When people think of valuable coins, they usually imagine gold or silver ones. However, even nickels, worth just five cents, can be incredibly valuable if they have unique minting errors. These “error coins” are created when a mistake is made during production, resulting in rare and highly collectible coins that can be worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 14 most valuable nickel error coins, covering each coin’s history, unique features, and value.
History and Significance of Nickel Error Coins
Nickel error coins are some of the most exciting finds for collectors. These coins gained value due to production errors, like doubling of images or letters, missing details, or other mistakes. Because the U.S. Mint typically maintains strict quality standards, error coins are rare, making them appealing to collectors. Today, the rarest nickel error coins can command impressive prices at auctions.
Let’s take a look at the 14 most valuable nickel error coins, including the nature of each error and their known auction values.
List of the 14 Most Valuable Nickel Error Coins
| Nickel Error Coin | Description of Error | Notable Auction Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel | Missing front leg on the buffalo due to die over-polishing | $99,875 in 2021 |
| 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel | Doubling on the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “FIVE CENTS” | $104,650 in 2007 |
| 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel | Special mint set coin not released into circulation | $32,900 |
| 1918-S Buffalo Nickel | Poor strike quality and rare in mint condition | $125,350 in 2008 |
| 1913 Liberty Head Nickel | Only five known examples due to unauthorized minting | $4.56 million in 2022 |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel | Overdate error with “7” visible beneath “8” in the date | $350,750 in 2006 |
| 1939-P Doubled Die Reverse (Full Step) | Doubling on “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” | $23,500 |
| 1971-S No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel DCAM | Missing “S” mintmark on proof coin | $8,100 |
| 1880 Shield Nickel | Extremely low mintage and rare in mint state | $188,195 |
| 1946-D Jefferson D over D Nickel | Mintmark “D” struck twice, showing a double impression | $3,000 |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel | Mintmark “D” struck over a horizontal “D” | $32,200 |
| 1885-P Liberty Head Nickel | Low mintage and rare in high grades | $74,750 |
| 1943-P Jefferson Fish Hook Nickel | Overdate error causing a unique “fish hook” appearance | Popular among collectors |
| 1953-S Full Steps Jefferson Nickel | Rare “Full Steps” feature on Jefferson Nickel | $24,000 in 2019 |
Notable Nickel Error Coins Explained
Let’s explore some of these coins in detail to understand why they’re so valuable.
1. 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel
This famous error occurred when the die used to strike the Buffalo Nickel was over-polished, removing one of the buffalo’s front legs. Known as the “Three Legs” error, this coin has become incredibly popular among collectors and sold for nearly $100,000 at auction.
2. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel features a doubled die error on the reverse side, creating a second image of certain letters, especially in “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “FIVE CENTS.” This error is rare and one of these coins sold for over $100,000 at auction in 2007.
3. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is perhaps the most famous and valuable error coin in U.S. history. Only five examples are known to exist, and they were likely struck by accident or unauthorized minting. One of these rare coins sold for $4.56 million in 2022.
4. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel in the Special Mint Set (SMS) was never officially released to the public, making it incredibly rare. A high-grade example of this coin sold for over $30,000 at auction.
5. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel
This Buffalo Nickel features a famous overdate error, where the “7” is visible beneath the “8” in the year. This rare coin is sought after for its historical significance, and one example sold for $350,000 in 2006.
Why Nickel Error Coins Are So Valuable
Nickel error coins are valuable for a few key reasons:
- Rarity: The U.S. Mint has high standards, so errors are rare.
- Unique Look: Error coins look different from standard coins, making them stand out.
- Historical Interest: Some error coins have historical significance, adding to their value.
- Collector Demand: Collectors love coins that are rare and unique, which drives prices up.
Collectors are always on the lookout for unique coins, and error coins are an exciting find for many. While some coins have small errors that may not be easily noticeable, others have striking differences that make them immediately recognizable.
Conclusion
Nickel error coins showcase how a simple mistake in minting can create a valuable treasure. From the 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel to the ultra-rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, these coins remind us of the fascinating world of coin collecting. The rarity of these coins combined with their unique production stories makes them prized items for collectors worldwide. If you’re interested in coin collecting, learning to spot these valuable nickel errors could lead you to some impressive finds.
FAQ’s
How can I tell if my nickel is a valuable error coin?
Look for unusual characteristics like missing letters, doubled images, or parts of the design that seem incorrect. Comparing your coin to images of known error coins can help identify valuable errors.
Are error coins only found in old nickels?
No, error coins can appear in nickels from any year, though older coins may have higher values due to rarity. Always check both old and new nickels carefully.
Where can I sell a valuable error coin?
Valuable error coins can be sold at auctions, to coin dealers, or through online marketplaces. It’s often a good idea to get your coin appraised to understand its true value before selling.