Collecting coins is a hobby that combines the thrill of treasure hunting with a love for history. Some nickels, even though they’re only worth five cents officially, can be valued at millions of dollars. Their high prices come from being extremely rare, having unusual features, or being tied to interesting events in history. Whether it’s due to minting mistakes or limited production, the five nickels below are among the most valuable in the world—together worth around $250 million. Here’s why collectors are eager to get their hands on them.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The Mysterious Rarity
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous coins ever made. Only five are known to exist, and none were supposed to be created. In 1913, the U.S. Mint had started using the Buffalo Nickel design, yet somehow a few Liberty Head Nickels were produced. Experts believe these were made in secret or as test coins. One sold for $3.7 million back in 2010, and now, each one could be worth as much as $5 million. Because of how rare and mysterious they are, these coins are top prizes for collectors.
1969-S Double Die Obverse: A Costly Mistake
This nickel from 1969 is valuable because of a printing error. The design was accidentally pressed twice, but not in the exact same spot, making the date and words look blurry. This rare mistake is called a “double die.” Only a few of these coins are known to exist. One sold at auction for $1.2 million, and top-quality versions might now sell for $2 million or more. These types of error coins are loved by collectors because they’re extremely hard to find.
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo: A Funny Error
The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is another coin that’s valuable due to a minting error. While making the coin, one of the buffalo’s legs on the back side was accidentally removed, making it look like the buffalo only has three legs. Around 20,000 were made, but very few in perfect condition remain. A top-quality version sold for $99,000 in 2020, and the best ones could now go for $500,000. Its odd look and interesting story make it a collector’s favorite.
1916 Double Die Buffalo: A Hidden Gem
This 1916 Buffalo Nickel also has a double die error. If you look closely, the date and the words “FIVE CENTS” appear slightly doubled. Very few of these coins exist, making them one of the rarest in the Buffalo Nickel series. The value also comes from the coin’s age, since early 1900s coins in good shape are tough to find. One sold for $281,750 in 2016, but top examples today could be worth as much as $1 million. Its rare printing mistake and age make it special.
1942-D Over Horizontal D: A Coin from War Times
Last on the list is the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel. This coin was made during World War II, and the mint mark “D” for Denver was mistakenly stamped twice—once upright and once sideways. This mistake makes it unique. Only a few are known, and their link to the wartime era adds to their appeal. One sold for $40,250 in 2018, and higher-grade ones may now bring in $100,000 or more. Its story connects it to a big moment in history, which collectors really value.
Why These Nickels Are So Valuable
These nickels are more than just old coins—they tell stories of accidents, secrets, and important times in history. Their value comes from how rare they are, what condition they’re in, and the unique things that make them stand out. Here’s a quick look at how much these rare nickels could be worth today:
| Coin | Top Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | $5 million |
| 1969-S Double Die | $2 million |
| 1937-D Three-Legged | $500,000 |
| 1916 Double Die | $1 million |
| 1942-D Over Horizontal D | $100,000 |
These rare nickels prove that even a small coin can be worth a fortune. With each carrying its own unique backstory, collectors continue searching, hoping to find the next great treasure hiding in plain sight.