Nickel coins have been in circulation in the U.S. since the mid-19th century. While most are common, certain errors can make them incredibly valuable. Some nickel errors are worth thousands of dollars, whether it’s a misprint, double die, off-center strike, or another minting mistake. This article will explore some of the most valuable U.S. nickel error coins, what makes them special, and how you can identify them.
Do you have an old, odd-looking nickel and wonder if it’s worth anything?
The U.S. Mint has issued 5-cent nickels since 1866, with the Jefferson nickel being the most common since 1938. Most people don’t see nickels as valuable since they’re usually worth only their face value. But nickel errors are the hidden gems that could make you a fortune.
Many old nickels are no longer in circulation, making them rare. Nickels with unique errors are even rarer—and incredibly valuable.
In this nickel error list, we’ll highlight the best nickel errors to watch for. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for in your pocket change to see if you have rare nickels worth money. Let’s jump in!
Top 10 Most Valuable Nickel Error Coins Worth Money
- 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel
- 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
- 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
- 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
- 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Overdate Error)
- 1939-P Doubled Die Reverse (Full Step Nickel)
- 1971-S No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel (DCAM Proof Error)
- 1880 Shield Nickel
- 1946-D Jefferson D Over D Nickel (RPM Error)
1. 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel
The 1937-D Three Legs Buffalo Nickel is one of the most famous error coins among collectors and it gets its name from the buffalo on the reverse, which shows to have only three legs because of over-polished dies on the coin. Although the hooves remain intact, the missing front leg makes this nickel unique.
Since the Buffalo nickel series ended in 1938, this error coin is rare, specifically in high grades. Mint State examples have a beautiful frosty luster and that makes them even more valuable.
An example-graded MS66 sold in 2021, for an impressive $99,875 at a Legend Rare Coins Auction.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1937
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
- Composition: 75% Copper, and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Reverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
This iconic Buffalo Nickel error is a true collector’s gem, making it a must-have for numismatics enthusiasts!
2. 1935 Doubled Die Reverse Buffalo Nickel
The 1935 Buffalo Nickel is the only year in the entire series with an important doubled die reverse error that makes it extremely rare and valuable.
The doubling text of this coin is most noticeable around the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the words “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse. There are two varieties of this error:
- Type 1: Features a more dramatic doubling and is worth more.
- Type 2: Shows slight doubling but is still collectible.
Since Buffalo nickels are no longer in circulation, finding this error in high grades is difficult. Uncirculated coins examples are very rare and command high prices. In 2007, an MS64-graded example sold for an astonishing $104,650 at auction!
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1935
- Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
- Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Reverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
This rare Buffalo nickel error coin is a must-have for serious collectors with a true treasure in U.S. coin history!
3. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Jefferson Nickel is one of the rarest U.S. nickels, with fewer than two dozen known to exist. These special-strike nickels were never released into circulation, and their purpose remains a mystery.
It was discovered in 1993—nearly 30 years after production, these nickels are unique because they are neither business strikes nor proofs. Instead, they have a satin finish, frosty details, and a sharp strike, making them highly demanded among collectors.
Due to their very rarity, high-quality examples with full bands can sell for as much as $32,900 at auction.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1964
- Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
- Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: Felix Schlag
- Reverse Designer: Felix Schlag
This mysterious and ultra-rare nickel is a dream find for collectors, making it one of the most valuable Jefferson nickels ever!
4. 1918-S Buffalo Nickel
Only 4.88 million 1918-S Buffalo Nickels were produced at the San Francisco Mint, making them extremely expensive and rare coins. Because so many of these coins had bad strikes, well-preserved examples are very difficult to find.
It is challenging to find a 1918-S in circulated or uncirculated form because Buffalo nickels are no longer produced. Sharp-strike examples are very rare, even in pristine condition, which makes collectors highly interested in them. Buffalo nickels in gem condition from 1913 to 1919 are among the rarest.
At a Bowers & Merena sale in 2008, a 1918-S Buffalo Nickel with an MS66 grade brought an astounding $125,350.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1918
- Mintmark: S (San Francisco)
- Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Obverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
- Reverse Designer: James Earle Fraser
This rare Buffalo nickel is a true collector’s gem and a prized piece of U.S. coin history!
5. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
One of the most famous and mysterious coins in American history is the Liberty Head Nickel from 1913. There are only five verified examples, and they are all named differently: Olsen, Norweb, McDermott, Eliasberg, and Walton.
These Liberty Head Nickels were struck in some way, maybe as test pieces or formally by a mint employee, even though the Buffalo Nickel series started in 1913. The Walton Nickel, the final example to be found, was located in 2013 after decades of being thought to have been lost.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1913
- Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
6. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Overdate Error)
In the history of American coins, the 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel is among the most famous overdate errors. This rare coin was produced by reusing dies with the year 1917 and overstamping them with “1918,” which caused two years to show up on the coin.
This rare error was noticed late, as it wasn’t noticed at all until the 1930s. One of the most valuable Buffalo nickels ever struck, just a few were minted before the error was found. In 2006, an MS65-graded example sold for $350,750.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1918/7
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
7. 1939-P Doubled Die Reverse (Full Step Nickel)
The 1939-P Doubled Die Reverse Nickel is the most famous of the Jefferson Nickel series’ rare doubled die errors. The reverse’s “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” have the most noticeable doubling.
Only over 1,000 editions have been found, and most of them are in lower circulation grades. The most valuable, just are premium Full Step Nickels, which represent entire stairs on Monticello.
A Full Steps MS coin sold for $23,500 at auction.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1939
- Mintmark: P (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
8. 1971-S No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel (DCAM Proof Error)
The San Francisco Mint mistakenly manufactured many proof nickels in 1971 without the “S” mintmark. These coins are different than other proof coins since they were struck on a die that missed the mintmark.
The Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples, which have a frosted pattern with a mirror-like background, are the most valuable no-mintmark proof nickels, while all of them are valued. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) example sold for $8,100.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1971
- Mintmark: None (San Francisco Proof Error)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
9. 1880 Shield Nickel
The 1880 Shield Nickel’s restricted mintage and poor strike quality make it the rarest in all of the Shield Nickel series.
The majority are in bad condition, and just a handful of dozen got confirmation from major grading systems. This coin is one of the most valuable nickels ever made since high-quality examples are extremely hard to find.
In 2003, an MS66 example sold for an astonishing $188,195.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1880
- Mintmark: None (Philadelphia)
- Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 20.5 mm
- Edge: Plain
10. 1946-D Jefferson D Over D Nickel (RPM Error)
The Jefferson Nickel “D Over D” (RPM) 1946-D is a famous repunched mintmark error. First struck upside down, the Denver mintmark (D) was later fixed by overlaying it with another “D”.
A closer look shows the curving edge of the upside-down “D” behind the properly placed mintmark. Full Steps examples, which include all of Monticello’s steps, are more desired and sell for higher prices. An MS66 specimen sold for $2,530, while Full Steps examples can reach up to $3,000.
Coin Specifications:
- Year: 1946
- Mintmark: D (Denver)
- Composition: 75% Copper and 25% Nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
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Bottom Line:
Nickel error coins are some of the most valuable and interesting coins in U.S. numismatic history. These rare coins are worth thousands or even millions of dollars from doubled dies and overdates to missing mintmarks and repunched errors.
If you’re a collector or simply curious, check your pocket change and old coin collections—you might just find one of these valuable nickels!
