5-cent coins that are worth between $500 and $30,000
Nickels may not seem like much, but before you try to get rid of them, better check they aren’t some of the few in circulation worth a small fortune.
The next time you find coins in your pockets or in the nooks and crannies of your sofa, look at them closely before spending or even giving them away.
Certain coins can earn you thousands of dollars if they are rare, old, unusual, or all of the above.
Here are some valuable five-cent coins that are still in circulation in the U.S. that you just might have in your possession.
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The history of the five-cent coin
According to the U.S. Mint, the five-cent coin or nickel was created in 1866. At that time, the units were known as “shield coins.” By 1883, these coins evolved into the Liberty Head, featuring a woman symbolizing liberty, used until 1913.
The Buffalo nickel which featured an American bison on the reverse (1913-1938) was then minted, and later, the Jefferson nickel, which is the five-cent coin in circulation today.
The nickel bearing the profile of the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson, underwent various alterations during World War II (1942-45).
The currency stopped being manufactured with nickel to make way for silver and magnesium units, to save the original material for use in the war. According to the U.S. Mint, this wartime recipe was later replaced, and today’s five-cent coins are made of nickel (25%) and copper (75%).
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The nickels that are worth between $500 and $30,000
Early versions of the Jefferson coin made with nickel could be worth a significant amount, even reaching the millions. However, these are not the only coins worth your attention.
There are other 5-cent coins that could earn you thousands of dollars, so keep your eyes peeled for roaming buffaloes.
According to Coin Value Checker, certain 5-cent coins still in circulation could be worth a small fortune.
The 1936-D Buffalo Nickel, 3 1/2 Legs, MS 63
If you spot this particular American Bison, set it aside and have it appraised. Among the Buffalo Nickels minted in Denver in 1936, some are much-valued by collectors. They are on the look out for the variant known as “3 1/2 legs”, so-called because the animal looks like its left foreleg has disappeared. This lopped-off extremity resulted from over-polishing the die used to make the bison’s image.
Around 300 of these coins are believed to exist, their rarity increasing their worth. However, their value depends highly on their condition, and those hoping to make some money from this hobby should familiarize themselves with how to properly care for the metal currency to make the most of their finds.
Coins are graded from 1 to 70, with 70 indicating a perfect coin. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service or PCGS, a Buffalo Nickel graded a lowly 4 can fetch $500. The highest amount paid for this design was $20,700, for a coin graded MS63 (MS means “mint state”, indicating it was never circulated). PCGS now says a similar specimen could be worth $30,000.