Valuable Nickels: Rare Dates and Mint Marks That Can Be Worth a Fortune

Valuable rare nickels are U.S. coins whose worth is determined by rarity, mint year, mint mark, and condition in the collector market.

Key Takeaways

• Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938.
• War nickels produced between 1942 and 1945 contain silver.
• Certain rare nickels can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Most of the coins in your pocket, purse, or couch cushions aren’t worth more than face value. Cynics might even say most nickels aren’t even worth keeping! However, jingling around with all of that common metal money, you just might find rare nickels worth much more than their original five‑cent amount.

Many U.S. nickels are prized by coin collectors (and foreign coins are, too). Some (like the newer nickels in circulation) bear the familiar likeness of our third president, Thomas Jefferson. Other, older valuable nickels feature the profile of an Indigenous American on one side and a buffalo on the other. Knowing precisely which of these pieces of metal currency is valuable usually requires the expertise of a knowledgeable rare coin and currency appraisal specialist. Bring your potentially valuable nickels to our Henderson showroom near Las Vegas to determine if your rare coins are worth their face value, worth a fortune, or (if they’re fake) worth nothing.

How Do I Understand the Background of Buffalo Nickels?

Sculptor James Earl Fraser used his considerable skills to craft a number of coins, including the buffalo nickel. He created both sides of the coin – the face features the profile of a Native American man, reportedly a composite of several noted tribal chiefs. The reverse is a buffalo standing on a mound, originally with the denomination “FIVE CENTS” above it. Legend has it that the likeness of the buffalo was modeled on a New York City Zoo resident named Black Diamond.

This now‑classic nickel entered circulation in 1913; about halfway through the year, the design was changed with the denomination recessed below the coin’s rim. Its last minting took place in 1938, when it was replaced by the Jefferson design. If you like this kind of history, you may also enjoy our broader look at valuable American coin years.

Are Buffalo Nickels and Indian Head Nickels the Same?

Some civilians call these nickels “buffalo nickels.” Other people refer to the coins as “Indian Head nickels.” However, while the two names might cause some confusion, dealers and collectors know that the two names refer to the same coin.

So if you hear someone mention Indian Head nickels at a show or in an online listing, it’s the same Fraser design you’ll see when you bring buffalo nickels in for evaluation alongside other pieces described in our 7 valuable coins to keep an eye on article.

How Much Can Buffalo Nickels Really Be Worth?

While buffalo nickels are old and can be beautiful to look at, only some of these antique coins hold significant value. Most of these coins, because they often are passed down from generation to generation, hold more sentimental value than monetary. If that’s the case, they can be carefully washed and kept in a place of honor instead of being sold.

However, a small number of buffalo nickels are worth more than just five cents. Thanks largely to minting errors – buffalos with 3 or 3.5 legs, overprinted numbers, and so on – some of the coins can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. To determine exactly if you’re holding nickels worth keeping or selling, get in touch with an experienced coin dealer for an appraisal, the same way you would for high‑end pieces discussed in our coin buyers in Las Vegas guide.

How Much Cash Could I Get For A Rare Buffalo Nickel?

The below guide gives a general idea of which coins are worth your dealer’s attention, their mint marks, and their estimated top worth (if in certified mint condition). Please note these are only estimates and not a guarantee of your coin’s actual value–they may be worth more or less, depending on their condition and unique features. Again, we encourage you to reach out to a specialist to get a specific pricing appraisal.

What Should I Know About the 2005 “Buffalo” Nickel?

The U.S. Mint created and circulated a new nickel in 2005. The coin features an offset portrait of Thomas Jefferson on one side, and a buffalo on the reverse. This nickel frequently is referred to as a “buffalo nickel” because of the animal depicted on it; unfortunately, this modern coin is not worth more than face value unless it is a proof, in uncirculated condition, or bears a unique minting error.

If you find one in change, it’s a fun design to keep, but it usually won’t match the values of true early‑20th‑century buffalo nickels or key Jefferson dates highlighted in advanced lists like our valuable nickels worth the most article.

How Did the Valuable Jefferson Nickel Replace the Buffalo?

The Jefferson nickel replaced the buffalo nickel in 1938 and has been the U.S. Mint’s five‑cent piece of choice ever since. This nickel features a profile of President Jefferson on the front, and his home Monticello on the back. This design was arrived at after a contest judged by the Mint’s director and three sculptors, with artist Felix Schlag’s winning idea taking home the $1,000 prize.

The look and the materials used in making the coin have changed over the years. The nickel metal was shifted to silver during World War II so that nickel could be used in the war effort; these “war nickels” are a small but interesting bullion‑type item collectors sometimes sell with their other coins and currency. Schlag’s initials (not included in the original design) were added in 1966. Also, a number of special designs appeared on the reverse, such as the Lewis and Clark expedition themes in 2004–2005. And Jefferson’s profile was given a facelift in 2006.

How Much Cash Could I Get for a Rare Jefferson Nickel?

The below guide gives a general idea of which coins are worth your dealer’s attention, their mint marks, and their estimated top worth (if in certified mint condition).

Is the 2004 “Keelboat” Nickel Worth More Than Face Value?

The limited-circulation “Keelboat” nickel features a special handshake decoration celebrating the Louisiana Purchase. While the design is striking, the value is less impressive–a certified-mint Keelboat nickel fetches less than a dollar at auction.

What Do the P, D, and S Mint Marks on My Nickels Stand For?

The P, D, and S letters on nickels stand for the location at which the coin was minted:

• “P” stands for the Philadelphia Mint.
• “D” stands for the Denver Mint.
• “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint.

On some dates, one mint’s output can be much scarcer than the others, which is why mint marks matter when you check whether your nickels might have extra value, just like they do in the valuable American coin years list.

What Are Nickels Actually Made Of?

Currently, nickels are made up of their namesake metal, but they actually include more copper – about 25% nickel and the remaining 75% copper, according to the U.S. Mint. This pairing of metals has been favored by the Mint since the 1800s, thanks to its durability and ability to create quality images on the coins.

The nickel briefly shifted to a silver‑containing alloy during World War II, and then went back to the nickel‑copper blend after the war ended. That may shift again; for several years it has actually cost more than five cents to manufacture a single nickel, which is one reason bullion‑oriented collectors sometimes set aside large quantities of older coins along with other small‑denomination pieces described in our U.S. 999 silver coin guide.

How Can Las Vegas Jewelry & Coin Buyers Help Me With My Nickels?

Interested in finding out just how much your older or unusual nickels might be worth? Reach out to Las Vegas Jewelry & Coin Buyers online or by calling 702-819-8786. Our rare coin and currency experts will appraise your coins while you wait, at no cost to you, and offer a fair price if you choose to sell.

If you’re sorting a collection that includes nickels, foreign coins, silver dollars, and more, our team can also explain which items are best sold for metal value and which have special numismatic value, as outlined across our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)