1866 as a response to the hoarding of silver coins during the Civil War era. These coins were the first five-cent pieces to be made of copper-nickel, rather than silver, and they played a crucial role in addressing the shortage of small denomination coins.
The 1867 Shield Nickel, being one of the early issues of the series, can hold particular interest to collectors due to its historical significance. As with all coins, factors such as rarity and condition influence its value.
5.1920 D Buffalo Nickel
The 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is a coin from the Buffalo Nickel series, which is highly regarded among collectors for its iconic design and historical significance. The “D” mint mark indicates that it was minted at the Denver Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features a Native American chief on the obverse (front) and an American bison (often mistakenly referred to as a buffalo) on the reverse (back).
While the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel is not considered one of the key dates in the series, it still holds value to collectors, particularly when found in well-preserved condition. As with all coins, factors such as rarity, condition, and demand influence its market value.
4.1886 Liberty Head V Nickel
The 1886 Liberty Head V Nickel is a significant coin in American numismatics. It is part of the Liberty Head Nickel series, which was minted from 1883 to 1913. The “V” in the name represents the Roman numeral for five, as the coin’s face value is five cents.
The obverse (front) of the Liberty Head Nickel features a left-facing depiction of the goddess Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” The reverse (back) displays a large Roman numeral “V” surrounded by a wreath.
The 1886 Liberty Head V Nickel is not only valued for its historical significance as part of the series but also for its relatively low mintage compared to some other years. While it’s not the rarest date in the series, it is still sought after by collectors, particularly when found in good condition.
3. 1924 D Buffalo Nickel
The 1924-D Buffalo Nickel is a notable coin in the Buffalo Nickel series, highly sought after by collectors. The “D” mint mark indicates that it was minted at the Denver Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features a Native American chief on the obverse (front) and an American bison (often mistakenly referred to as a buffalo) on the reverse (back).
The 1924-D Buffalo Nickel is considered one of the key dates in the series, meaning it is relatively scarce compared to other years and mint marks. Its lower mintage contributes to its desirability among collectors. Additionally, coins from the Denver Mint are often prized by collectors due to their association with the Old West and the Gold Rush era.
2.1928 D Buffalo Nickel
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is another significant coin in the Buffalo Nickel series, highly valued by collectors. Similar to the 1924-D Buffalo Nickel, the “D” mint mark indicates that it was minted at the Denver Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, featuring a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, is renowned for its iconic design and historical importance.
The 1928-D Buffalo Nickel is considered a key date in the series, which means it has a relatively low mintage compared to other years and mint marks. This scarcity increases its desirability among collectors. Additionally, coins from the Denver Mint often carry added appeal due to their association with the Old West and the Gold Rush era.
1.1918 D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918-D Buffalo Nickel holds significant historical and numismatic importance. The “D” mint mark indicates that it was minted at the Denver Mint.
The Buffalo Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel, features a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. This iconic design is celebrated for its representation of American heritage and culture.
The 1918-D Buffalo Nickel is considered one of the key dates in the series, which means it has a relatively low mintage compared to other years and mint marks. Key date coins are often sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and historical significance.
Additionally, coins from the Denver Mint tend to carry added appeal among collectors due to their association with the Old West and the Gold Rush era.