Coin Worth Checker· US coin values ·
Nickel Coin Value
Circulated Jefferson nickels are worth face value, but the older series carry real premiums: Buffalo nickels start around $1, Liberty V nickels at $2, wartime silver nickels (1942–1945) about $1.50 in melt value alone, and key dates run into the thousands.
· Identify yours ·
Identify nickel coin value by photos
Upload a photo of each side of your nickel — the inscriptions are read right in your browser, nothing is uploaded to any server, and the coin is matched against the worldwide catalogue.
· Live catalogue prices ·
How much is a nickel worth?
Estimates below are drawn from a worldwide numismatic catalogue for each series' most common issue and refresh weekly. Scarcer dates and mint marks price far higher — see the key dates further down.
| Coin | Years | Good (G-4) | Very Fine (VF-20) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-60+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shield Nickel | 1867–1883 | $4.69 | $16 | $24 | — |
| Liberty "V" Nickel | 1883–1913 | $1.85 | $4.89 | $4.90 | $172 |
| Buffalo Nickel | 1913–1938 | $0.91 | $1.87 | $2.34 | $29 |
| Jefferson Nickel | 1938–2003 | $0.11 | $0.23 | $0.30 | $1.87 |
| Wartime Silver Nickel | 1942–1945 | $1.90 | $2.12 | $3.13 | $9.80 |
Prices are catalogue estimates for each type's most common issue, in USD, for reference only. The exact value of your coin depends on its date, mint mark and condition — check it by name or photograph it in the app.
· Worth real money ·
Nickel key dates to look for
- 1937-D "Three-Legged" Buffalo — $500+ — over-polished die removed a leg
- 1916 Doubled Die Buffalo — $2,000+ in collectible grades
- 1885 Liberty Nickel — $400+ — key date of the V series
- 1939-D Jefferson — $5+ even worn; the Jefferson key
- 1942–1945 silver nickels — Any of them — 35% silver, worth ~$1.50+ in melt
· Questions ·
Nickel values FAQ
Are Buffalo nickels worth anything?
Yes — even a dateless Buffalo nickel sells for around 50 cents, a readable common date for $1–$3, and better dates from the 1910s–1920s for $10 and up. The famous 1937-D three-legged variety brings $500 or more.
Which Jefferson nickels are silver?
Only the wartime issues of 1942–1945, identifiable by the large mint mark (P, D or S) above Monticello's dome. They are 35% silver and worth about $1.50–$2 each in any condition.
How do I check what my nickel is worth?
Confirm the series and date, then the mint mark. The fastest way is a photo — the Coin Value Checker app identifies the exact type and shows the price for its condition.
Got a nickel in hand?
Photograph it and get the exact variety, date and a condition-aware value estimate in seconds.
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