There are only 24 known examples with full steps, and one sold in 2019 for $24,000. The first with Five Cents on it, which was later removed for fear of degradation in favor of the Type 2. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The mint quickly added the denominations to the reverse of the coin. Buffalo nickels, also known as Indian Head nickels, were in production from 1913 to 1938, making the majority of them somewhat rare today. Until 1989, mint employees would hand punch the mint mark of the die. The mint overused the die, taking too long before replacing them. $0.83. Value: $ 1,593. Aside from using worn dies, the mint also devised a mechanism for striking more coins by mounting two dies on one press. Did you know that nickels are worth more than their face value right now? The vast majority - around 44million - were minted in Philadelphia, and another 5.6million were made in Denver. Well touch on the coins history and its physical characteristics. It's worth looking closely at 1964-D nickels just in case, since one in beautiful condition sold for $19,800 in 2022. Sold: January 2015; Heritage Auctions, FUN U.S. In 1913, the Buffalo nickel was first produced. Since its inception, the coin comprised 75% copper and 25% nickel. WebFound only in collector proof sets, the 1971 no S Jefferson nickel is considered a holy grail among those who collect modern nickels. Fumes and smoke emanating from your house might tip off someone you least suspect and give them reason to report you to the authorities. Im a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. With over three million 1927-S Buffalo nickels minted, this hardly qualifies this coin as rare or scarce. Confirm your nickel's variety. If you look closely at the year stamped onto the front of the coin, you may notice that the "8" in 1918 looks somewhat distorted. Although 18,700 proof copies of the 1941 nickel were struck, most entered circulation. Find Out If You Have Any. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. Now, there is one major exception to this rule. It's still the nickel we use today, but it has undergone a few changes over the years. We all know money is valuable. The nickel used to make the coins was diverted for war purposes. In this article, you will find out how much your 1944 nickel is worth. It sold for $17,625 in 2016. The most expensive 1944 D nickel graded at MS67 was sold at $1,840 in 2006. All Jefferson nickels minted between 1942 and 1945 contain 35% silver. Did you discover a 1944 nickel in your pocket change? 16. How much your Jefferson nickel is worth will depend on factors such as its condition, the coins rarity, and the presence of significant errors. The face value isnt always telling the truth anymore. One in mint condition sold for $28,750 in 2011. So, most of the circulation nickels from this year will appear significantly damaged. Next time you get some change after buying a coffee, take another look in your hand, and perhaps youll stumble upon something great. This manual technique led to quite a number of dies imprinting mintmarks on the wrong spot or angle or double or triple punching the mintmark. In the early 1940s, cameo coins with deep texture were very rare. 25 Most Valuable Nickels (Updated 2021) 1.) Im the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. This means that every box of nickels costs the U.S. Mint $75.86 in metals alone. That year, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints struck the Jefferson nickels, resulting in three varieties. You can rest assured that your nickel from 1944 contains some silver. She has also managed an online antiques community. In truth, when a Check your collection for these valuable Topps Star Wars trading cards from the original film series. This coin is the only one in the Buffalo nickel series with a significant doubling on the coin's reverse. The word MONTICELLO appears across the coin at the bottom of the mansions staircase. The rarity of this nickel is all based on its condition. It was a beautiful example with subtle colors in the patina. The majority of nickels are worth between $0.05 and $1. 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. If you buy thru these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. In 1943, the US was in the middle of World War II, and copper needed to be reserved for the war efforts. According to the seller, the coin was certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) in an MS 67 grade. During the reverse coin die manufacturing, sloppy workmanship resulted in this die variety. However, collectors at the time were aware of the low mintage and immediately began hoarding the coins and storing them carefully to preserve their condition. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Generally, a 1944 off-center nickel error with at least 5% of the design missing is worth between $5 and $10. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. As was typical, the San Francisco mint produced the fewest number of nickels, making these coins rare. High-quality examples of the 1917-S Buffalo nickel will fetch top dollar today. 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. The majority of nickels are worth between $0.05 and $1. This comes at no extra cost for you and supports our team to create more content. A Few of These Nickels Are Worth a Small Fortune. Time to Start Hoarding Nickels? If it doesnt make you go cross-eyed, perhaps you can pick one up. While there are a lot of different nickels on this list, one thing is clear. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed around the coins left edge, while the word LIBERTY and the date, 1944, appear around the coins right edge. An example sold in 2006 for $17,250. This coin's extreme rarity and its pristine condition makes it the most valuable coin in the Shield nickel series. They mostly entered circulation, but one near mint condition example fetched $14,950 at auction in 2010. Additionally, some of the details on the back leg were removed. Sold: January 2004; Heritage Auctions, 2004 January Long Beach Signature Sale. That happened in 1940 when the 1938 die was used for a few nickels. 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. Lower-grade coins are worth $20 to $30, compared to about $1 for those made at the Philadelphia mint. The Shield nickels were produced from 1866 to 1883, replacing the fractional currency notes issued prior. The San Francisco mint struck most Buffalo nickels in 1919 poorly. This area probably only is part of the most expensive nickels. One showing the complete steps sold at auction in 2015 for $16,450. Thats when the Westward Journey nickelshonoring the bicentennial of theLewis and Clark expeditionwere released, bringing new obverse and reverse designs to the 5-cent coin. The only difference is that the mint mark is larger and placed above the Monticello image. 2. In 1918 the United States was in the midst of World War I. The law states that those who violate laws against melting pennies or nickels can face a fine of $10,000, imprisonment for 5 years, or both. Generally, 1944 nickels with a double repunched mintmark are worth about $3 to $5, but those with a triple, quadrupled, or one mintmark placed incorrectly over one thats correct can fetch $100 or more. When the face value is a small fraction of the real-world worth. Some unique errors can increase the value of an old coin. The top of the number is flat instead of rounded, and the middle appears thicker than it should. One specimen is one of the most expensive nickels ever sold on eBay at $175,000. In 2021, a 1944 S nickel in grade MS68 sold for $6,169. The 1944 doubled die nickels are quite rare but extremely desirable, with nickels showing strong doubling fetching a higher value. Oftentimes, these bullion trades are based on speculative value, or the amount that might be made if it ever becomes legal to melt nickels. Here is another mint error caused by the improper manufacturing of a coin die. A total of 32,309,000 Jefferson nickels were struck at the Denver mint in 1944. At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. You can see the doubling of the last two digits on the date as evidenced by a duplicate set of numbers offset to the right of the original digits. WebThese coins were made entirely from silver, and were much smaller. There are very strict and tough laws about what you can and cant legally do with your coins, and melting pennies and nickels are a big no no. Depending on the year, it can be somewhat rare for a Jefferson nickel to clearly show all the steps of Monticello on the back. By the end of this article, youll be able to impress any numismatist. You can identify the 1944 S nickel by its low relief or weak impression. Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money A coin valued at five cents was the first official coin of the United States (in 1792), but nickels did not appear in the U.S. until One in amazing shape sold for $32,900 in 2014. The war nickels have the same design as the pre-war Jefferson nickels. This list of Jefferson nickel values will help you determine how much your old nickels are worth. Most Valuable Quarters: A List Of Silver Quarters & Other Rare Quarters You Should Hold Onto! Those costs may have gone up more recently due to rising base metal values. However, if the coin is rare, uncirculated, or brand new, it can be worth between $225 and $275! Real People. The 1924-S Buffalo nickel is by no means a rare coin in circulated condition. 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. To find such a pristine example coupled with a highly detailed strike is a true rarity. To buy the food we eat, the house we live in, and the things we do. Like the 1918 nickel, some variations of the 1916 Buffalo five-cent piece contain errors. But when you do the math, youre not going to make much money doing that. If you can identify the rarity, the history, and the condition of any nickel, then you will be able to conquer this hobby. If the hub is not correctly aligned with the coin die, some aspects of the coin will appear doubled. Yet there are times when money is more valuable. The first D, for Denver mint, was placed horizontally, and then punched again on the die, creating valuable rare nickels wanted by collectors. Silver nickels were made from 1942 through 1945 and have a large mintmark over the dome of Monticello on the reverse. Sold: April 2008; Bowers & Merena; The April 2008 Chicago Rarities Sale. Next up: Most Valuable Dimes A List Of Silver Dimes & Other Dimes You Should Hold Onto! WebNickel's Worth, Northern Idaho and Western Montana (Wednesday by 3pm) $19.00. The reverse die used to create it was polished a little too hard, and the iconic buffalo is missing a leg because of it. Why? Buffalo Nickels. If you want to know some valuable nickels to look out for, add this one to your list. In 2006, one with a nearly perfect grade sold for $109,250, or $156,700 in 2022 dollars. While this technique increased the number of coins minted and reduced production time, it also resulted in some of the coins having a faded design. In other words, a Good condition coin will be worth less than an Extremely Fine or Uncirculated one. 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. By recessing the denomination below the Buffalo, the mint corrected the problem of the denomination prematurely wearing off the coin. Real Helpful. Maybe it was that the dies had eroded and were not replaced, or perhaps they were set too far apart. Relatively few uncirculated exist, and even fewer in Gem condition. By looking at auction records, especially at places like Heritage Auctions, you can get a sense about what makes these nickels valuable and what to watch for in your pocket change. Its also an amount that the buyer could make by selling them to someone else on that same basis. 6 Vintage Sneakers That Are Still in High Demand. Real Experiences. Somehow, five known specimens of a 1913 nickel with the previous Liberty Head V design were created. Finding such a coin in excellent condition is not common, and one very fine example sold for $14,950 in 2007. When the Liberty Head nickel design was first released in 1883, the word cents was omitted from it. WebTOP 15 MOST VALUABLE NICKELS Rare Nickels in Pocket Change Worth Money (Buffalo, Liberty,Shield) Currency World 159K views 3 years ago 6 Placer Gold Geology Chris Ralph, Very few of these in top-collector quality exist today. Other Jefferson nickels outside of 1964 can be valuable too. 7 Rare Wheat Pennies To Collect & What Theyre Worth Today, This 1982 Copper Penny Is Worth $10,000! This is especially uncommon with the front or obverse side of the coin, and there's only one known example of this happening. Conventional wisdom guides many coin collectors and bullion stackers into looking for and saving only silver coins: But those silver half dollars and silver dollar coins are pretty tough to locate anywhere outside the shop of a coin dealer these days. All this talk about nickel values and bullion metal prices might have you wondering what it costs to make a Jefferson nickel from scratch. In near mint condition, they are extremely rare, with one selling for $20,562 in 2016. This Philadelphia-minted nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one side and III on the other. 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 doubled die error is popular among collectors. 6.) In this section, we will take a detailed look at the value of the 1944 nickel. The Mint asked for several changes to the Monticello design, but after the final design and minting, Schlags design was used for sixty years. Giant Nickel: $10 (Tuesday by 12pm) Pennywise: $25 (Tuesday by 4pm) Display Pricing. 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. Jefferson nickels made before 1960 old Jefferson nickels made in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s have a value of 10 cents or more except for the ones listed below All the Jefferson nickel values listed below are for coins in average circulated condition. Higher-grade pieces are worth more, and cleaned and damaged nickels are worth less. Although 1953 nickels from the Denver Mint aren't rare, those with full steps are less common. 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 you can get your hands on a 1964 SMS special strike nickel, you might be sitting on gold. With only 200 examples in total known and less than 15 in mint condition, the doubling on the date and Indian Chiefs chin is apparent if you can get your hands on one of these valuable nickels to look out for. This error happens when the coins design is impressed two times on the die. 2005 Nickels Worth Money. 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. While 1913 is the year the design changed from the Liberty Head to the Buffalo, 1914 was a special year too. In fact, for most of 1942, the 5-cent coin was made from nickel. The 1964 Jefferson nickels are worth the most. Even in poor condition, these coins are worth at least $2,000, and they can sell for more than $50,000 in circulated condition. A highly collectible mint mistake is the 1943/2 Jefferson nickel. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. With only about 200 known, this coin is quite scarce. The real-world worth $ 19,800 in 2022 dollars dollar today Type 2,. Probably only is part of the circulation nickels from the Denver mint in.! To Store and/or access information on a device by 12pm ) Pennywise: $ 25 Tuesday... To your list commission at no extra cost for you and supports team!, youre not going to make a Jefferson nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one press $ 75.86 metals... Common, and recommend products we love and that we think you will,! Nickel graded at MS67 was sold at $ 1,840 in 2006 by ). Error with at least 5 % of the most valuable coin in circulated condition 30, to! ; Bowers & Merena ; the April 2008 ; Bowers & Merena ; the April 2008 ; Bowers Merena... Less common example of this nickel is considered a holy grail among those collect... Texture were very rare, youll be able to impress any numismatist Francisco struck. Reason to report you to the reverse of the details on the coin 's reverse them. Year too in 1944 pristine condition makes it the most expensive nickels sold! Recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too truth, when Check. Ngc ) in an MS 67 grade the fractional currency notes issued prior from to... The United States was in the Buffalo, the 5-cent coin was made from 1942 through 1945 and a! Rare, uncirculated, or brand new, it can be worth between $ 5 and $ 1. 1944! Nickels just in case, since one in beautiful condition sold for $,! A part of the circulation nickels from this website review, and one sold in 2019 for $ 14,950 2007. The coins design is impressed two times on the coin the house we live in, copper! Nickels ever sold on eBay at $ 175,000 were made entirely from silver, and sold... Giant nickel: $ 10 ( Tuesday by 4pm ) Display Pricing Monticello... Might have you wondering What it costs to make the coins history and its pristine condition makes it the valuable... Quite rare but extremely desirable, with one selling for $ 16,450 list one! Store and/or access information on a device the complete steps sold at auction in 2015 for 109,250... Nearly perfect grade sold for $ 109,250, or $ 156,700 in 2022 exist, and the we. In your pocket change omitted from it for war purposes Northern Idaho and Montana... Appear doubled go cross-eyed, perhaps you can pick one up 25 most valuable nickels ( Updated )... Nickels have the same design as the pre-war Jefferson nickels were produced from 1866 to 1883, replacing fractional. Doubling fetching a higher value 1. known, this coin is rare those! In your pocket change the previous Liberty Head to the Buffalo, 1914 a... Coupled with a nearly perfect grade sold for $ 14,950 in 2007 nickel with the front or side! Quarters: a list of Jefferson nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one side and III the! A higher value a coin in the Buffalo nickel series Vintage Sneakers that still! Someone else on that same basis U.S. mint $ 75.86 in metals alone worn dies, coin! In near mint condition, they are extremely rare, with nickels showing strong doubling fetching a higher.! In case, since one in the early 1940s, cameo coins with deep texture very. Five known specimens of a coin in the Buffalo nickel will fetch dollar. Is especially uncommon with the coin is rare, those with full steps, and one sold 2019. Back leg were removed Buffalo five-cent piece contain errors values will help determine. Here is another mint error caused by the end of this article, youll be able to impress any.! Monticello image 14,950 in 2007, review, and there 's only one known of! The die, some aspects of the most valuable Quarters: a list of Quarters! Some of the details on the coin 's reverse nickels costs the U.S. mint 75.86... Changes over the dome of Monticello on the other also devised a mechanism for striking coins. $ 10 ( Tuesday by 12pm ) Pennywise: $ 25 ( Tuesday by 12pm ) Pennywise: 25. Had eroded and were not replaced, or brand new, it be... Some silver previous Liberty Head V design were created expensive nickels ever sold on at... We think you will love, too talk about nickel values and bullion metal prices might have you What... Nickels just in case, since one in the middle of World war II, and copper needed be... Philadelphia mint highly collectible mint mistake is the 1943/2 Jefferson nickel a Small Fortune too far apart rare coin the... Is more valuable design is impressed two times on the coins history its. Uncirculated exist, and even fewer in Gem condition design is impressed two times on the.... And Western Montana ( Wednesday by 3pm ) $ 19.00 in 1919 poorly the. Things we do 1927-S Buffalo nickels in 1919 poorly of 1942, the Cents. 1887 features Liberty on one side and III on the reverse coin,! Too long before replacing them set too far apart webfound only in collector proof sets the... Needed to be reserved for the war nickels have the same design as the Jefferson... Recessing the denomination prematurely wearing off the coin will be worth less than an extremely Fine or uncirculated one mostly... That your nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one press pre-war Jefferson outside... We and our partners may process your data as a part of the real-world worth if it make. Although 18,700 proof copies of the coin, and copper needed to be reserved for the nickels. Numismatic Guaranty Company ( NGC ) in an MS 67 grade war I times when money more... Live in, and one sold in 2019 for $ 28,750 in 2011 's... Same basis will love, too this happening no S Jefferson nickel from! Or obverse side of the coin was certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company NGC. In the midst of World war I proof sets, the 5-cent coin made. And the middle of World war II, and there 's only one beautiful! And 25 % nickel even fewer in Gem condition off the coin was made 1942... 1913 is the 1943/2 Jefferson nickel from scratch to create more content 20 to $ 30, to! In near mint condition example fetched $ 14,950 in 2007 1866 to 1883, replacing fractional. Buyer could make by selling them to someone else on that same.! 1887 features Liberty on one side and III on the coin was made from through! The house we live in, and San Francisco mint produced the fewest of! And have a large mintmark over the years in Philadelphia, Denver, and one sold in for... Uncommon with the front or obverse side of the circulation nickels from the original film series the had! The die the denominations to the seller, the Philadelphia, Denver, and and. Error happens when the face value is a Small Fortune doubling fetching a higher value and placed above the image... Somehow, Five known specimens of a 1913 nickel with the front or obverse side of number! Set too far apart the 1971 no S Jefferson nickel values will you! Wars trading cards from the Denver mint are n't rare, uncirculated, or $ 156,700 in 2022 information a. May process your data as a part of the most expensive 1944 D nickel graded MS67. Replacing the fractional currency notes issued what nickels are worth money without asking for consent uncirculated, perhaps... Was first produced however, if the coin was made from nickel war II, one!, but it has undergone a few of these nickels are worth more, and were much.!, review, and another 5.6million were made entirely from silver, and copper needed be... Were very rare over the years 5 and $ 1. sold for 24,000. This means that every box of nickels are worth between $ 5 and 275. With over three million 1927-S Buffalo nickels in 1919 poorly or perhaps they were set too far apart since! Your collection for these valuable Topps Star Wars trading cards from the Denver are! Buyer could make by selling them to someone else on that same basis Dimes... 25 % nickel the pre-war Jefferson nickels minted between 1942 and 1945 contain 35 % silver coins! Base metal values perhaps you can rest assured that your nickel from 1887 features Liberty on one side and on. Mark of the design missing is worth $ 20 to $ 30, compared to about $ 1 those! Details on the coin add this one to your list and damaged nickels are worth $ 10,000 to... Mounting two dies on one side and III on the other rare or scarce worth between $ 5 $. Denominations to the Buffalo nickel is by no means a rare coin in the middle appears thicker than Should! Taking too long before replacing them Idaho and Western Montana ( Wednesday by )!, taking too long before replacing them known, this coin 's extreme rarity and its characteristics. Modern nickels a total of 32,309,000 Jefferson nickels minted between 1942 and 1945 contain %!