Many people overlook the spare change in their pockets, not realizing that some nickels in circulation today are worth a significant amount of money.

Certain U.S. nickels, due to rare errors or limited mintage, have become highly sought after by collectors and can fetch impressive sums at auctions. Here are some of the most valuable nickels you might still find in your change:

1913 Liberty Head ‘V’ Nickel

The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most famous and valuable coins in American history. Only five of these coins are known to exist, making them extremely rare. One such nickel sold for over $3.7 million at auction in 2010. These coins were produced without official authorization, adding to their mystique and value.

1918/7-D Buffalo Nickel (Doubled Die Obverse)

This coin features an overdate error where the ‘7’ is visible beneath the ‘8’ in the date ‘1918’. This mistake occurred due to a die misalignment during production. A well-preserved example of this nickel sold for $350,750 at auction.

1926-S Buffalo Nickel

With a mintage of only 970,000, the 1926-S Buffalo nickel is one of the rarest in the series. High-grade specimens are especially valuable, with one fetching $322,000 at auction.

1937-D ‘Three-Legged’ Buffalo Nickel

Due to an over-polished die, some 1937 Buffalo nickels minted in Denver lack one of the buffalo’s legs, resulting in the ‘three-legged’ variety. This error makes the coin highly desirable among collectors, with some examples selling for nearly $100,000.

1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel

This coin features a repunched mint mark error, where a ‘D’ was stamped over a horizontal ‘D’. Such errors are rare and can significantly increase a coin’s value. High-grade examples have been known to sell for substantial amounts.

1954-S S Over D Jefferson Nickel

In this variety, the ‘S’ mint mark was stamped over a ‘D’, creating a noticeable overprint. Coins exhibiting this error, especially in uncirculated condition, are sought after by collectors and can fetch premium prices.

1955-D D Over S Jefferson Nickel

This coin displays a ‘D’ mint mark over an ‘S’, resulting from a die mix-up during production. Such coins are rare, and those in excellent condition can command high prices in the collectors’ market.

1939 Doubled Monticello Jefferson Nickel

Some 1939 Jefferson nickels exhibit a doubling effect on the Monticello building on the reverse side. This error, known as a doubled die, increases the coin’s value, with high-grade examples being particularly prized.

1943-P ‘War Nickel’ with Doubled Eye

During World War II, nickels were made with a silver alloy due to metal shortages. Some 1943-P nickels feature a doubled eye on Jefferson’s portrait, a minting error that enhances their value. Collectors seek these coins, especially in higher grades.

2005-D ‘Speared Bison’ Jefferson Nickel

This modern nickel features a unique die gouge error on the reverse side, making it appear as though the bison has been speared. This distinctive error has made the coin popular among collectors, with some examples selling for significant premiums.

Tips for Identifying Valuable Nickels:

Check the Date and Mint Mark: Look for coins from the specific years mentioned and note the mint mark, usually located near the date.

Examine for Errors: Use a magnifying glass to spot doubling effects, overdates, or other anomalies.

Assess the Condition: Coins in better condition (less wear and tear) are typically more valuable.

Consult a Professional: If you believe you’ve found a rare coin, consider having it authenticated and graded by a professional coin grading service.

While the chances of finding these rare nickels in your pocket change are slim, it’s certainly possible. Regularly checking your coins could lead to a valuable discovery. Remember, even coins that appear ordinary at first glance might have unique features that make them worth far more than their face value.