A nickel may only be worth five cents in your pocket, but in the world of coin collecting, some nickels are worth thousands — and in rare cases, even millions.
From dramatic minting mistakes to ultra-low mintage rarities, these coins have earned legendary status among collectors. Their values are driven by a mix of scarcity, condition, and collector demand — and as you’ll see, some can break auction records.
Here’s our definitive Top 12 list of the most valuable nickels ever sold, including classic Buffalo nickels, historic Shield nickels, elusive Jeffersons, and two extraordinary additions that round out the ranking.
1. 1936-D Buffalo Nickel – 3 ½ Legs (MS63)
In 1936, the Denver Mint produced nearly 25 million Buffalo nickels, but a small batch had a strange flaw — one of the buffalo’s forelegs appeared only halfway.
This “3 ½ Legs” variety was caused by over-polishing the die, which erased part of the front leg detail. Only about 300 examples are believed to survive.
Value Highlights:
- Even low-grade pieces start around $500.
- In 2009, an MS63 example sold for $20,700.
- Today, PCGS values an MS63 at $30,000.
2. 1938-D/S Buffalo Nickel
1938 was the final year of the Buffalo nickel, and Denver struck coins using some dies originally prepared for San Francisco. This led to the famous “D over S” mintmark error.
Strong overpunch examples, where the “S” is clearly visible under the “D,” are the most valuable.
Value Highlights:
- Record price: $25,300 in 2004 for an MS68*.
- Current PCGS estimate: $30,000 for the top grade.
3. 1954-S Jefferson Nickel – MS67 Full Steps
The 1954-S Jefferson nickel is scarce in high grades, and extremely rare with the coveted “Full Steps” designation, indicating a perfect strike on Monticello’s staircase.
Only 25 are known with Full Steps in any grade.
Value Highlights:
- Record price: $35,250 (MS67 FS) in 2020.
4. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel – MS68+ Full Steps
The first year of Jefferson nickels saw weak strikes, making Full Steps examples rare.
Denver’s 1938 issue is especially desirable in gem condition.
Value Highlights:
- Only one coin graded MS68+ FS by PCGS.
- Sold for $33,600 in 2022.
5. 1937-D Buffalo Nickel – 3 Legs (MS66+)
Similar to the 1936 variety, this Denver issue had its foreleg almost completely removed by over-polishing. Around 1,000 survive.
Value Highlights:
- PCGS values MS60 examples at $2,950.
- A MS66+ sold for nearly $100,000 in 2021.
- Finest known (MS67) estimated at $150,000.
6. 1916 Buffalo Nickel – Doubled Die Obverse (MS63)
A striking doubled image on the date and lettering makes this one of the most dramatic Buffalo nickel varieties.
Value Highlights:
- Low-grade examples start near $2,700.
- A MS63 sold for $138,000 in 2022.
- Top PCGS value estimate: $175,000.
7. 1880 Shield Nickel – MS66
With only 19,995 struck for circulation, the 1880 Shield nickel is the rarest business strike of the series.
Value Highlights:
- Even low-grade coins are worth $2,000+.
- A MS66 sold for $198,995 in 2023.
8. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel – Overdate (MS65)
A classic overdate error where “1918” was punched over a “1917,” making both digits visible.
Value Highlights:
- Circulated examples start at $650.
- MS65 sold for $350,750 in 2006.
- Finest graded estimated at $450,000.
9. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – PR66 (Eliasberg Specimen)
Only five were ever made, all unauthorized proofs. Their origins remain mysterious, possibly struck secretly by a Mint employee.
Value Highlights:
- The Eliasberg specimen sold for $4.56 million in 2018.
- PCGS now estimates its value at $6.25 million.
10. 1914/3 Buffalo Nickel – Overdate (MS65)
An extremely rare overdate showing remnants of a “3” beneath the “4” in the date.
Value Highlights:
- Mint State examples exceed $100,000.
- Lower grades still bring strong four-figure prices.
11. 2005 “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel – MS66
Part of the Westward Journey series, this modern error shows a dramatic die gouge that looks like a spear piercing the bison’s back.
Value Highlights:
- MS66 examples sell for $5,000+.
- Lower grades still fetch hundreds due to popularity.
12. 1942-D Jefferson Nickel – D over Horizontal D (Full Steps)
A prominent mintmark error where a horizontal “D” is visible under the correctly placed “D.”
Value Highlights:
- Regular MS66 examples bring $15,000+.
- Full Steps specimens have reached $32,200 at auction.
Final Thoughts
From early Shield nickels to modern Jeffersons, this Top 12 list shows that the right nickel can be worth far more than five cents.
Key takeaways:
- Scarcity and striking quality drive values.
- Mint errors can dramatically increase demand.
- Independent grading is essential for high-value coins.
So next time you check your change, keep an eye out — your next nickel might just be a life-changing find.
