Check Your Change! These Nickels Could Be Worth Millions, one is worth $4.56 million

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Coin collecting is more than a hobby; for many, it’s a passion and even an investment opportunity. While most nickels you come across in daily life hold just their face value, a select few can fetch jaw-dropping sums. Let’s explore some of the rarest and most valuable nickels that every coin enthusiast should know about.

1. 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel

  • Why It’s Special: This nickel is a legend among collectors, with only five examples known to exist, and just three in private hands.
  • Auction Highlights:
    • In 2018, a PR66-graded example sold for an astonishing $4.56 million.
    • Another, graded PR63, fetched $4.2 million in 2022, according to USA Today.
  • Key Insight: The price difference between these sales underscores the importance of coin condition in high-stakes auctions.

2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Doubled Die Obverse)

  • What Makes It Unique: This error coin features the remnants of a 1917 date beneath the 1918 strike. While rare, it’s not impossible to stumble upon one.
  • Record Sale: A high-grade example sold for $350,750 in 2006, which adjusts to approximately $549,202 in 2024’s value, as reported by Luxe Digital.

3. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel

  • Scarcity Defined: Struck at the San Francisco Mint, only 970,000 examples were produced, far fewer than the millions minted elsewhere.
  • Top Auction Price: In 2008, a coin graded MS66 by NGC sold for $322,000, or roughly $472,096 in today’s terms, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

4. 1867 Shield Nickel With Rays (Proof)

  • Historical Significance: This coin marks a pivotal moment in shield nickel production. A design change in 1867 removed the rays surrounding the numeral 5, but some coins retained the rays, making them exceptionally rare.
  • Market Value: A PR66-graded example sold via Heritage Auctions in 2004 for $132,250, which translates to about $220,998 today.

5. Other Valuable and Modern Nickels

  • Silver War Nickels (1942–1945): Contain a percentage of silver, making them worth more than face value.
  • Shield Nickels (1866–1883): Start at $16, according to The Spruce Crafts, and their value rises significantly with condition and rarity.

What to Watch For

Even modern nickels can hold hidden value. Always keep an eye out for unique features, historical significance, or errors that could turn a common coin into a collector’s dream. Whether you’re a casual collector or a serious investor, these nickels prove that treasures can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

Key Takeaway: Rare nickels like the 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel or 1926-S Buffalo Nickel showcase the immense potential of coin collecting, blending history, artistry, and investment into one fascinating pursuit. Next time you come across an old nickel, take a closer look—you might just discover a fortune.

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