Skip to Content

What is the rarest American nickel?

The rarest American nickel is the 1866 Shield Nickel. It was created to replace the disused three-cent piece and was minted in large quantities. Only five 1866 Shield Nickels are known to exist in collector’s hands today, and one of these nickels sold for $3.

7 million dollars in 2019, making it the most valuable nickel in the world. The coin was designed by James B. Longacre and has the words “United States of America”, an American shield, and the numerical denomination, “Five Cents” on its obverse side.

On its reverse side is a wreath of corn, oak, and maple leaves, a symbol of America’s agricultural abundance. The low mintage and demand from collectors make the 1866 Shield Nickel the rarest American nickel in history.

Which US nickels are valuable?

Valuable US nickels include Liberty Head “V” Nickels from 1883-1913, Buffalo Nickels from 1913-1938, and Jefferson Nickels from 1938-present. The Liberty Head “V” Nickels can be worth anything from several dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the condition, variety, and mint mark.

The Buffalo Nickels are usually worth around $25-$100 but some varieties can bring higher prices if they are in premium condition. The Jefferson Nickel series started in 1938 and contains a lot of varieties and errors that can result in higher values.

This series also contains a few key dates that are worth well into the hundreds of dollars in uncirculated condition.

What years are nickels worth money?

Nickels are rare and generally found to be worth more than face-value when they are minted prior to 1965. These coins are composed of 90% pure silver and can be valuable collectibles. Nickels minted prior to 1960 are generally more valuable than those minted between 1960 and 1965 because of their composition (both years are composed of only 35% silver).

Any Nickels that are dated prior to 1942 are the most valuable due to their composition, containing 55% copper, 35% silver and 10% manganese.

It is important to note that in addition to the year of mintage, the condition of the coin and the mint that produces it are also factors that can influence the value of a nickel. Thus, when collecting old Nickels, remember to pay attention to the condition, year of mintage, and the mint that produced the coin, as all of these factors can affect the value of the coin.

Are 1964 nickels worth anything?

Yes, 1964 nickels are worth something. The 1964 nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a total weight of 5 grams. Depending on how many you have and the condition of them, they can be quite valuable.

On average, a 1964 nickel with no mint mark is worth between 4 and 6 cents. But if you have a nickel with an S or a D mint mark, they can be worth more than that. 1964 nickels with an S mint mark are worth up to $1, while nickels with a D mint mark can be worth up to $2.

Additionally, any 1964 nickels that have been certified by a third-party grading service can be worth up to $20 or more.

If you have 1964 nickels and you think they may have some value, it is important to have them evaluated by a qualified coin dealer or a reputable grading service. They will be able to determine their true market value and help you decide if it’s worth investing in them.

What nickels are worth holding onto?

When it comes to nickels, there are certain coins that are worth holding onto. Nickels minted before 1912 generally have a higher value than their face value and can be worth up to $2,000 or more depending on the condition.

Other nickels that can be worth collecting include the “Shield” nickels made from 1866 to 1883 and the Liberty “V” nickels made from 1883 to 1912. In these series, the most valuable coin is the 1885 Liberty “V” nickel, which is worth up to $280,000 in top condition.

Another valuable series of nickels is the Buffalo nickels made from 1913 to 1938. Rare dates in this series include the 1913 Type I nickel, which can be worth up to $290,000 in top condition, and the 1918/7-D Overdate, which is worth up to $175,000 in top condition.

Other coins to look for include the 1938-D 3-Legged Buffalo nickel, which is worth up to $2,700, and the 1936 Doubled Die Obverse nickel, which can be worth up to $20,000 in top condition.

Finally, you should also keep an eye out for the modern Jefferson nickel made from 1942 to the present. These coins can be worth holding onto if you find rare varieties. The best examples include the 1942/1-P Overdate nickel, which can be worth up to $5,500, and the 2004-P Wisconsin State Quarter Reverse, which can be worth up to $500.

If you come across any of these coins, it might be worth holding onto in case their value appreciates in the future. While most modern nickels will not be worth as much, building a collection of rare coins can make for an interesting hobby and potential investment.

Why is a 1964 nickel worth so much?

A 1964 nickel can be worth a lot of money due to its rarity and age. The 1964 nickel was the last year that nickels were minted with a composition of 90% silver. This means that the 1964 nickel is made of more precious metals and hence has a higher value than other kinds of nickels.

In addition, the mintage of 1964 nickels was significantly lower than all previous years. Only 2. 6 million were produced, making it much more difficult to find an intact 1964 nickel than other coins from that era.

This limited supply has pushed the demand for 1964 nickels upwards and thus the value of a 1964 nickel can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the grade and condition. Therefore, the combination of rarity, age and the valuable silver content makes the 1964 nickel a highly sought after collectible, which is why it can be worth so much money.

Why should you hoard nickels?

Hoarding nickels can be a great way to save money over the long term. While individual nickels may not seem like they add up to much, they can be a great way to accumulate wealth over time. Additionally, if you are able to collect uncirculated or rarer coins, this can be a sound investment which will increase in value over time.

Nickels are also convenient to exchange when desired, and will never go out of style. Furthermore, it is important to note that the nickel is the only U. S. coin which still contains copper, making it great for those looking to potentially invest in a commodity like copper.

Lastly, collecting nickels is also a great hobby which can be both educational and fun, teaching you a great deal about U. S. coinage and the people and processes that have been involved with the nickel for over 150 years.

What are top 10 nickels?

1. The Liberty Head Nickel (1883-1912): Often considered one of the most beautiful coins ever designed and minted, the Liberty Head Nickel features a bust of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and a large “V” on the reverse.

2. The Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938): Also known as the Indian Head Nickel, this iconic coin features a profile bust of a Native American on the obverse, and an American Bison on the reverse.

3. The Jefferson Nickel (1938-Present): First issued during the Great Depression, this five-cent coin honours the nation’s third president, Thomas Jefferson, on the obverse and his Virginia home, Monticello, on the reverse.

4. The War Nickel (1942-1945): This coin featured a special mint mark, which differed according to the minting facility. It was first issued as part of a war-time rationing effort to conserve copper.

5. The Wartime Nickel (1942-45): This nickel was made of an alloy of 56 percent copper, 35 percent silver, and 9 percent manganese. It bears the traditional Jefferson profile on the obverse, and a redesigned reverse featuring a global profile.

6. The Shield Nickel (1866-1883): Also known as the Liberties Nickel, it was the first nickel to be produced by the US Mint, and featured a small shield on the reverse.

7. The Silver Three Cent Nickel (1865-1889): This coin was made from a silver-nickel alloy and minted in three denominations; three cents, five cents, and five dollar.

8. The American Hostory Nickel (2006): This coin was released in 2006 as part of the American History coin series. It features a profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a design depicting the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight.

9. The Westward Journey Nickel Series (2004-2006): This three-coin series depicts important moments in American exploration and expansion.

10. The Peace Nickel (1921-1945): This five-cent coin was designed by George T. Morgan to commemorate the end of World War I. It featured a profile bust of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and a perched bald eagle on the reverse.

Are nickels going up in value?

No, nickels are not going up in value. In fact, the actual worth of a nickel has gone down since 2000. The cost of producing a nickel coin is greater than its value, so the US Mint needs to be reimbursed by the government to cover their expenses.

Between 2000 and 2020, the value of a nickel has decreased by 8. 68%, which means that a new or circulated nickel coin is actually worth less than its face value. Although the value of a nickel may fluctuate based on the current market value of metal, its purchasing power has consistently declined.

What are the 25 most valuable nickels?

The 25 most valuable nickels include the following varieties:

1. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $18,000

2. 1913 Liberty Nickel – Worth up to $15,000

3. 1916 Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $12,000

4. 1883 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $9000

5. 1867 “Rays” Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $7500

6. 1873 Shield Nickel – Worth up to $7000

7. 1884 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $6,000

8. 1912-S Liberty Nickel – Worth up to $5,000

9. 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $5,000

10. 1911-D Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $4,000

11. 1913-S Type 1 Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $4,000

12. 1914-S Liberty Nickel – Worth up to $4,000

13. 1860 Seated Liberty Nickel – Worth up to $3,500

14. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $3,500

15. 1864 L on Ribbon Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $3,000

16. 1867 “No Rays” Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $3,000

17. 1885 No Cents Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $2,500

18. 1920-S Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $2,500

19. 1914-D Liberty Nickel – Worth up to $2,200

20. 1937-D 3/4 Horn Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $2,000

21. 1924-S Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $2,000

22. 1870 Shield Nickel – Worth up to $1,800

23. 1924-D Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $1,800

24. 1926-D Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $1,500

25. 1935 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel – Worth up to $1,500

What dates to look for on nickels?

When it comes to looking for dates on nickels, it’s important to note that dates on nickels have been changing over the years. Up until 1938, designs had the year of mintage stamped into them. After 1938, dates started becoming part of the design, often on the obverse side of the coin.

Most of the designs featured in circulation today do not include the year of mintage. However, they do feature a “P” or “D” that corresponds to the Mint in which they were minted. The “P” indicates they were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and the “D” represents coins minted at the Denver Mint.

Other dates to look for on nickels includes those on the Jefferson nickels that began in 1938, which feature the motto “In God We Trust” and the year of mintage on the reverse. The 2009 coins marked the 200th Anniversary of President Lincoln’s birth and featured the variety of designs of the Lincoln Bicentennial Series.

Additionally, the Shield Nickel which was minted from 1860 to 1866 has the date on the obverse side. Finally, for coins minted after 2005, you can find the date located between the rim and the base of Thomas Jefferson’s portrait.

How do I know if my 1964 D nickel is worth anything?

In order to determine if your 1964 D nickel is worth anything, you must first assess its condition. If the coin has been circulated, then it will have wear and won’t be worth as much as if it had been well-preserved in a protected environment.

To determine how much the coin is worth, you can compare it to the grading scale from the American Numismatic Association (ANA). On the ANA grading scale, coins range from Poor to Uncirculated, with a variety of grades in between.

By comparing your coin to the standards for each grade, you can identify its condition and estimated worth.

Collectors place a value on coins based on rarity and condition. 1964 D nickels are common coins, but ones in high condition can still command a premium price. A 1964 D nickel in Good (G-4) condition may be worth between $0.

50 and $1. 00 while one in Uncirculated (MS-60) condition or higher can be worth many times that.

If you have a 1964 D nickel that you think may be worth something, it is best to have it professionally evaluated. You can bring it to a coin dealer or submit it to a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC.

These services will assess the condition of the coin and provide an authentication and grade that can help determine its worth.

Is it a good idea to save nickels?

Yes, it is a good idea to save nickels. Nickels are an affordable way to save money, as they’re worth five cents each. Over time, these coins can add up to a substantial amount, especially if you continue to deposit your saved nickels into a bank account with interest.

Saving nickels can be a great way to start a savings account without putting too much financial strain on your budget. Additionally, nickels can teach you patience and discipline in learning the concept of saving.

As they’re worth five cents, you won’t get big gains right away, so if you save your nickels, you’ll need to wait before you benefit in terms of cash-flow. Therefore, saving nickels can help you stick to your commitment to saving money in the long-term.

Finally, saving nickels is an ideal way to teach children about the value of money and good financial habits. Nickels put small, achievable goals within their reach, setting the foundation for long-term financial security.

Is a 1964 nickel junk silver?

No, a 1964 nickel is not considered junk silver. Junk silver is a type of silver coin that generally contains a high percentage of silver but no numismatic value. It refers to the non-numismatic or “circulated” coins that were minted prior to 1965 with a 90% silver content.

These coins include the Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar and Dollar coins. The 1964 nickel was not minted with a silver content and therefore does not meet the qualifications for junk silver.

How can you tell if a 1964 nickel is special strike?

If a 1964 nickel is a special strike, the best way to tell is to look for certain characteristics that are found on special strikes, such as a different finish or unusual patterning. Special-strike coins are usually minted with a special finish to them, meaning that the surface has a unique texture or pattern that is different from the regular or standard surface found on other coins minted in the same year.

To identify a special-strike 1964 nickel, look for any unusual surface details that differ from the standard finishing of a typical 1964 nickel. Additionally, you can check to see if any of the edges of the coin have been filed away or altered in any way, as this may also indicate that the coin is a special-strike.

If you cannot distinguish any of the special characteristics of a special-strike 1964 nickel, your best course of action would be to take the coin to a coin appraisal or collector for an in-person assessment and authentication.