Expensive 5-cent coins that are still in use in the USA
'11.04.2024'
ForumDaily New York
The nickel has a long history in the United States. The first ones were made of gold, silver or copper. If you're lucky enough to find an early or rare version of the nickel, you could become thousands or even millions of dollars richer, reports GoBankingRates.
According to the American Bullion website, the first nickels were known as Shield nickels and were produced from 1866 to 1883. These were followed by the Liberty Head nickel (1883–1913), the Buffalo or Indian Head nickel (1913–1938), and the Jefferson nickel (1938–present). Read about 10 American coins that could fetch a fortune in our material.
In terms of rarity and value, you are most likely to find the most valuable nickels in older mintages dating back to before World War I. But as American Bullion notes, you can find some expensive versions minted during World War II. They were made with the addition of silver and manganese to save nickel for military use.
On the subject: Rare American banknotes that can sell for large sums to collectors
Additionally, some nickels with errors can be expensive, including nickels where the year is stamped on top of an older year.
The most expensive coins
The most valuable nickels to date are the 1913 Liberty Head. American Bullion calls this coin one of the “most legendary and mysterious” coins in US history.
Rumor has it that the coin was minted illegally as it occurred during the transition from Liberty Head to Buffalo nickels. Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist and they were never officially issued. Their estimated value today is more than $3 million.
You are unlikely to ever come across a 1913 Liberty Head coin. But there are others in circulation that command a high price. Here are nine of them, with estimated prices courtesy of American Bullion. Please keep in mind that only coins in excellent condition will fetch the highest price.
9 most expensive US nickels:
- 1926-S Buffalo Nickel: $4;
- 1916 Double Die Buffalo Nickel: $3;
- 1918/17-D Buffalo Nickel: $3;
- 1879 Shield Nickel: $2;
- 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: $2;
- 1880 Shield Nickel: $2;
- 1942-P Jefferson Nickel: $800;
- 1950-D Jefferson Nickel: $600-$800;
- 1939 Doubled Monticello: $500.
