Hey there, young coin enthusiasts! Have you ever looked closely at the shiny coins in your piggy bank or your grandma’s old coin jar? Well, did you know that some of those little treasures might be worth a whole lot more than you think? Today, we’re going on a fun adventure to discover some special coins called “nickels” and learn about the fascinating errors that make them extra valuable.
15 .1913 Liberty Nickel–The Olsen Specimen
Have you ever heard of a coin called the “1913 Liberty Nickel”? Well, let me tell you about a very special one known as “The Olsen Specimen.” This coin is super rare because it was made in a year when Liberty Nickels weren’t supposed to be made anymore! You see, the United States stopped making Liberty Nickels in 1912, but somehow, a few were made in 1913 by mistake. And guess what? The Olsen Specimen is one of those super rare coins! It’s so rare that it’s like finding a shiny diamond in a field of rocks.
14. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel–Doubled Die Obverse
Now, let’s talk about another remarkable nickel, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel! This coin is like a puzzle waiting to be solved because it has a fascinating error known as a “doubled die obverse.” But what does that mean? Well, it means that when the coin was made, the design on the front (which we call the obverse) got stamped onto the coin not once, but twice! Can you imagine that? It’s like seeing double! And to make it even more interesting, this particular nickel was made in 1918, but the “7” from the previous year’s date, 1917, is still visible underneath the “8”! How cool is that? Finding one of these in your coin collection would be like discovering buried treasure!
13. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
Now, let’s talk about the intriguing 1926-S Buffalo Nickel. You might be wondering, “What’s so special about this one?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not about an error this time, but rather about its rarity. You see, the “S” mintmark on this nickel indicates that it was minted in San Francisco, California. But here’s the twist – there aren’t many 1926-S Buffalo Nickels around. In fact, they’re quite hard to find compared to other years. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
12. 1916 Buffalo Nickel–Doubled Die Obverse
Today, we’re delving into the intriguing world of the 1916 Buffalo Nickel. What makes this coin so special? Well, it’s all about the “doubled die obverse” error! Just like we learned earlier with the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel, a doubled die obverse means that the design on the front of the coin was stamped twice, creating a fascinating effect. Imagine seeing two slightly overlapping images of a buffalo on the front of a nickel – that’s what a doubled die obverse looks like! And the 1916 Buffalo Nickel is one of those rare coins that features this intriguing error. It’s like finding a hidden gem in a pile of ordinary rocks! So, keep your eyes peeled for this special nickel, and who knows, you might just stumble upon one in your own coin collection.
11.1913-D Buffalo Nickel–Type 2
Our spotlight now shines on the 1913-D Buffalo Nickel, but there’s a twist – it’s not just any ordinary 1913-D Buffalo Nickel; it’s the Type 2 variety! What does that mean? Well, when the Buffalo Nickel was first introduced in 1913, there were actually two different designs used on the reverse (the back) of the coin. The Type 2 design features the buffalo standing on a raised mound instead of a flat ground, giving it a more three-dimensional look. Isn’t that fascinating? So, if you come across a 1913-D Buffalo Nickel with the buffalo standing on a mound, you’ve discovered a Type 2 variety! It’s like finding a secret treasure map hidden within a treasure chest. Keep your eyes peeled for this special nickel, and who knows, you might just uncover one in your own collection! But our journey doesn’t end here – there’s still more to explore in the world of valuable nickel errors.
10. 1917-S Buffalo Nickel
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the 1917-S Buffalo Nickel. You might be wondering, “What’s so special about this one?” Well, let me tell you – it’s all about its rarity! The “S” mintmark on this nickel indicates that it was minted in San Francisco, California. But here’s the interesting part – there aren’t many 1917-S Buffalo Nickels around. They’re like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered! So, if you happen to stumble upon a 1917-S Buffalo Nickel in your coin collection, consider yourself lucky because you’ve found a rare gem indeed. It’s like finding a shiny gold coin at the end of a rainbow! Keep your eyes peeled for this special nickel, and who knows, you might just uncover one in your own collection.
9. 1920-D Buffalo Nickel
Today, we’re diving into the intriguing world of the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel. Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about this coin?” Well, let me tell you – it’s not just any ordinary nickel! The “D” mintmark on this coin indicates that it was minted in Denver, Colorado. But what makes the 1920-D Buffalo Nickel interesting is its scarcity. You see, there aren’t many 1920-D Buffalo Nickels out there, making them quite rare and valuable. It’s like finding a rare seashell on a vast beach! So, if you ever come across a 1920-D Buffalo Nickel in your coin collection, consider yourself lucky because you’ve stumbled upon a real treasure. Keep your eyes open as we continue our journey through the world of valuable nickel errors.
8. 1867 Shield Nickel–Proof With Rays
Today, let’s delve into the captivating world of the 1867 Shield Nickel – specifically, the “Proof With Rays” variety. Now, you might be wondering, “What does ‘Proof With Rays’ mean?” Well, let me explain! A “proof” coin is a special type of coin that’s carefully struck using polished dies and specially prepared planchets (the blank metal discs used to make coins). These coins are meticulously handled to ensure they have a flawless finish, making them incredibly shiny and detailed. The “Rays” refer to the rays surrounding the shield on the coin’s reverse side. These rays were later removed from the design, making the “Proof With Rays” variety even more unique and sought after by collectors. Imagine holding a coin so beautiful and rare – it’s like holding a piece of history in your hands! So, if you ever come across an 1867 Shield Nickel – Proof With Rays, treasure it dearly, for it’s a rare gem indeed.
7. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
Today, we’re setting our sights on the mysterious 1918-S Buffalo Nickel. Now, you might be wondering, “What makes this nickel so special?” Well, let me share the secret with you! The “S” mintmark on this nickel indicates that it was minted in San Francisco, California. But what sets the 1918-S Buffalo Nickel apart is its scarcity. You see, there aren’t many 1918-S Buffalo Nickels out there, making them quite rare and desirable among collectors. It’s like searching for a hidden treasure in a vast desert! So, if you ever come across a 1918-S Buffalo Nickel in your coin collection, consider yourself fortunate because you’ve found a real gem. Keep your eyes open as we continue our journey through the world of valuable nickel errors.
6. 1927-S Buffalo Nickel
Today, we’re embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets of the 1927-S Buffalo Nickel. What makes this nickel so intriguing? Well, let me enlighten you! The “S” mintmark on this coin signifies that it was minted in San Francisco, California. However, what sets the 1927-S Buffalo Nickel apart is its scarcity. Just like a rare jewel hidden in the depths of a cavern, the 1927-S Buffalo Nickel is a prized find for collectors due to its limited availability. So, if you ever stumble upon a 1927-S Buffalo Nickel in your collection, consider yourself fortunate to have discovered such a valuable treasure. Keep your eyes peeled as we continue our journey through the realm of valuable nickel errors.
5. 1880 Shield Nickel
Today, we’re diving into the rich history of the 1880 Shield Nickel. What makes this coin so fascinating? Let’s uncover its story together! The 1880 Shield Nickel holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to its historical significance. Produced during a time when the United States was undergoing rapid changes, this nickel serves as a window into the past, offering glimpses of life in the late 19th century. Imagine holding a piece of history in your hands – it’s like stepping back in time! While the 1880 Shield Nickel may not boast intricate errors like some of its counterparts, its historical value is undeniable. So, if you ever come across an 1880 Shield Nickel in your collection, cherish it as a precious artifact from a bygone era.
4.1919-S Buffalo Nickel
Today, our focus shifts to the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel, a coin shrouded in rarity and mystery. What makes this nickel stand out? Let’s unravel its secrets together! The “S” mintmark on this coin signifies that it was struck at the San Francisco Mint, adding a layer of intrigue to its story. However, what truly sets the 1919-S Buffalo Nickel apart is its scarcity. Like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, this nickel is elusive and highly sought after by collectors. Its rarity adds to its allure, making it a prized possession for those lucky enough to find one. So, if you ever come across a 1919-S Buffalo Nickel in your collection, consider yourself fortunate to hold such a valuable treasure. But our adventure doesn’t end here – there’s still more to uncover in the realm of valuable nickel errors.
3.1924-S Buffalo Nickel
Today, we’re turning our attention to the enigmatic 1924-S Buffalo Nickel. What makes this particular coin so intriguing? Let’s delve into its mystique together! The “S” mintmark on the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel signifies its origin from the San Francisco Mint, adding a touch of allure to its story. However, what truly sets this nickel apart is its scarcity. Like a rare gem hidden in plain sight, the 1924-S Buffalo Nickel is elusive and highly prized by collectors. Its scarcity adds to its mystique, making it a coveted addition to any collection. So, if you ever happen upon a 1924-S Buffalo Nickel, consider yourself fortunate to hold such a valuable treasure in your hands.
2. 1935 Buffalo Nickel–Doubled Die Reverse
Today, we’re delving into the intriguing world of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel with a Doubled Die Reverse. What makes this coin so captivating? Let’s unravel its mystery together! The Doubled Die Reverse error occurs when the design on the back of the coin (known as the reverse) is stamped onto the coin with slight doubling, creating a fascinating effect. In the case of the 1935 Buffalo Nickel, this error adds an extra layer of allure to an already beloved coin. Imagine holding a coin with a subtle but mesmerizing doubling effect – it’s like finding a hidden treasure in your own pocket! So, if you ever come across a 1935 Buffalo Nickel with a Doubled Die Reverse, consider yourself lucky to have stumbled upon such a rare and valuable find. But our journey isn’t over yet – there’s still one more section to explore in our quest for valuable nickel errors.
1. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel–Three Legs
We’ve reached the pinnacle of our coin-collecting adventure with the legendary 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three Legs. This coin holds a special place in the hearts of collectors due to its iconic error. But what exactly is the story behind this famous nickel? Let’s uncover its tale together!
In 1937, at the Denver Mint, a fascinating error occurred during the minting process of some Buffalo Nickels. Due to excessive die polishing, the right foreleg of the buffalo on the coin’s reverse was partially or entirely erased, resulting in the appearance of the buffalo having only three legs instead of four. This unique error captured the imagination of collectors worldwide, making the 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – Three Legs one of the most coveted coins in numismatic history.
Imagine holding a coin that tells a story of minting mishaps and numismatic intrigue – it’s like owning a piece of history that transcends time! So, if you ever have the fortune of encountering a 1937-D Buffalo Nickel with Three Legs, cherish it as a rare and precious treasure.
Our coin-collecting journey has come to an end, but the memories and knowledge we’ve gained will last a lifetime. I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring the fascinating world of valuable nickel errors with me. Who knows what other treasures await us in the vast realm of numismatics? Until next time, happy collecting!
