The King of 20th Century Coins is the 1913 Liberty Head nickel. When a collector paid $750 for the 2005 D MS 67 Buffalo cent in 2014 at Stacks Bowers auction, it set a new auction record. Although these nickels are quite common, some in mint uncirculated condition can fetch you a neat sum. A 1944 S nickel, in general circulation, is worth between $1.25 and $4. The United States Mint struck the first Jefferson nickels in 1938 after the United States Treasury decided to stop the production of the Buffalo nickel. These imperfections must have been substantial because the worker polished the die beyond usual standards. There are millions upon millions of nickels that have been created throughout the history of the United States. While other mints and other years had millions of examples, only 970,000 Buffalo nickels came out of the San Francisco mint in 1926. The deep cameo is hard to find, especially for 1953, and it's even rarer in exceptional condition. During the reverse coin die manufacturing, sloppy workmanship resulted in this die variety. It's worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, since one in beautiful condition sold for $19,800 in 2022. In October, this changed, since nickel was needed to make artillery for troops in World War II. Next time you get some change after buying a coffee, take another look in your hand, and perhaps youll stumble upon something great. Real People. The new coin was a hit, and in 1867 and 1868, nearly 30 million nickels were minted! In excellent condition, these are valued at around $7,100 today. Only 16,000 were made for circulation. 25 Most Valuable Nickels (Updated 2021) 1.) In circulated condition, 1944 D nickels are worth between $1.25 and $4.25, while in uncirculated condition, this coin can fetch as much as $750. He has over 50 years of numismatic and writing experience, including a monthly magazine column for the American Numismatic Association. To find such a pristine example coupled with a highly detailed strike is a true rarity. The rarer the nickel is, the more valuable it is. That said, if you happen to find a 1944 Jefferson nickel with half the design missing but the mintmark and date are fully visible, you should hold on to this coin as it is quite valuable. This is a valuable coin that serious collectors are willing to bid high on if the condition is good. The Mint asked for several changes to the Monticello design, but after the final design and minting, Schlags design was used for sixty years. Work on memorizing this list of years and you might be able to identify some valuable nickels easily. There are numerous examples of these coins, and they can be worth between $50 and $100. Read more in our privacy policy. If you can get your hands on a 1964 SMS special strike nickel, you might be sitting on gold. 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. If you're extremely lucky one of the pennies you get may be old and possibly worth 2 cents. However, this single example of a high-quality specimen commands the extraordinary price that advanced coin collectors are willing to pay. $31.95 Free Shipping Seller: Adventurecoins While President Thomas Jefferson has been featured on the nickel since 1938, no five-cent piece bearing his likeness has ever sold for more than $50,000, according to data from the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Most examples circulated for almost 15 years until Paul M. Lange of Rochester, New York offered an example for sale in an auction on March 1930. If the sides of the steps are wavy and less distinct, you may have this subtle and valuable minting error. In the collecting world, the fact that these little mistakes slipped through means big money. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - Vintage nickels are identified and valued by date and mint variety. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. ; Records have also been broken in 2021 for the 1964 Nickel D/D grade MS65 selling for One sold for $143,750 in 2008, or $193,000 in 2022 dollars. Perhaps to fulfill the demand for nickels in the Midwest, the San Francisco Mint sent a die for the 1949 nickel to Denver. 1927 S Buffalo Nickel - Worth $5,000. This may be why so few uncirculated examples were saved for coin collectors. This list of Jefferson nickel values will help you determine how much your old nickels are worth. 1972 Dollar Coin Value See How Much Your 1972 Eisenhower Silver Dollars Are Worth! WebThe condition of a 1966 nickel is an important factor in determining its value. See if holding onto your favorite action figures as a kid has paid off. The rarity of this nickel is all based on its 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. Although not rare, the Denver 1944 nickels are fewer than those minted in Philadelphia. High-quality examples of the 1917-S Buffalo nickel will fetch top dollar today. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Lets now look at some common questions regarding the 1944 nickel. Most Valuable Dimes: A List Of Silver Dimes & Other Old Dimes You Should Hold Onto! (More on that in a minute.). In an uncirculated mint state, it can fetch up to $1,500. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. WebFelix Schlag designed these coins. 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. These coins are very rare, with only eight examples known; however, they're also very easy to miss. Now, there is one major exception to this rule. In addition to the old nickels listed above, here are the 25 most valuable nickels worth $50 apiece or more! How much your Jefferson nickel is worth will depend on factors such as its condition, the coins rarity, and the presence of significant errors. Mint state silver nickels are a challenge to advanced collectors. The reverse side of the 1944 nickel prominently features Jeffersons mansion, which he named Monticello. Depending on the year, it can be somewhat rare for a Jefferson nickel to clearly show all the steps of Monticello on the back. But another excellent example sold at auction in 2014 for $170,375, or about $208,100 in 2022 dollars. The dollar coin strike is off center, so you can still see that the coin is also a nickel. According to the seller, the coin was certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in an MS 67 grade. Your chances of findingvaluable nickels in everydaypocket change are pretty good much like your odds of finding valuable pennies. Sold: January 2008; Bowers & Merena, The January 2008 Orlando Rarities Sale. $0.83. 2. These Type II coins are extremely rare in gem uncirculated condition of MS-68. When the Liberty Head nickel design was first released in 1883, the word cents was omitted from it. If you look very carefully at Jefferson's portrait on lots of nickels, you'll notice that some feature crisper, deeper images. There are just five known examples of the coin, according to the PCGS. It is obvious that there is a numeral 7 lurking underneath the last digit in the date. The only difference is that the mint mark is larger and placed above the Also known as full-step nickels, these coins can fetch more than $100, especially for uncirculated, mint state coins. 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. Very few are in good enough shape to show the steps. Of all the denominations in circulation, nickels provide you with the best chances of finding old and valuable coins in your pocket change. A special mint set (SMS) is similar to a proof set, made in small quantities to test dies and provide beautiful coins for collectors. The 25 Most Valuable Nickels & How Much Theyre Worth. Real People. When the face value is a small fraction of the real-world worth. The Shield nickels were produced from 1866 to 1883, replacing the fractional currency notes issued prior. The Type I coin has the denomination FIVE CENTS on the reverse below the Buffalo on a raised mound. One does not need a magnifying glass or microscope to see the dramatic doubling on the last two digits of the year on the obverse of the coin. However, some high-quality examples cost around $35. 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. Why would the U.S. government spend millions even billions of dollars making a bunch of coins if Americans are simply going to melt them down? Having said that, erosion can cause some of these same problems, so you need to know what is original and what isnt. U.S. coins are made from metal, and some of this metal is worth a fair chunk of change pardon the pun, of course. Sold: January 2015; Heritage Auctions, FUN U.S. But the 1927-S had striking issues, and very few of these exist in exceptional quality strikes. Sold: November 2008; Bowers & Merena, The November 2008 Baltimore Auction. Sifting through them all is an impossible task, but finding a valuable nickel isnt quite as hard as you would imagine. 1913 and 1914 proved to be important years for nickel collectors. Imagine - some of these valuable records could be rattling around in your attic. In addition, its natural toning around the rim enhances its beauty and appeal to coin collectors. Unlike the nickels from Philly, the ones from the Denver mint were struck remarkably well, coming out with an attractive luster and sharp strike, a great example of a wartime coin. The die used for many of the 1919-S Buffalo Nickels that came out of the San Francisco mint had a sloppy appearance and were struck poorly. 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.. With over three million 1927-S Buffalo nickels minted, this hardly qualifies this coin as rare or scarce. Specifically, the denomination FIVE CENTS and minor doubling on the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. In the early 1950s, it became less popular for people to save rolls of uncirculated coins. These are usually the most expensive nickels you can find. Generally, a 1944 off-center nickel error with at least 5% of the design missing is worth between $5 and $10. Finding rare nickels in your loose change just might make you thousands of dollars richer. 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. Time to Start Hoarding Nickels? The doubled die error is popular among collectors. However, if the coin is rare, uncirculated, or brand new, it can be worth between $225 and $275! They mostly entered circulation, but one near mint condition example fetched $14,950 at auction in 2010. Made at the beginning stages of World War I, the 1917 Buffalo nickels have a rare amount of quality examples that came from the San Francisco mint. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. All rights reserved. Step 2: Grading Condition - Comparing to images of different grades, recognize the quality in demand and awarded premium value. Ah, yes You probably saw the line above if it was legal in the United States and got excited about sending rolls and bags of nickels out of the country for melting there or maybe selling your nickel coins as scrap metal. The first with Five Cents on it, which was later removed for fear of degradation in favor of the Type 2. We also listed themost valuable dollar coins, I'm a lawyer - AT&T may owe you money in a $60m deal but you must act fast, Subway makes two major changes to the way you get your sandwiches, I found a 25 cent item thrifting at Goodwill - it sells for $50 on eBay, Kroger confirms unavailable essential discontinued across the whole of US, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, These five-cent pieces have sold for at least $250,000 at auction, The 1913 Liberty Head nickel was the last five-cent piece produced with this design before the US Mint started using the Buffalo coin, The 1918 year marking is slightly distorted on this coin, meaning it's actually a rare misprint, The tiny mark beneath the words "five cents" is an S, indicating this coin was made in San Francisco, This coin does not have a mintmark showing where it was produced, but it was made at the Philadelphia Mint. The only difference is that the mint mark is larger and placed above the Monticello image. However, the cost to make a penny or a nickel is generally offset by the profit the U.S. Mint makes in striking dimes, quarters, and other coins. 16. Real Experiences. You can identify these by looking carefully at the steps of Monticello. Another aspect that almost always leads to rarity is an error printed on the nickel. 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