Nickel Coin Value & Price Guide

Nickel coins are a cornerstone of American numismatics, offering a diverse range of designs from the classic Liberty Head to the iconic Buffalo and Jefferson series. These five-cent pieces are highly accessible for new collectors while still providing high-value rarities for seasoned experts.

Price Range: $3 - $5 based on recent sales

History of Nickel Coin

The United States five-cent nickel was introduced in 1866 following the American Civil War, replacing the tiny silver half dime. The Shield nickel was the first of its kind, composed of a copper-nickel alloy that proved difficult to strike due to the hardness of the metal. Over the decades, the nickel evolved through several iconic designs, including the Liberty Head 'V' nickel and James Earle Fraser's Buffalo nickel, which celebrated Native American heritage and the American West. In 1938, the Jefferson nickel was introduced to honor the third U.S. President. During World War II, the composition was temporarily changed to include 35% silver to conserve nickel for the war effort, creating the popular 'Wartime Nickel' subset that collectors still seek out today.

Value Factors for Nickel Coin

The typical price range for Nickel Coin is $3 - $5 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of 'Full Horn' detail on the buffalo or 'Full Steps' on Monticello.
• Key dates and low-mintage years, such as the 1885 Liberty Head or the 1913-S Type 2 Buffalo nickel.
• The silver content in wartime issues (1942-1945) compared to standard base-metal strikes.
• Surface preservation and the absence of scratches or 'environmental damage' common to circulated base-metal coinage.

Tips for Buying Nickel Coin

• Check the reverse of 1883 Liberty Head nickels to see if the word 'CENTS' is missing, as these 'Racketeer Nickels' are historically significant.
• Examine the 'Full Steps' on the reverse of Jefferson nickels, as crisp architectural details on Monticello significantly increase the coin's market value.
• Look for clear dates on Buffalo nickels, as the design was prone to wearing down, making legible early dates more desirable.
• Verify the mint mark locations, such as the large 'P', 'D', or 'S' above the dome on silver wartime nickels minted between 1942 and 1945.

Items in This Collection

• 1911 Liberty Head Nickel
• 1906 Liberty Head Nickel
• 1907 V Nickel
• 1903 Liberty Head V Nickel
• 1883 Liberty Head Nickel No Cents
• 1899 Liberty Head Nickel
• 1918 Buffalo Nickel
• 1929 Canadian 5 Cent Coin
• 1924 Buffalo Nickel
• 1968-S Jefferson Nickel
• 1937 Buffalo Nickel
• Indian Head Nickel Value & Price Guide
• 1942 Jefferson Nickel
• 1962 Canada Nickel
• 1979-D Jefferson Nickel