Rare US coins have always captured the imagination of collectors. Among these, certain nickels have reached impressive values, selling for $50,000 or more. Let’s explore five such nickels that demand a high price, along with three more must-have rarities that continue to draw the attention of coin enthusiasts.
Nickels Priced at $50,000 and Up
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most coveted nickels in coin collecting history. Only five are known to exist, making it an extremely rare find. Its unusual backstory, paired with its scarcity, has pushed its value well into the six-figure range, often surpassing $3 million at auctions. This nickel was not authorized by the US Mint, adding an air of mystery and intrigue.
2. 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel
This nickel is famous for its distinct doubled die error, which makes it highly sought after by collectors. The doubling on the date “1916” is a key feature that sets this coin apart. Depending on the condition, this nickel can fetch anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000, with mint-state versions commanding premium prices.
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is known for its striking minting error, where one of the buffalo’s legs appears to be missing. This coin stands out as a prime example of how minting mistakes can turn a common coin into a rare treasure. Well-preserved examples of this coin can easily fetch over $50,000 in auctions.
4. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel
The 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel is a lesser-known but valuable coin. Its rarity stems from a minting error where the “D” mintmark was stamped over another “D” that was placed horizontally. Although not as famous as other coins, this error significantly increases its worth, with prices typically starting around $50,000 for coins in top condition.
5. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is one of the rarest overdate coins in US history. This overdate error occurred when the die used for minting was not properly prepared, causing the “7” from the previous year to appear underneath the “8.” High-quality versions of this coin have sold for over $50,000, with some going for much higher prices.
| Coin Name | Year | Error or Feature | Price Range | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | 1913 | Only 5 in existence | $3,000,000+ | Ultra Rare |
| 1916 Doubled Die | 1916 | Doubled die on date | $50,000 – $100,000+ | Very Rare |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | 1937 | Missing leg on buffalo | $50,000+ | Rare |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D | 1942 | Mintmark error | $50,000+ | Rare |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo | 1918 | Overdate error | $50,000+ | Very Rare |
These five nickels, each with their unique minting errors or extreme rarity, have captured the interest of collectors worldwide, fetching impressive prices at auctions. Collecting rare coins is not just about the monetary value, but also the fascinating history each coin represents.
In addition to these five nickels, there are numerous other coins that, while not as expensive, hold significant value and history for numismatists.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is incredibly valuable due to its extreme rarity, with only five known examples. It was not officially minted, which adds to its intrigue, and the few existing coins have fetched millions at auction.
2. Why is the 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel considered rare?
This nickel is rare due to a minting error that caused one of the buffalo’s legs to be omitted. This error makes it a sought-after piece for collectors, with prices exceeding $50,000 for well-preserved examples.
3. What is the significance of the 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel?
The 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel is significant because of the doubled die error, which creates a distinctive doubling effect on the date. This error increases its rarity and value.
4. Can I find a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel in circulation?
Finding a 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel in circulation today is extremely unlikely due to its rarity and the high demand among collectors. Most existing examples are already in private collections or auctioned off at high prices.
5. How do minting errors affect the value of a coin?
Minting errors can dramatically increase the value of a coin, as they are often rare and highly sought after by collectors. Coins with significant errors, like missing elements or overdates, are particularly valuable.