MONEY

These 9 nickels still in circulation are worth up to $4,200

Before spending those nickels, make sure to check that they aren’t some of the few in circulation worth thousands of dollars.

Mike SegarREUTERS

The next time you find coins in your pockets, pay attention before spending or place them in a container to gather dust. Certain coins, because of their age or the material with which they were made, can earn you thousands of dollars. Such is the case of some valuable five-cent coins that are still in circulation in the US.

The history of the five-cent coin

According to American Bullion, 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 (1883 - 1913). Later, the Buffalo nickel or Indian Head (1913-1938) was minted, and eventually, the Jefferson nickel, which is the currency in circulation today.

The nickel bearing the profile depiction of the third US 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, with the aim of saving the original material for use in the war. According to the US Mint, this wartime recipe was later replaced, and today’s five-cent coins are made of nickel (25 percent) and copper (75 percent).

5-cent coins that could be worth thousands of dollars

Early versions of the Jefferson coin made with nickel could be worth a significant amount, even reaching the millions. This fact alone should pique the interest of any coin collector.

These are not the only valuable nickels that you could find in your wallet or pocket. There are several 5-cent coins that are still in circulation that could earn you thousands of dollars.

According to a report by Go Banking Rates, these nine 5-cent coins are still in circulation and can be worth a small fortune.

  • 1926-S Buffalo nickel: $4,200
  • 1916 Double Die Buffalo nickel: $3,800
  • 1918/17-D Buffalo Nickel: $3,500
  • 1879 Shield Nickel: $2,400
  • 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: $2,000
  • 1880 Shield Nickel: $2,000
  • 1942-P Jefferson Nickel: $800
  • 1950-D Jefferson Nickel: $600-$800
  • 1939 Double Monticello: $500

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.

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