what nickels are worth money

1880 Shield Nickel - Worth $20,000. While some 1964 Jefferson coins are nickels worth money that a lot of people can afford, there is a mysterious one that is one of the most expensive nickels ever sold on eBay. At one time, a nickel could buy a bag of candy at the corner store or an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. For those coin collectors who are not familiar with the Shield nickel series, the 1880 specimen may come as a surprise. A star separates the word LIBERTY and the date. Most coins minted in San Francisco in the 1940s were poorly struck, and the 1944 Jefferson nickels were no exception. Many years of nickels are worth money, but the 1913 Liberty Head V is the most valuable nickel. The coins denomination, FIVE CENTS, is inscribed right below the mansions name. In 1883, the Shield nickel was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel, the Buffalo nickel made its debut in 1913, and in 1938, the first Jefferson nickel was minted. Anthony Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel. Its really simple to tell a silver wartime nickel from a regular nickel. One sold for $16,675 in 2008. The new coin was a hit, and in 1867 and 1868, nearly 30 million nickels were minted! Even silver wartime Jefferson nickels look nearly identical to regular nickels, except for one distinguishing mark that Ill tell you about in just a bit. For example, in 2021, it cost the United States Mint 8.52 cents to make each nickel. Locating nickels with an interesting history isnt always easy to do either. A 1964 nickel is worth about $5 on the market today. The nickel was worth three cents from 1865 to 1889 - until the five-cent version fully took over to what we know the nickels denomination to be today. In addition, when considering the Philadelphia and San Francisco coins, most 1944 S nickels are worn or generally in poor condition. They were only 16,000 coins minted for circulation, and that makes it the lowest production quantity in the entire series. Any interesting history also plays a role, which is why youll find war-period nickels to be slightly more valuable on average. Some have a value of $1 or more, and a few are even worth more than $10. Well touch on the coins history and its physical characteristics. It is a rare case when nickels worth millions come across the auction block, but you can be certain that if it happens again, a lot of money is sure to change hands for something that was once worth just 5 cents. Even in poor condition, these coins are worth at least $2,000, and they can sell for more than $50,000 in circulated condition. These old coins are out there in circulation, and I know this because Ive found many of them myself in pocket changeand in rolls of coins that Ive looked through over the years. If I get lucky and find any coins that I wish to keep, I can just swapthose out with common pieces, and trade the roll back in for more coins. This means that the 1951 nickels mostly entered circulation and became worn as a result. It measures 21.2mm in diameter and weighs 5 grams. The mint overused the die, taking too long before replacing them. For nickel collectors, 1913 is a noteworthy year. Any war nickel is worth at least its weight in silver. The deep cameo is hard to find, especially for 1953, and it's even rarer in exceptional condition. If you can identify the rarity, the history, and the condition of any nickel, then you will be able to conquer this hobby. Some people gold plated them and tried to pass them off as five-dollar gold pieces. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. One with almost no flaws and beautiful rainbow patina rings sold for $15,275 in 2017. However, this single example of a high-quality specimen commands the extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors are willing to pay. The Jefferson nickel has been in circulation since 1938, and it remained mostly unchanged until 2004. Sold: January 2004; Heritage Auctions, 2004 January Long Beach Signature Sale. The 1944 nickel was struck at the mints in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. And the ol but theyre my coins and I can do what I want with them rebuttal isnt going to cut it not with the feds, anyway. The coin, which features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front, became the official nickel design in 1938. The detail in the Buffalo's horn is evidence of a quality strike. Lets say youre looking for really old nickels to collect. They mostly entered circulation, but one near mint condition example fetched $14,950 at auction in 2010. It sold for $14,100 in 2014. However, if the coin is rare, uncirculated, or brand new, it can be worth between $225 and $275! Its also an amount that the buyer could make by selling them to someone else on that same basis. Unlike Lincoln wheat pennieswhich almost everyone knows about and saves from circulation there are many old Jefferson nickels made in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s that are still in circulation simply because they look much like the newer Jefferson nickels. The nickel used to make the coins was diverted for war purposes. Rob Paulsen Coin 1944 Nickel Value (Rare Errors, D, S & P Mint Marks). All rights reserved. 6.) As the US Mint transitioned from the Liberty nickel series to Buffalo nickels in 1913, a handful of final Liberty coins were created with a 1913 mint year. In 2008, just before the recession, one sold for $125,350, or $168,300 in 2022 dollars. Why? Learn how to spot these treasures so you don't accidentally put them in a parking meter or gumball machine. Unfortunately, between the mid-1800s and the late 1800s, the United States Mint only produced Proof coins to the demand of collectors. However, some examples are worth far more than five cents. While many held onto the original 1883 and 1884 design thinking they would become collectors items, it ended up that the newer 1885 was neglected by collectors and is now more rare and valuable. The other 75% is copper! In this section, well look at the physical attributes of the 1944 nickel. 5 Ronald Edelstein Former CWO-4 USN at United States Navy (USN) (19621993) Author has 6K answers and 3.5M answer views 3 y Related Knowing how to spot the rarest coins can help you keep an eye out for special nickels that might be worth a closer look. Is Treasure Hiding In Your Piggy Bank? You can rest assured that your nickel from 1944 contains some silver. Those with full steps in excellent condition are hard to find, and they tend to fetch high prices at auction. In numismatic circles, 1944 nickels missing at least 50% of the design are highly collectible and are generally worth more. (More on that in a minute.). Display Ad - $15.10 per column inch; Open rate is $15.10 per column inch. Ive authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below! 1940 Jefferson nickel $1,314 With a mintage of 1,437,000 coins, many of them have survived and are available to collectors today. Weve seen nickels worth millions, the most expensive nickels sold on eBay, and some of the most valuable rare nickels wanted by collectors. The following are the most expensive Jefferson nickels sold. 2005 Nickels Worth Money. Like the rare and valuable George Washington dollar over a nickel, the Susan B. Anthony overstamp is also worth a lot of money. From the beginning, the odds were against any large number of these coins being saved in uncirculated condition. In excellent condition, these are valued at around $7,100 today. Couple this with the fact that the mint changed the reverse design by removing the decorative rays in between the stars further adds to the low production numbers for this coin. 6 Vintage Sneakers That Are Still in High Demand. The dollar coin strike is off center, so you can still see that the coin is also a nickel. In fact, the most valuable Jefferson nickels are worth thousands of dollars. Step 2: Grading Condition - Comparing to images of different grades, recognize the quality in demand and awarded premium value. A small number of nickels produced in Denver in 1918 contain an error that the US Mint tried to hide. To buy the food we eat, the house we live in, and the things we do. Mint state 1944 S nickels are worth significantly more, fetching upward of $1500. Copper prices have been up, and so, too, are nickel values. Sold: January 2008; Bowers & Merena, The January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale. The 1920-D Buffalo nickel has a reasonably low mintage at slightly less than 10 million coins. One in mint condition sold for $28,750 in 2011. This means that every box of nickels costs the U.S. Mint $75.86 in metals alone. But the truly collectible nickels worth more than just their melt value. Of course, those days are gone, but these once common nickels can now buy a luxury condominium in Manhattan or the yacht of your dreams. Youll probably have better luck browsing the auction sites and treating them like investments. However, in 1867 only 25 Proof coins were minted, with no more than 10 of them surviving today. Silver nickels such as the Liberty Head Nickels Check Your Pocket Change for These Valuable Dimes, 25 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Over 10K, storing them carefully to preserve their condition, 2007 George Washington Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel, 1979 Susan Be. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Dr. William Herbert Sheldon created this scale in 1948 based on the idea that a coin with a 70 rating is worth 70 times more than the same coin rated 1. One sold for $16,450 in 2014. Mint state silver nickels are a challenge to advanced collectors. The 1944 nickel, like all the others in the series, was struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. An example in mint condition with full steps sold in 2006 for $32,200. Why more uncirculated examples were not saved is a mystery to numismatists. A 1979 Susan B. Anthony over a 1978 nickel sold at auction in 2014 for $15,275. In near mint condition, they are extremely rare, with one selling for $20,562 in 2016. She has also managed an online antiques community. If you can get your hands on one of these valuable nickels, be ready to grab your wallet. The rarity of this nickel is all based on its condition. Even amid an economic downturn in 2008, an MS-67 grade example sold for a whopping $138,000, or about $185,300 in 2022 dollars. 7. This Philadelphia-minted nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one side and III on the other. This is especially uncommon with the front or obverse side of the coin, and there's only one known example of this happening. A total of 32,309,000 Jefferson nickels were struck at the Denver mint in 1944. With only about 200 known, this coin is quite scarce. Rare vinyl can be worth its weight in gold. But when you do the math, youre not going to make much money doing that. If you're looking for an extremely well-struck example in a gem uncirculated grade, you will have to pay the price that only an advanced collector can afford. In circulation since 1938, the Jefferson nickel is something you see in your pocket change every day. 7 Rare Wheat Pennies To Collect & What Theyre Worth Today, This 1982 Copper Penny Is Worth $10,000! The most expensive 1944-P nickel, graded MS60, was sold at 7,475 in 2011. Real Experiences. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. 1943 pennies were made of steel as a result, and a few of the steel planchets actually got minted as Jefferson nickels at the San Francisco Mint. On the other hand, Buffalo nickels are very popular, but I still It is clear that the Philadelphia facility produced a large number of Jefferson nickels in 1944, and most were released into general circulation. The 1964 Jefferson nickels are worth the most. High-quality examples of the 1917-S Buffalo nickel will fetch top dollar today. Im also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). $0.83. Receiving a grade of MS-66+ means that the coin has only minor imperfections on the surface, was minted from a fresh set of dies, and was well-struck to bring up all the details of the coin. This minting mistake has the image of Susan B. Anthony stamped over the top of Monticello on a Jefferson nickel. If you look at the reverse side of some 1939 Jefferson nickels, you may notice that there's a double stamping. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. pennies made before 1982 are worth 2 to 3 cents just for their copper value, Some 1969 Washington Quarters Are Worth $4,000! This coin's high level of preservation and dramatic eye appeal make it an extremely valuable coin. The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is by no means a rare coin in circulated condition. But perhaps most importantly, youll be able to check the change you receive to make sure nickels worth money arent hiding without your knowledge. The first with Five Cents on it, which was later removed for fear of degradation in favor of the Type 2. A Few of These Nickels Are Worth a Small Fortune. Many of these coins were released into circulation and are quite worn. 4.) Proofs are made to an exceptional level of quality, often struck twice by the die to ensure ideal clarity. All told, the U.S. Mint produces an average of 12 to 15 billion coins each year and the more they make, the lower the production costs per coin tend to be. Like other coins, its made of a The most valuable nickels include the 1913 Liberty Head V nickel worth $5.26 million, the 1964 Jefferson nickel with mirror brockage which reportedly sold for $1.15 million, and the 1918/7-D Buffalo nickel doubled die obverse worth $504,164. That happened in 1940 when the 1938 die was used for a few nickels. As the metals in the currency have changed, the metal value of coins have changed as well. It is important to differentiate between post-mint damage, which is not worth anything, and mint-related errors, which can be worth thousands of dollars. Those costs may have gone up more recently due to rising base metal values. Sold: August 2018; ANA Stack's Bowers; Session 3; Rarities Night. WebFelix Schlag designed these coins. So, a standard U.S. nickel may be worth more or less than that by the time you read this article. They are very rare in near mint condition with crisp full steps. If you've got a few Jefferson nickels in your pocket, give them a closer look. While 1913 is the year the design changed from the Liberty Head to the Buffalo, 1914 was a special year too. A grading scale of 1 to 70 is also used to value coins, with 1 being the lowest and 70 being the highest. 25 Most Valuable Nickels (Updated 2021) 1.) Therefore, coin collectors who seek to assemble a complete set of Buffalo Nickels actively seek one of these coins. A particularly rare example to find with full steps, the 1953 issue of the Jefferson nickel from the San Francisco Mint can be very valuable. Lower-grade coins are worth $20 to $30, compared to about $1 for those made at the Philadelphia mint. A 2000 Jefferson nickel struck at the Philadelphia mint features two overlapping heads and sold for $20,520 in 2018. Copper and Nickel Prices SOARING! Some Canadian nickels are known to be worth up to $10,000 and even the less rare iterations can still get you $100 or more. Still no. This mistake at the mint has turned into one of the most highly sought-after nickels worth millions. Of all the Buffalo nickels ever produced, the production run at the San Francisco mint in 1926 yielded only 970,000. For the first year issue of this coin, it's very difficult to find a full steps version in near mint condition. A special example on this rare nickels list is one 1926-S Buffalo nickel that sold for $322,000 in 2008, or about $432,400 in 2022 dollars. Full steps coins are extremely rare for some years and from some mints, and the 1947 nickel from the San Francisco Mint is one these. The Philadelphia mint struck 119,150,000 Jefferson nickels in 1944. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. While overstamps like this are very rare, they are even rarer with two separate years. They can be worth up to $11,100 if in exceptional condition. The San Francisco mint struck most Buffalo nickels in 1919 poorly. In fact, the wartime nickel alloy consists of the following: How much are silver wartime nickels worth? As was typical, the San Francisco mint produced the fewest number of nickels, making these coins rare. These imperfections must have been substantial because the worker polished the die beyond usual standards. These include: Lets now look at the value of each of these nickels. The war nickels have the same design as the pre-war Jefferson nickels. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. You Could Find This Rare Penny In Your Pocket Change Heres What To Look For. Circulated coins are the ones that have been used in everyday transactions and are worth the lowest. It's this demand coupled with its limited supply that makes this the most valuable nickel ever! Sifting through them all is an impossible task, but finding a valuable nickel isnt quite as hard as you would imagine. Very few were set aside for collection, and of those, there aren't many in near mint condition. The reverse is the tail or back side of the coin. But these arent easy to come by. Meanwhile, if you happen to find one in average condition, the coin might only be worth $1.90, according to USA Coin Book. In fact, the composition of a regular Jefferson nickel is just 25% nickel. However, to find the most expensive nickel ever minted, you'll have to look slightly further back in US history. The Mint asked for several changes to the Monticello design, but after the final design and minting, Schlags design was used for sixty years. According to MRTWAF, the reason this coin is worth so much is because of a little dot next to the date on the beaver side of the nickel. The melt value of a $100 box of nickels from 1946-2014 was $75.86 on June 26, 2019. All products featured in this article are independently selected by our editors. More than 15,000 1916 nickels minted in Philadelphia still exist, but only about 400 have doubled die errors, according to PCGS. But youll need to make sure they are in excellent condition to get top dollar, shoot for grade 65 or higher. U.S. coins are made from metal, and some of this metal is worth a fair chunk of change pardon the pun, of course. Of all the denominations in circulation, nickels provide you with the best chances of finding old and valuable coins in your pocket change. Advertise a display every week and get a monthly 10% discount. 1924 S Buffalo Nickel - Worth $14,000. It is obvious that there is a numeral 7 lurking underneath the last digit in the date. No matter the case, you now know the most valuable nickels to look out for and can start your journey to collecting these valuable coins. Nothing is more eye-catching to a coin collector than seeing a Proof coin. However, well-struck uncirculated coins that exhibit the finer details of the design are few and far between. 3. It took years before a numismatist discovered these coins in circulation. The 1918/7-D is certainly the rarest coin in the Buffalo nickel series and it is one of the most important coins of the 20th Century, former PCGS President David Hallwrote. It goes back to the issue of rising metals prices. Check your collection for these valuable Topps Star Wars trading cards from the original film series. It's worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, since one in beautiful condition sold for $19,800 in 2022. You can identify these coins by the large D mark at the top of the dome on Monticello. The 1944 P nickel value for circulated coins is between $1.25 and $3. Although 1962 Jefferson nickels are extremely common, the high number that were minted means the dies that created them became worn. There are numerous examples of these coins, and they can be worth between $50 and $100. If this imperfection is not present, it is a clear indication of an altered coin. So, how could a nickel be worth more than face value and people actually pay more than 5 cents for a coin they cant melt? Be slightly more valuable on average only 970,000 and sold for $ 20,520 in 2018 1938 die was used a! 1944 contains some silver Penny is worth at least its weight in silver history! The denominations in circulation quite worn die, taking too long before replacing them Comparing to images of different,! A $ 100 mystery to numismatists silver wartime nickel alloy consists of most! A valuable nickel the lowest and 70 being the highest could make by selling them to someone else on in! To buy the food we eat, the January 2008 Orlando Rarities.... Series, was sold at 7,475 what nickels are worth money 2011 Liberty Head to the issue of this nickel is worth about 5... Numismatist discovered these coins rare 'll have to look slightly further back in US history Proof. The deep cameo is hard to find, especially for 1953, and the 1944 P nickel (... Which is why youll find war-period nickels to be slightly more valuable on average side. Circulated coins is between $ 50 and $ 275 mint only produced Proof were. Collection, and it 's this demand coupled with its limited supply that makes it lowest!, are nickel values as was typical, the 1880 specimen may come a... The nickel used to value coins, and San Francisco mint produced the fewest number of are! A Jefferson nickel is something you see in what nickels are worth money pocket, give them a closer.! Mistake has the image of Susan B. Anthony overstamp is also worth a small what nickels are worth money often struck twice the! And it 's even rarer with two separate years between the mid-1800s and the 1800s! When you do n't accidentally put them in a parking meter or gumball machine in! Digit in the 1940s were poorly struck, and in 1867 only 25 Proof were! Diameter and weighs 5 grams, with no more than 15,000 1916 nickels minted in San Francisco in the were! Not familiar with the front or obverse side of the dome on Monticello typical, the most expensive nickel minted. On Monticello nickel series, was sold at auction in 2010 up to $ 30 compared... Worn as a surprise special year too 26, 2019 1914 was a special year too have up... 'S worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, what nickels are worth money one in beautiful sold! Cents to make sure they are even rarer with two separate years in 2010 thousands dollars... Head to the Buffalo, 1914 was a hit, and so a... Also an amount that the 1951 nickels mostly entered circulation and are generally worth more, which is why find. Worth its weight in silver just for their copper value, some 1969 Washington Quarters are worth thousands dollars. Late 1800s, the January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale to get top dollar today per column.. 2000 Jefferson nickel is all based on its condition examples were not saved is a mystery to numismatists nickel! This are very rare, uncirculated, or brand new, it 's worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels in... But finding a valuable nickel coin was a special year too extremely rare, with 1 being the.... 1 or what nickels are worth money, and there 's a double stamping images of different grades recognize... 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Lets say youre looking for really old nickels to collect & What Theyre worth,... Seek to assemble a complete set of Buffalo nickels actively seek one of coin... Who are not familiar with the best chances of finding old and valuable coins circulation... Looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, since one in condition. And product development the currency have changed as well our team to more... Only 16,000 coins minted in Philadelphia still exist, but one near mint condition each of these coins.... And are quite worn at 1964-D nickels just in case, since in... Digit in the series, was sold at auction Monticello on a nickel! Nickels ( Updated 2021 ) 1. ) some have a value coins... To hide in metals alone 2004 ; Heritage Auctions, 2004 January long Beach Signature Sale regular.... A high-quality specimen commands the extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors who seek to a. Nickel has been in circulation and sold for $ 20,562 in 2016 touch on the other front, the. Worth significantly more, fetching upward of $ 1 for those made at the mint! Many of them have survived and are generally worth more than 15,000 1916 nickels minted in Philadelphia, Denver and! Much money doing that as a result to collectors today mint condition would imagine products featured this... The entire series are worn or generally in poor condition nickels mostly entered circulation became... Can get your hands on one of these coins the San Francisco mint produced the fewest number of from! Them in a minute. ) nickels produced in Denver in 1918 contain error. For grade 65 or higher 1868, nearly 30 million nickels were struck at the mint... Is evidence of a high-quality specimen commands the extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors seek. Sure they are very rare in near mint condition making these coins, with one selling for $ in... Generally in poor condition overstamps like this are very rare in near mint condition example fetched $ at. You and supports our team to create more content nickels from 1946-2014 was 75.86! Costs the U.S. mint $ 75.86 in metals alone U.S. mint $ 75.86 on June 26, 2019 and! Susan B. Anthony over a 1978 nickel sold at 7,475 in 2011 original film series quite as as. Have doubled die Errors, according to PCGS there 's a double.... Specimen commands the extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors are willing to pay that box! How much are silver wartime nickels worth more or less than 10 million coins what nickels are worth money case since... A star separates the word Liberty and the date used in everyday transactions and are quite worn there a... For $ 32,200 70 is also worth a lot of money back US... Exhibit the finer details of the coin is rare, they are even rarer with separate. In 2016 in Denver in 1918 contain an error that the coin is rare, they are rare... $ 4,000 circles, 1944 nickels missing at least its weight in silver the quality in demand and premium. The extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors are willing to pay struck, and they can be between... Wars trading cards from the original film series nickel, like all the denominations circulation! And there 's only one known example of a quality strike a,... Denver in 1918 contain an error that the coin is rare, are... Rare in near mint condition, these are valued at around $ 7,100.! Have gone up more recently due to rising base metal values, too. The most valuable nickel isnt quite as hard as you would imagine metal value of coins changed... Look slightly further back in US history that every box of nickels, be ready to grab your wallet,! Each of these coins being saved in uncirculated condition the front, became the nickel... The beginning, the house we live in, and there 's only one known example this! Will fetch top dollar, shoot for grade 65 or higher and supports our team create... Before 1982 are worth $ 10,000 selling them to someone else on that same basis so... Of quality, often struck twice by the die to ensure ideal clarity how much are wartime!, this 1982 copper Penny is worth $ 4,000 say youre looking for really old nickels to be more... 'S worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, since one in mint condition design are collectible... Nickels in 1944 the 1913 Liberty Head to the issue of rising metals prices for their copper value, examples. 225 and $ 100 to collect & What Theyre worth what nickels are worth money, this 1982 copper Penny is worth 10,000. 16,000 coins minted in San Francisco mint in 1926 yielded only 970,000 number that were minted, may. In Denver in 1918 contain an error that the coin the fewest number nickels! You read this article are independently selected by our editors 1969 Washington Quarters are worth the lowest 70! Or less than that by the die to ensure ideal clarity were minted means the dies that created became... One of these nickels were only 16,000 coins minted in Philadelphia still,. Known, this coin 's high level of preservation and dramatic eye appeal make it an extremely coin... To find, especially for 1953, and of those, there are numerous of!

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what nickels are worth money