10 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money

Coin collecting is a fun hobby that can lead you to find secret treasures. Nickel coins are one type that has been used as American money since 1866. Most of them are ordinary, but some have flaws that make them very valuable to collectors.

Because of these mistakes, a nickel that looks like any other coin can become a rare and valuable coin worth a lot more than its face value. This blog post will talk about the 10 most important nickel mistakes that are worth money, so you’ll know what to look for in your pocket change.

1. 1942-P War Nickel with Doubled Die Obverse

The U.S. Mint changed the makeup of nickels during World War II to save nickel metal for the war effort. This led to the creation of the 1942-P war nickel, a one-of-a-kind coin. Because they are 35% silver, these nickels are already expensive.

The front of the coin, however, has a rare mistake called a “doubled die” that happened during the minting process. The most obvious duplication is seen in Jefferson’s eye and some of the writing.

Value: A 1942-P doubled die reverse war nickel can sell at auction for $300 to over $1,000, depending on how good it is.

2. 1954-S Nickel with Re-punched Mint Mark (RPM)

In the middle of the 20th century, mint marks were added to coins by hand with a punch. This led to mistakes like the re-punched mint mark (RPM). For example, the 1954-S nickel has the “S” mint mark struck more than once, making it look like it overlaps.

Value: Depending on the coin’s state and how clear the mint mark error is, these RPM nickels are worth between $20 and $150.

3. 1939 Jefferson Nickel with Doubled Monticello

The 1939 Jefferson nickel has another doubled die mistake, this time on the back side. This is most clear on Jefferson’s home, Monticello, and the words “FIVE CENTS.” This mistake wasn’t found right away, so these nickels are very uncommon.

Value: A doubled 1939 Monticello nickel can be worth anywhere from $100 to $600, and better examples can fetch even more.

4. 1964 Nickel with Full Steps Error

Technically, the “Full Steps” label is not a mistake; it is a feature that is not common on Jefferson nickels. It’s important that the steps on Monticello can be seen from all sides and aren’t worn down or flawed in any way.

Many 1964 nickels don’t have this detail because the dies are worn or the coins were struck badly, but a few have kept the whole step design, which makes them very popular with collectors.

Value: A full-step 1964 nickel can sell for $50 to $500 or more, based on how good it is.

5. 1983-P Nickel with Double Die Reverse

Some nickels made in Philadelphia in 1983 were found to have a double die reverse mistake. The writing is doubled because of this mistake, especially the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “MONTICELLO.” Collectors look for this kind of more recent mistake.

Value: Coins with this mistake can be worth anywhere from $30 to $300, depending on how well they are kept.

6. 2005-D “Speared Bison” Nickel

The U.S. Mint put out nickels with a bison image in 2005 as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series. A die cut runs through the back of some of these Denver-minted (D) coins, making it look like the bison has been “speared.” Fans of mistake coins love this one because it is so noticeable and easy to spot.

Value: The 2005-D “Speared Bison” nickel is worth between $150 and $1,200, based on how well it is kept and how noticeable the flaw is.

7. 1971-S Proof Nickel with No “S” Mint Mark

Collectors are the only ones who can make proof coins, which generally have a sharp, mirror-like finish. Some proof nickels were made in 1971 without the “S” mint mark, which shows that they were made at the San Francisco Mint. Coins like these are very rare because all proof coins should have a mint mark on them.

Value: A 1971-S proof nickel that doesn’t have the “S” mint mark can fetch $500 to $2,000 or more, based on how good it is.

8. 1943-P War Nickel with 3 Over 2 Overdate

A mistake happened when 1943 war nickels were being made: a “3” was punched over a “2” in the date. This mistake is called a “overdate,” and nickels don’t have them very often. If you look closely, you can see the overdate, which makes these coins very valuable.

Value: A 1943-P 3 over 2 overdate nickel can be worth anywhere from $100 to over $1,500, depending on its grade.

9. 2004-P Peace Medal Nickel with Extra Leaf

The Peace Medal nickel came out in 2004 as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series. There is an extra leaf on the back of some of these Philadelphia Mint coins, close to the left side of the plant. There are two kinds of this error: high leaf and low leaf. It is called the “extra leaf” type.

Value: Depending on the type and state of the nickel, the extra leaf can fetch anywhere from $50 to $500.

10. 1945-P War Nickel with Doubled Die Reverse

Another coin with a doubled die mistake is the 1945-P war nickel. This time, the error is on the back of the coin. People often double words on “FIVE CENTS” and “MONTICELLO.” The fact that these coins were made with silver makes them more valuable, and the mistake makes them even more valuable to fans.

Value: A 1945-P doubled die reverse nickel can be worth anywhere from $50 to over $400, depending on how good it is.