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8 Rare Nickels Collectors Are Paying Thousands For

If you have one of these, take it to a coin expert ASAP.

By Magdalena Becker

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated March 4, 2026

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Your old coin collection might be worth more than you may think. Believe it or not, some coins, due to their unique features and historical significance, could sell for thousands of dollars.

From the Buffalo to the Jefferson nickels, many of these coins are only rising in value and might be worth selling if you spot one. The highest-selling nickel was sold for $250,000, according to Bullion Shark. Who knows, you might just be one of the lucky ones with a rare one in your possession, so it's worth checking to see if you could make some money on the side.

Editor's note: Estimated market values were sourced from the American Precious Metals Exchange (APMEX) and are for MS-67 coins, unless otherwise noted.

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1913-S 5C Type 1 nickel, copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $4,995

Originally minted in San Francisco, the 1913 S Type 1 5C MS coin is from the Buffalo Five Cent category, which ranges from 1913 to 1938. Designed by James Earle Fraser, these coins depict a Native American man on the front. The Type 1 coins specifically were only minted in 1913, and feature a raised mount underneath the words "Five Cents."

Right now, these coins are selling on eBay for prices ranging from $69 to $4,515. However, the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) values this coin between $30 and $125 for those in circulated conditions, and uncirculated coins could sell for up to $15,000.

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1883 No Cents 5C MS copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $1,895

Famous for its lack of the word "cent" on the face, the 1883 No Cents 5C MS coins were originally minted in Philadelphia from 1883 to 1913 and designed by Charles E. Barber with Lady Liberty on the front side.

According to sellers on eBay, these coins range in price from $0.05 to $7,000 a piece, depending on the rarity.

1954-S 5C Full Steps copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $14,200

From the Jefferson Five Cents category, which ranged from 1938 to 1964, the "Full Steps" nickel is famous for having the full set of stairs in its depiction of Monticello. Owners are able to spot this coin by a small "S" mark on the reverse side to the right of Monticello.

These "Full Steps" versions are selling for up to $2,625 on eBay. One coin in particular sold for a record of $35,250, according to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

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1918/7-D 5C MS Buffalo copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $46,050 (MS-63)

One of the rarest coins from the Buffalo Nickels category, the 1918/7-D 5C MS has low circulation grades and is known for its iconic error of having two hubs impress a single die, one labeled 1917 and one labeled 1918. It also has a left-leaning "D" mark, which is a key, unique feature.

The lower price ranges for this coin are typically about $700 to $800 on eBay. However, according to PCGS, the record selling amount is $350,750 for an MS-65 coin. There are a few in between that can earn you closer to $50,000.

1916 Doubled Die Obverse 5C MS copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $272,500 (MS-64)

Another nickel designed by James Earle Fraser, this coin was minted in error, as it accidentally doubled the design onto the date, hair ribbon, and feathers, which you are able to see when you look closely. This mistaken variety wasn't even discovered until the 1960s.

Some of these coins sell for anywhere from $3,000 to $272,500, states the NGC.

1937-D 5C 3 Legs copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $121,750

If you have a 1900s nickel with a three-legged bison on the back, you might just be in for a check. Known as the "3 Legs" coins, this version of the nickel was over-polished, losing one of the front legs of the bison. They were minted between the years of 1913 and 1938.

Thanks to its unique characteristic, the 3 Legs Buffalo Nickel is a highly-desired coin, typically selling on sites like eBay for around $600 to $1,400. The estimated market value is for an extremely rare MS-67 coin.

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1877 Shield copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $16,100

From one of the older batches of coins on this list, the 1877 Shield nickel was minted in Philadelphia and designed by James B. Longacre. They have a much higher price range than the other coins: selling on eBay from anywhere from $6,355 to nearly $15,000.

The record-selling amount for one of these was $16,100, according to PCGS.

1939 5C Doubled Monticello copper-nickel

Estimated market value: $10,425

One of the more noticeable coins on this list, the Doubled Monticello depicts exactly what it sounds like: double imprinting of the words "Five Cents" and "Monticello."

These coins were originally minted in Philadelphia, and on eBay, they are being sold for anywhere from $1.95 to almost $4,000. Some rarer versions are worth even more.

Bottom line

One of the easiest ways to pocket more cash is to look around your home and see what may be of value that you didn't notice before. It could be a vintage rug, a discontinued piece of home decor, or a rare nickel.

If you think you've got one of the coins on this list, it's definitely worth checking out with an expert to see if you have a contender.

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