An old saying goes like this: Don’t take any wooden nickels. The idea was that if you did, you’d be stuck with something practically worthless. But is that really true?
Some coins and bills have skyrocketed in value over time thanks to their rarity — and that includes real nickels.
Over the years, American coins have come in different shapes, colors, designs, and values. Before the U.S. Mint started producing nickels in 1866, five-cent coins made of silver, called half dimes, were minted from 1792 to 1873. Today, some of those old nickels are worth a fortune — even millions.
“I helped discover one of those rare nickels that had been missing since 1962,” said Donn Pearlman, a Professional Numismatists Guild affiliate member (AF498).
The Walton specimen of the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, once owned by George O. Walton, was “incorrectly labeled a fake after it was recovered from a 1962 car crash,” Pearlman explained.
Only five 1913 Liberty Head nickels are known to exist. This particular specimen remained “lost” to collectors for nearly 41 years until it resurfaced in 2003 and was purchased by a Florida family in October 2022.
“In 2003, I developed a project to locate its whereabouts and it was authenticated as genuine in a secret midnight meeting of experts in Baltimore in July 2003,” Pearlman said. “It has traded hands several times since then, most recently selling in October 2022 for $4.2 million.”
Pearlman connected GOBankingRates with the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), the world’s largest rare coin authentication and grading service, to compile data about the most valuable nickels.
They evaluated coins based on their unique errors or anomalies, especially rare years like 1792 and 1913, which have only become more valuable over time.
Using information from NGC and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), GOBankingRates put together a list of the most valuable rare nickels sold at public auctions as of November 2, 2023.
While some private sales have reported even higher prices, here’s a list of the 10 most valuable nickels you might dream of finding in your pocket change.
1. 1886 Liberty Head Nickel
- Rare Features: Uncirculated value up to $65,000
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 67
- Sold By: Superior Galleries
- Most Recent Date of Sale: February 2002
- Price at Auction: $12,650
2. 1942 Jefferson Nickel-D/D D/Horizontal
- Rare Features: A rare repunched mint mark featuring a vertical “D” over a horizontal “D”
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 64
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 2006
- Price at Auction: $32,200
3. 1937-D MS Buffalo Nickel
- Rare Features: The famous three-legged buffalo error
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 68
- Sold By: Stack’s Bowers
- Most Recent Date of Sale: March 2015
- Price at Auction: $35,250
4. 1916 Doubled Die Obverse Nickel
- Rare Features: Visible doubling on the letters
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 64
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: September 21, 2005
- Price at Auction: $264,500
5. 1918/7 Nickel
- Rare Features: Overdate error—where an 8 is struck over a 7
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 65
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 6, 2010
- Price at Auction: $264,500
6. 1792 Half Dime (MS68)
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 68
- Sold By: Stack’s Bowers
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 1, 2013
- Price at Auction: $1,145,625
7. 1792 Half Dime (MS67)
- Proof Measurement Score: Mint State 67
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 14, 2013
- Price at Auction: $1,410,000
8. 1870-S Half Dime
- Proof Measurement Score: 64
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 15, 2023
- Price at Auction: $3,120,000
9. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof 63)
- Rare Features: One of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels
- Proof Measurement Score: Proof 63
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: April 28, 2013
- Price at Auction: $3,172,500
10. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Proof 64)
- Rare Features: One of the five known 1913 Liberty Head nickels
- Proof Measurement Score: Proof 64
- Sold By: Heritage Auctions
- Most Recent Date of Sale: January 6, 2010
- Price at Auction: $3,737,500
Quick Takeaway
The world of rare nickels and half dimes is full of astonishing surprises. Whether it’s a minting mistake, an overdate error, or simply extreme rarity, certain coins are highly prized by collectors—and their values show it. If you think you have an old nickel tucked away, it might be worth a second look!
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Vikas Lalit is an experienced content writer at OTE News, covering business, economy, and international affairs. With a degree in Journalism, he combines analytical thinking with engaging storytelling to deliver well-researched updates. Vikas is passionate about uncovering underreported stories that impact readers.
Outside of work, he enjoys playing chess, following cricket, and writing short stories. His commitment to integrity and in-depth analysis strengthens OTE News’ mission of providing trustworthy journalism.
