Some people collect shoes, some handle old music records, and then there are those who are crazy about rare coins. Coin collecting is not just a hobby but a unique way to keep history to yourself. A coin that may be decades or centuries old can change someone’s fortune today. Especially rare nickel coins, which were once used for only 5 cents, can sell for millions of dollars today. There are many such coins, but there are some that have become famous not only because of their rarity but also their historical and monetary value. Let’s know about the four rarest and most expensive nickel coins, whose price has skyrocketed over time.
1913 Liberty Head V Nickel: The biggest mystery of the coin world
The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel is considered the Holy Grail of the coin world. Its rarity can be gauged from the fact that only 5 coins of this type exist. This coin is so rare that it always attracts bids worth millions in auctions. In 2018, a coin in PR66 grade was sold for $4.56 million. At the same time, in 2022, a coin of PR63 grade was auctioned for $4.2 million. The difference in their price depends on the condition of the coin—the better its condition, the higher its price. If someone has this coin today, it is definitely worth a small fortune.\
1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel: Mistake that became treasure
‘Error Coins’ are very special for coin collectors, and the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is one of them. This coin was first minted in 1917 but was later reprinted in 1918. Due to this double printing process, a faint mark of ‘7’ is visible below the ‘8’. This mistake has made this coin extremely rare today.
If someone finds this coin in their piggy bank of old coins, it will be nothing short of a miracle. In 2006, an excellent condition specimen of this rare coin was sold for $350,750. If it is adjusted for today’s inflation, its value would be around $350,750. If you have a Buffalo Nickel coin, take a close look at it—it may be worth millions!
1926-S Buffalo Nickel: The Rarest Coin
The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is a coin that makes coin collectors’ eyes light up. This coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, which can be identified by its “S” symbol. But what makes it special is its extremely low number.
While other mints made millions of Buffalo nickels, only 970,000 coins of the 1926-S version were minted. Due to its rarity, this coin was sold for $322,000 in MS66 grade in 2008. If we adjust it to the inflation rate of 2024, it could be worth around $322,000 today. So, if you have any 1926-S Buffalo nickel, do not forget to keep it safe.
1867 Shield Nickel with Rays (Proof Edition): New Definition of Rarity
The 1867 Shield Nickel is a priceless treasure, especially for coin collectors. This coin was part of the Shield nickels minted between 1866 and 1883, but its specialty was that it was issued in two different designs. Initially, it had decorative rays around the ‘5’ on the reverse, but later that year the US Mint decided to remove these rays. Because of this, the 1867 coin became a rare transitional variety that collectors are eager to find today.
A proof version of this coin sold for $132,250 at Heritage Auctions in 2004. If adjusted for today’s prices, it would be worth about $132,250. This coin remains one of the most desirable coins in vintage US coin collections.
Do you have a rare nickel coin?
If you have a passion for coin collecting, or you have a stash of old coins lying around, you probably need to find one of those rare coins. Rare coins are always in high demand among collectors and investors, and their value only increases over time. If you find any old nickel coin, take a close look at its date, mint mark, condition, and design. If you find a coin that looks unusual or has a printing error, it may be a good idea to show it to an expert.
Conclusion: Hidden Treasures in the World of Coins
Collecting old coins is not just a hobby but an exciting journey, in which you not only own pieces of history, but it can also bring you a financial benefit. From the 1913 Liberty Head nickel to the rare 1867 Shield nickel, these coins have seen their value increase tremendously over time. If you are also interested in coin collecting, check your old coins carefully—you too may have a coin that is worth millions!
FAQs
Q. Why are rare nickel coins so valuable?
A. Rare nickel coins are valuable due to their limited mintage, historical significance, and unique errors that make them highly sought after by collectors.
Q. How much is the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel worth?
A. The 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel has sold for millions at auctions, with one example fetching $4.56 million in 2018 and another selling for $4.2 million in 2022.
Q. What makes the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel special?
A. This coin is an error variety where the date was mistakenly re-struck, leaving a faint “7” under the “8.” It is extremely rare and has sold for over $350,000.
Q. How can I tell if my 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is valuable?
A. If your 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is in excellent condition (graded MS66 or higher), it could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Only 970,000 were minted, making it rare.
Q. Where can I get my rare nickel coin appraised?
A. You can get your coin appraised by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, or visit a reputable coin dealer to determine its authenticity and value.