Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

A coin valued at five cents was the first official coin of the United States (in 1792), but nickels did not appear in the U.S. until 1866. On May 16 of that year, Congress passed an act to usher in the new five-cent coin, made of 25 percent nickel and 75 percent copper.

Over the next seven years, the Mint produced nickels and silver half dimes, before phasing out the half dimes. There are four basic nickel designs: Shield, Liberty, Buffalo and the Jefferson, with only slight variations in early coins. The 2004-05 coins commemorated Lewis & Clark’s journey and the obverse of the coin — the side with the head, typically — got a makeover in 2006.

The value of coins varies by demand and is influenced by rarity and condition. In the U.S., two main organizations, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), evaluate coins using the Sheldon Scale to assign a numerical rating, from 1 to 70. Coins rated 60 or higher are referred to as “mint” state coins. Gem coins are rated 66 or higher, and they possess exemplary strike and luster and no noticeable abrasions.

So what nickels are worth money? You’re not likely to find any of the following 20 nickels under your couch cushions. But if you do, don’t spend it. These are the most valuable nickels, and they are worth a combined $15 million.

Sold at auction: $88,125

Only 16,000 nickels were produced in 1880, and only 100 to 150 are known to still exist.

A raised lump just below the TE of STATES shows this coin to be one stuck for circulation rather than as a proof.

Very few of these coins remain at the gem level and reach valuable collector’s item status. Only two are certified at a higher grade than this one.

Sold at auction: $109,250

Three different obverse dies were used to produce the 1867 Rays Shield nickel proofs. Due to a design issue, the coinage dies failed early, resulting in the decision to remove the rays from the coin mid-year.

This coin appears to be struck from Die State 1. The frost on the surface of this coin elevates it to a cameo designation.

Cameo is the amount of contrast between the relief (raised or recessed design) and field (background).