When you think of coins with significant value, you might imagine gold or silver bullion, rare gold coins, or early American mints. However, many collectors are unaware that even the humble nickel, with its five-cent face value, can be worth a fortune.
The key to their value often lies in minting errors—rare occurrences where mistakes on the production line lead to unique and highly valuable coins.
In this article, we explore the top 14 most valuable nickel error coins, showcasing why these overlooked coins command such high prices.
1. 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Buffalo nickel with the “Three Legs” error is one of the most sought-after nickels by collectors. This error occurred due to over-polishing of the die used to strike the coin, which resulted in the front leg of the buffalo being nearly erased.
This error is so significant that it is called the “Three Legs” Buffalo. A specimen graded MS66 was sold for an impressive $99,875 at auction in 2021. Due to its rarity and the fact that the Buffalo Nickel is no longer in circulation, this coin is an absolute treasure for collectors.
2. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel is unique because it is the only year in the series to feature a significant doubled die reverse error.
This doubling is most visible around the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the words “FIVE CENTS.” The 1935 Doubled Die Reverse is an extremely rare coin, with one example graded MS64 fetching $104,650 at auction in 2007. The rarity of this error and its distinct design make it highly desirable to collectors.
3. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Jefferson Nickel is another valuable nickel error coin. Unlike regular business strikes, SMS coins were specially struck and not released into circulation.
Only a few of these nickels were issued, and they remained largely unknown until their discovery in 1993. The 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel, particularly those with full bands, can fetch up to $32,900 at auction, making them rare and valuable collectibles.
4. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
The 1918-S Buffalo Nickel struck at the San Francisco Mint is another rare error coin. This coin is known for its poor strike quality and scarcity in both circulated and uncirculated conditions.
Only a handful of mint-state examples exist, making them highly sought after. In 2008, a mint-state MS66 example was sold for $125,350. Today, it is one of the most valuable Buffalo nickels, often commanding high prices at auctions.
5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history. Only five examples of this coin are known to exist, and their origins remain shrouded in mystery.
The Liberty Head Nickel was supposed to be replaced by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913, but five unauthorized proof coins were minted. In 2022, the Walton specimen of this nickel was sold for $4.56 million. Today, it is valued at $6.25 million, making it one of the most expensive coins ever sold.
6. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel Doubled Die Obverse
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel features an overdate error, with the “7” visible beneath the “8” in the year. This rare overdate error went unnoticed for several years before being identified.
The 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is one of the most significant errors in the series, with a specimen graded MS65 selling for $350,750 in 2006. Its extreme rarity and historical significance make it highly prized by collectors.
7. 1939-P Doubled Die Reverse (Full Step)
The 1939-P Jefferson Nickel is one of the most notable examples of a doubled die reverse error in the Jefferson Nickel series. The doubling is most visible around the word “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse.
While many 1939-P nickels are found in lower grades, examples with a full step designation are much rarer. One example of this coin sold for $23,500, and today these coins are worth a significant amount due to their scarcity and unique error.
8. 1971-S No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel DCAM
The 1971-S Jefferson Nickel is valuable because it is the only coin in the Jefferson Nickel series struck with a missing mint mark. Minted at the San Francisco facility, some of these proof coins were struck without the “S” mint mark.
The Deep Cameo (DCAM) versions of this coin are particularly rare, with only around 50 known examples. Coins of this type can fetch as much as $8,100 at auction.
9. 1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel is one of the rarest coins in the Shield Nickel series. With a low mintage of just 19,995 coins, the 1880 Shield Nickel is highly sought after by collectors.
Mint-state examples of this coin are exceedingly rare, and one specimen graded MS66 sold for $188,195 at an auction. The rarity and historical significance of this coin make it a valuable collector’s item.
10. 1946-D Jefferson D over D Nickel
The 1946-D Jefferson Nickel features a minting error known as the “D over D” repunched mintmark error. This error occurred when the mintmark was struck over a previously applied mintmark, creating a visible double impression.
An example of this coin, graded MS66, was sold for $2,500, with Full Step versions commanding up to $3,000. The rarity of this error and its distinctive appearance make it valuable.
11. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
The 1942-D Jefferson Nickel features an over-mintmark error in which the mintmark “D” was punched over a previously applied horizontal “D.” This error is easily identifiable and is highly sought after by collectors.
Fewer than 100 uncirculated examples exist, and a specimen graded MS66 sold for $15,275. Full Steps versions can fetch up to $32,200, making them one of the most valuable Jefferson Nickels.
12. 1885-P Liberty Head Nickel
The 1885-P Liberty Head Nickel is one of the rarest coins in the Liberty Head Nickel series. With a mintage of just 1.47 million coins, this nickel is scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
In 2005, an example graded MS67 sold for $74,750. Due to its low mintage and high collector demand, this coin is one of the most valuable Liberty Head Nickels.
13. 1943-P Jefferson Fish Hook Nickel Error
The 1943-P Jefferson Nickel features an overdate error known as the “Fish Hook” error. This error results from the incorrect positioning of the digits during the minting process, leading to a fish-hook shape where the number “3” overlaps with the number “2.” This error is popular among collectors, and its distinct appearance makes it a valuable find.
14. 1953-S Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
The 1953-S Jefferson Nickel is another valuable error coin due to its low mintage. The San Francisco mint struck about 19 million Jefferson Nickels that year, but the “Full Steps” version of this coin is extremely rare.
A specimen graded MS67 with Full Steps sold for $24,000 at a Heritage Auctions event in 2019, making it one of the most valuable Jefferson Nickels.
Conclusion
Nickel error coins are some of the most exciting and valuable finds for coin collectors. Whether it’s the rarity of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel or the unique characteristics of the 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel, these error coins demonstrate how a small flaw in production can turn a humble nickel into a rare and valuable treasure.
With this guide, you’ll be better equipped to spot valuable nickel errors and perhaps add a few valuable coins to
FAQs
1. What is a nickel error coin?
A nickel error coin is a coin that has been struck with a minting mistake, such as a misaligned die, missing mintmark, or doubled die. These errors make the coin unique and more valuable to collectors.
2. How do I know if my nickel is worth money?
Look for unusual features like overdate errors, doubled dies, or missing mintmarks. Coins in mint state or with full details such as “Full Step” are also more valuable.
3. What makes the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so valuable?
Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist, making them incredibly rare. They were also never officially minted by the U.S. Mint, adding to their historical significance.
4. How are nickel error coins graded?
Nickel error coins are graded based on their condition, with higher grades indicating better preservation. Coins with errors in mint state (MS) or with features like Full Step are more valuable.
5. Are all nickel errors valuable?
Not all nickel errors are valuable. The value depends on the rarity of the error, the number of coins in circulation, and the condition of the coin. Some errors are more common than others and don’t command high prices.
