Have you ever glanced at a nickel and tossed it aside without a second thought? You might want to take a second look. Some rare nickels are worth thousands—and in some cases, even millions—of dollars. And here’s the kicker: they might still be hiding in everyday circulation.
From historical mints to error coins, these elusive nickels could turn your spare change into a life-changing payday. Let’s dive into 5 of the rarest nickels reportedly worth a combined total of $78 million still possibly in circulation today.
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – The Million-Dollar Mystery
- Estimated Value: $3.7 Million+
- Mintage: 5 known
- Key Features: Lady Liberty design, no official records of minting
Only five 1913 Liberty Head Nickels are known to exist. They were struck under mysterious circumstances after the official design had been discontinued.
These nickels are essentially “off the books,” making them one of the rarest coins in U.S. history. One sold for over $3.7 million, and if you ever come across one, you could be holding a coin worth more than a luxury yacht.
2. 1942–1945 Silver “War Nickels” – Small Coin, Wartime Value
- Estimated Value: Up to $16,000 (for rare errors)
- Mintage: High, but many destroyed or melted
- Key Features: 35% silver content, large mint mark above Monticello
During WWII, nickel was a critical war material, so the U.S. Mint created coins using a silver alloy. These “War Nickels” can be identified by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above the Monticello building. While many are worth only their silver content, certain error types or uncirculated examples can sell for thousands.
3. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel – The Scarce Mintage King
- Estimated Value: $20,000+
- Mintage: 2,630,030 (lowest for Jefferson series)
- Key Features: D mint mark on the reverse, low circulation
The 1950-D is a collector favorite because of its extremely low mintage. These coins were hoarded right after minting, so they’re often found in excellent condition. If yours has sharp details—especially “Full Steps” on Monticello—it could fetch over $20,000.
4. 1939-D Jefferson Nickel – A Key Date with Collector Demand
- Estimated Value: Up to several thousand dollars
- Mintage: 3,514,000
- Key Features: D mint mark, rare with Full Steps
The 1939-D is tough to find in circulation, especially in top-grade condition. It’s a key date nickel that often appears on collector “must-have” lists. If you find one with clean Full Steps detail on Monticello, you could be staring at a hefty payday.
5. 2005-D “Speared Bison” Nickel – A Modern-Day Error Jackpot
- Estimated Value: $1,000 – $3,000+
- Mintage: Unknown (error-based)
- Key Features: Visible die gouge that looks like a spear in the bison’s back
In 2005, the U.S. Mint issued nickels featuring a bison on the reverse. Some of the Denver Mint coins ended up with a prominent die gouge, appearing like a spear running through the bison. These error coins are highly collectible, with values easily hitting four figures in pristine condition.
Rare Nickels Worth Checking For
| Nickel Type | Year(s) | Mint Mark | Notable Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head Nickel | 1913 | — | Unauthorized issue, 5 known | $3.7 Million+ |
| Silver “War Nickels” | 1942–1945 | P, D, S | 35% silver, large mint mark | Up to $16,000 |
| Jefferson Nickel (Low Mintage) | 1950-D | D | Lowest Jefferson mintage | $20,000+ |
| Jefferson Nickel (Rare Date) | 1939-D | D | Scarce with Full Steps | Several thousand $ |
| Speared Bison Error Nickel | 2005-D | D | Die gouge through bison | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
Note: Values depend on condition, rarity, and market demand.
These five rare nickels represent a total potential value of $78 million—and there’s a real chance one could be in your possession right now. Whether it’s a Liberty Head legend or a modern minting error, these coins prove that every nickel is worth inspecting.
Next time you get change from the grocery store, don’t toss it aside—you might just be holding history in your hands.
FAQs
Can I really find these nickels in my spare change?
Yes! While incredibly rare, some of these coins have been found in pocket change, coin rolls, and old jars. Always inspect nickels closely—especially older or unusual ones.
What does “Full Steps” mean on a Jefferson Nickel?
“Full Steps” refers to the complete and visible steps on Monticello. If a Jefferson Nickel shows sharp, uninterrupted steps, it often demands a premium value.
Are War Nickels magnetic due to their silver content?
No. War Nickels contain 35% silver and are not magnetic. If your nickel sticks to a magnet, it’s most likely a standard issue and not silver.