Nickels are often overlooked, but some Buffalo and Jefferson nickels are worth thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars. These small five-cent coins have produced some of the most dramatic price jumps in U.S. numismatics, especially when rare dates, mint errors, and top-grade examples come into play.
If you collect coins or casually check old change, these seven rare nickels could change the way you look at five cents forever.
Why Buffalo & Jefferson Nickels Can Be Extremely Valuable
Value skyrockets when a nickel has:
- Low mintage or short production runs
- Key dates or varieties
- Dramatic minting errors
- Full design details (strike quality)
- Exceptional preservation (high grades)
With collector demand surging in 2026, these nickels are setting record prices.
7 USA Buffalo & Jefferson Nickels Worth Big Money
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (Unofficial Transitional Rarity)
Although it predates Buffalo nickels, it remains the holy grail of U.S. nickels.
Why It’s Legendary
- Only 5 known examples
- Never officially released by the U.S. Mint
Value:
👉 $3 million – $5+ million
2. 1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Overdate)
One of the most famous mint errors in U.S. coinage.
How to Spot It
- The “7” from 1917 is visible beneath the “8”
- Best seen with magnification
Value:
👉 $5,000 – $350,000+
3. 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel
Created when a mint worker over-polished the die.
Key Feature
- The buffalo appears to have only three legs
Value:
👉 $1,000 – $150,000+
4. 1926-S Buffalo Nickel
The lowest-mintage regular-issue Buffalo nickel.
Why It’s Rare
- Heavy circulation
- Few high-grade survivors
Value:
👉 $1,500 – $100,000+
5. 1942-P Jefferson Nickel (Silver War Nickel)
During WWII, nickels were struck with 35% silver.
Collector Appeal
- Historic wartime composition
- Full Steps examples are scarce
Value:
👉 $500 – $15,000+
6. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
A modern key date with massive collector demand.
Why It’s Valuable
- Lowest mintage of the Jefferson series
- Hoarded at release
Value:
👉 $50 – $20,000+
7. Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps (FS Designation)
“Full Steps” indicates sharp detail on Monticello.
Why It Matters
- Extremely difficult to find
- Registry-set competition drives prices
Value:
👉 $500 – $100,000+
Buffalo & Jefferson Nickel Value Chart
| Coin | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 Liberty Head | Ultra-Rare | $3M – $5M+ |
| 1918/7-D Buffalo | Overdate | $5K – $350K |
| 1937-D Buffalo | Three-Legged | $1K – $150K |
| 1926-S Buffalo | Low Mintage | $1.5K – $100K |
| 1942-P Jefferson | Silver War Nickel | $500 – $15K |
| 1950-D Jefferson | Key Date | $50 – $20K |
| Jefferson FS | Full Steps | $500 – $100K |
How to Identify a Valuable Nickel
Quick Checklist
- Check the date and mint mark
- Look for errors or missing details
- Use 10× magnification
- Inspect Monticello steps (Jefferson)
- Never clean the coin
- Weigh silver nickels (≈ 5 g)
Can These Nickels Still Be Found?
Yes—though rarely.
Collectors have found valuable nickels:
- In inherited collections
- In old coin jars
- Through coin roll hunting
- At estate sales
The Three-Legged Buffalo and 1950-D Jefferson have been found in circulation.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Nickel
- Handle it by the edges only
- Store it in a protective holder
- Do not clean or polish
- Seek professional authentication
- Grade with PCGS or NGC
Certification can multiply value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Buffalo nickels worth more than Jefferson nickels?
Not always. Certain Jefferson nickels can be just as valuable.
What does “Full Steps” mean?
It refers to complete, uninterrupted steps on Monticello.
Are war nickels silver?
Yes, they contain 35% silver.
Can a nickel really be worth six figures?
Yes—error varieties and high-grade examples can reach that level.
Where should rare nickels be sold?
After grading, through major auction houses or reputable dealers.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo and Jefferson nickels prove that small denominations can carry massive value. From famous mint errors to high-grade condition rarities, these coins remain some of the most exciting finds in U.S. numismatics.