From 5¢ to $4.5 Million – The World’s Most Valuable Nickels

STOP! Before you spend another nickel, check your pocket change.
Hidden in everyday coin jars, bank rolls, and even vending machine trays could be ultra-rare nickels worth a combined $15 million.

While most nickels are worth just face value, a select few have sold for life-changing sums at auction. Here’s your guide to spotting them.

The Million-Dollar Nickel Club

1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – $4.5M+

Only 5 known to exist
Last auction sale: $4.56 million (2018)
Key feature: “LIBERTY” on the headband, no “CENTS” on reverse

2. 1942/1 Overdate Nickel – $500K+

Minting error: 1942 date struck over 1941
How to spot: Look for a faint “1” beneath the “2” in the date

3. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel – $100K+

Famous error: Missing the bison’s front leg
Often found in old coin collections or estate sales

4. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel – $25K+

Variety: “D” mintmark struck over “S”
Only fewer than 20 confirmed examples

5. 1964 SMS Nickel – $15K+

Special Mint Set finish with mirror-like surfaces
Not intended for general circulation

Where to Hunt for Rare Nickels

Bank rolls – Ask for full boxes of nickels
Estate sales – Check the “junk coin” bins
Inherited collections – Grandpa’s coin jar could be gold
CoinStar reject trays – Many silver nickels end up here

Essential Tools for Identification:
10x Loupe (magnifying lens)
Digital scale for weight verification
Magnet (silver-content nickels won’t stick)

2024 Value Guide

Coin	Circulated	Mint State
1913 Liberty	N/A	$4,000,000+
1942/1 Overdate	$10,000	$500,000+
1937-D 3-Legged	$500	$100,000
1950-D Over S	$1,000	$25,000
1964 SMS	$50	$15,000

What to Do if You Find One

Handle with cotton gloves only
Photograph obverse, reverse, and edge
Submit for certification (PCGS or NGC)
Insure it before sending to auction
Pro Tip: Sell during major coin shows — competition drives up prices