Top 50 Most Valuable Nickels: Nickels have been a part of American currency for over a century, with some becoming extremely valuable due to their rarity, condition, and historical significance. In this guide, we’ll break down the 50 most valuable nickels, from the earliest U.S. Shield nickels to more modern coins like the Jefferson nickels. If you’re new to collecting or just curious about which nickels are worth the most, you’re in the right place!
The Top 50 Most Valuable Nickels
Here is a table of the top 50 most valuable nickels along with their respective types and auction values:
| Rank | Nickel Type | Value ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1913 Liberty “V” (pop. 5) | $4,560,000 |
| 2 | 1918/7-D Buffalo | $350,750 |
| 3 | 1926-S Buffalo | $322,000 |
| 4 | 1916 Buffalo DDO | $281,750 |
| 5 | 1880 Shield | $198,995 |
| 6 | 1913-D Buffalo Type 2 | $143,750 |
| 7 | 1917-S Buffalo | $138,000 |
| 8 | 1920-D Buffalo | $138,000 |
| 9 | 1918-S Buffalo | $125,350 |
| 10 | 1927-S Buffalo | $125,350 |
| 11 | 1919-S Buffalo | $109,250 |
| 12 | 1924-S Buffalo | $105,750 |
| 13 | 1935 DDR Buffalo | $104,650 |
| 14 | 1937-D 3 Legs Buffalo | $99,875 |
| 15 | 1925-S Buffalo | $87,400 |
| 16 | 1913 Buffalo Type 1 | $79,313 |
| 17 | 1885 Liberty “V” | $74,750 |
| 18 | 1926-D Buffalo | $70,500 |
| 19 | 1923-S Buffalo | $67,563 |
| 20 | 1886 Liberty “V” | $64,625 |
| 21 | 1914/3 Buffalo | $63,250 |
| 22 | 1929 Buffalo | $63,250 |
| 23 | 1931-S Buffalo | $63,250 |
| 24 | 1883/2 Shield | $60,000 |
| 25 | 1925-D Buffalo | $57,500 |
| 26 | 1935 Buffalo | $57,500 |
| 27 | 1915-S Buffalo | $55,813 |
| 28 | 1918 Buffalo | $55,200 |
| 29 | 1921-S Buffalo | $51,750 |
| 30 | 1913-S Buffalo Type 2 | $49,938 |
| 31 | 1914-S Buffalo | $46,000 |
| 32 | 1927-D Buffalo | $46,000 |
| 33 | 1928-S Buffalo | $46,000 |
| 34 | 1920-S Buffalo | $44,563 |
| 35 | 1924-D Buffalo | $44,063 |
| 36 | 1867 Shield with Rays | $41,125 |
| 37 | 1912-D Liberty “V” | $41,125 |
| 38 | 1914 Buffalo | $39,550 |
| 39 | 1912-S Liberty “V” | $37,375 |
| 40 | 1929-S Buffalo | $36,000 |
| 41 | 1916-S Buffalo | $35,250 |
| 42 | 1937-D Buffalo | $35,250 |
| 43 | 1954-S Jefferson FS | $35,250 |
| 44 | 1935-D Buffalo | $34,800 |
| 45 | 1938-D Jefferson FS | $33,600 |
| 46 | 1949-D/S Jefferson FS | $32,900 |
| 47 | 1914-D Buffalo | $32,775 |
| 48 | 1913-D Buffalo Type 1 | $32,200 |
| 49 | 1925 Buffalo | $32,200 |
| 50 | 1942-D over horizontal D Jefferson FS | $32,200 |
This table covers the top 50 most valuable nickels with their rank, type, and the value they fetched at auction.
The famous 1913 Liberty Nickel tops the list, worth an astounding $4.56 million!
Why Some Nickels Are So Valuable
Rarity of Certain Nickels
Top 50 Most Valuable Nickels: Some nickels are rare simply because only a few were minted. For example, only five of the 1913 Liberty “V” nickels are known to exist, making it the most sought-after nickel in history.
Condition and Grading
Collectors are often willing to pay more for coins that are in near-perfect condition, often graded by organizations like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). A small difference in grading, such as moving from MS65 to MS66, can significantly increase a coin’s value.
Buffalo Nickels: A Popular Choice
Buffalo nickels, which were minted between 1913 and 1938, are extremely popular among collectors due to their unique design and historical significance. Out of the 50 most valuable nickels, a large portion are Buffalo nickels.
The Famous 1913 Liberty Nickel
The 1913 Liberty “V” Nickel is the most famous and valuable nickel, with only five known examples in existence. One of these coins sold for $4,560,000, making it the most expensive nickel of all time.
Jefferson Nickels with Full Steps
While Jefferson nickels (introduced in 1938) are common, the rare Full Steps versions command high prices. Coins with five or six full steps on Monticello’s reverse side are much more valuable because they were struck with greater detail than the typical Jefferson nickel.
Conclusion
Top 50 Most Valuable Nickels: Nickels may seem like simple coins, but many of them hold immense value for collectors. Whether you’re just starting or have been collecting for years, knowing which nickels are the most valuable can help you make informed decisions about your collection. Always be sure to verify the condition and rarity of your coins, and happy collecting!
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FAQs
Why are Buffalo nickels so valuable?
Buffalo nickels are valuable due to their popularity and the fact that many have worn out over time. Those in mint condition are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
What is a “Full Steps” Jefferson nickel?
A Full Steps Jefferson nickel has a detailed strike on the reverse side, showing five or six distinct steps on Monticello. These coins are rare and worth significantly more than regular Jefferson nickels.
How do I know if my nickel is valuable?
The value of a nickel depends on its rarity, condition, and demand. It’s best to have the coin graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to determine its value.
Are all Liberty “V” nickels valuable?
Not all Liberty “V” nickels are valuable. The 1913 version is extremely rare, but many other Liberty nickels are relatively common and less valuable.
What is the most valuable nickel ever sold?
The most valuable nickel ever sold is the 1913 Liberty “V” Nickel, which fetched $4,560,000 at auction.