8 Valuable Nickels Found in Loose Change Worth Up to $750,000

Nickels have been part of American currency for over a century, but some of these seemingly ordinary coins are far from average.

Collectors seek rare nickels due to unique characteristics, historical significance, or minting errors, making some worth thousands—or even millions—of dollars.

If you’re interested in coin collecting or simply wondering what treasures might be hiding in your change jar, check out these eight valuable nickels. You may be surprised by what you find!

1. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel

One of the most intriguing nickels, the 1942-D Over Horizontal D was created due to a rare minting error. On this coin, the “D” mint mark (for the Denver Mint) appears stamped horizontally instead of vertically. Such errors are highly valued by collectors, making this nickel worth potentially over $50,000 in pristine condition.

Year: 1942
Rarity Level: Very Rare
Estimated Value: $50,000+

2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is among the rarest and most valuable nickels ever produced. Only five of these were ever minted, making them extremely rare.

Due to its limited mintage, this coin can fetch a jaw-dropping $5 million at auction. Known as the “holy grail” of nickels, finding one of these would be the find of a lifetime.

Year: 1913
Rarity Level: Extremely Rare
Estimated Value: $5 million

3. 1943-P War Nickel

In 1943, the U.S. Mint faced a shortage of nickel due to World War II and replaced it with silver in the production of nickels.

Known as the 1943-P War Nickel, this coin carries historical value due to its silver content and wartime background. Collectors value it at over $10,000 in excellent condition.

Year: 1943
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $10,000+

4. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel

The 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel is famous for its unique minting error, where the buffalo appears to have only three legs instead of four.

This coin’s distinct error has made it one of the most sought-after nickels, with values reaching over $100,000 in high-quality conditions.

Year: 1937
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $100,000+

5. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

The 1926-S Buffalo Nickel is another valuable coin due to its low mintage numbers. With fewer of these coins produced, finding one in good condition is rare, driving up its value. Collectors can pay upwards of $20,000 for this coin in mint state.

Year: 1926
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $20,000+

6. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel

Despite being more modern, the 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is a favorite among collectors due to its low mintage. Even in circulated conditions, this coin can fetch respectable prices, and higher-grade versions can be valued at over $10,000.

Year: 1950
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $10,000+

7. 1916-D Buffalo Nickel

The 1916-D Buffalo Nickel is another highly valuable coin in the Buffalo nickel series. Known for its scarcity, finding one in good condition is challenging, and it can be worth up to $40,000 when preserved well.

Year: 1916
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $40,000+

8. 1945-P War Nickel with Full Steps

The 1945-P War Nickel holds additional value when it has “Full Steps,” meaning the steps on Monticello (the building featured on the reverse side) are fully visible and well-defined. These Full Steps nickels are more valuable due to their quality strike and can reach $25,000+ in perfect condition.

Year: 1945
Rarity Level: Rare
Estimated Value: $25,000+

Table: Summary of Valuable Nickels and Their Estimated Value

Nickel Name	Year	Rarity Level	Estimated Value
1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel	1942	Very Rare	$50,000+
1913 Liberty Head Nickel	1913	Extremely Rare	$5 million
1943-P War Nickel	1943	Rare	$10,000+
1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel	1937	Rare	$100,000+
1926-S Buffalo Nickel	1926	Rare	$20,000+
1950-D Jefferson Nickel	1950	Rare	$10,000+
1916-D Buffalo Nickel	1916	Rare	$40,000+
1945-P War Nickel with Full Steps	1945	Rare	$25,000+

FAQs: Valuable Nickels Found in Loose Change

1. Why are these nickels so valuable?
These nickels are valuable due to a combination of factors, including rarity, historical significance, and unique minting errors.

Coins with low mintage or distinct errors are especially prized by collectors, who pay premiums for them.

2. Can I still find these valuable nickels in circulation?
It’s highly unlikely but not impossible. Some of these coins occasionally surface in old collections, piggy banks, or jars of loose change.

While rare, it’s not unheard of for collectors to find a valuable coin in circulation.

3. What should I do if I find one of these nickels?
If you think you’ve found a rare nickel, it’s wise to have it authenticated and graded by a professional coin grading service.

Grading can confirm its authenticity and quality, which significantly impacts its value.

4. How can I preserve my rare nickel?
To maintain its value, store your nickel in a protective coin holder to avoid scratches and tarnishing.

Try to avoid handling the coin directly, as oils from your skin can damage the surface over time.

5. Where can I sell a rare nickel?
Rare nickels can be sold at coin auctions, through coin dealers, or on reputable online platforms dedicated to coin collecting.

Having your coin graded can also help secure a better price.

6. Are there other valuable nickels not listed here?
Yes, several other nickels hold value due to factors like unique die varieties, mint errors, or low mintage years. Exploring resources on rare coins or speaking with a coin expert can provide more insight into other potentially valuable nickels.

Conclusion:

From wartime materials to unique minting errors, each of these nickels tells its own story. Though finding one in your change jar may seem unlikely, the world of rare coins is full of surprises.

Whether you’re an avid collector or just a curious beginner, examining your loose change may yield more than you’d expect—perhaps even a nickel worth thousands or millions of dollars!