Collecting coins like dimes and nickels has been a favorite hobby for many, and some coins in these categories can be surprisingly valuable. I’ve found that while many coins are common, there are certain ones collectors actively seek because of their rarity or unique features.
If you have the right dimes or nickels, they could be worth a significant amount of money to the right collector. Knowing which coins to look out for can help you spot something special in your own collection or change.
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
I find the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel fascinating because only five are known to exist. These coins are incredibly rare and have a mysterious origin since the U.S. Mint officially stopped making Liberty Head nickels in 1912.
Each of these nickels is worth millions. In fact, some have sold for over $4 million at auction. For collectors like me, they represent a unique mix of history and rarity that’s hard to beat.
1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel
I’ve always found the 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel fascinating. This coin has a unique minting error where the buffalo’s front leg appears to be missing. The error happened due to excessive polishing of the die, which erased the leg’s detail while leaving the hoof visible.
Collectors love this nickel because it’s rare and stands out in the Buffalo series. While it’s not the rarest coin out there, demand keeps its value strong. If you’re lucky enough to find one, it’s definitely a sought-after piece in any collection.
1942/1 Overdate Jefferson Nickel
One coin that always catches my eye is the 1942/1 overdate Jefferson nickel. This nickel shows the “1” from 1941 partially stamped under the 1942 date. It’s a neat error that makes the coin stand out from regular 1942 nickels.
Collectors value this overdate because it’s relatively rare but still affordable compared to other error coins. Finding one in good condition can make the coin worth significantly more than a standard 1942 nickel. I find it exciting to spot these small details that reveal a piece of minting history.
1894-S Barber Dime
The 1894-S Barber dime is one of the rarest coins I’ve ever come across. Only about 24 of these were made at the San Francisco Mint, making it incredibly scarce.
Collectors like me see this dime as a prized piece because it’s part of a small, mysterious group that includes a handful of dimes.
When I learned some sold for over $2 million, I understood why it’s so highly sought after. Its history and rarity make it a true gem in any coin collection.
1895 Barber Dime
The 1895 Barber Dime is a coin that really caught my attention because of its rarity. It was produced during the Barber series, which began in 1892 and lasted until 1916. I find that it’s especially popular among collectors due to its lower mintage compared to other years.
What makes the 1895 Barber Dime stand out to me is the variety of mint marks, like the “S” from the San Francisco Mint. These variations affect how much collectors are willing to pay. Even in average condition, this dime can fetch a good price because it’s scarce and has strong demand.
1916-D Mercury Dime
I find the 1916-D Mercury dime fascinating because it’s one of the rarest dimes out there. Only 264,000 were minted in Denver that year, making it the lowest mintage for any Mercury dime.
Its scarcity comes from Denver shifting focus to quarters, meaning fewer dimes were produced. That small number makes it a key coin for collectors like me.
Even in lower grades, this dime is in demand. If you ever come across one, it’s worth a close look.
1942-D Roosevelt Dime with Doubled Die
I find the 1942-D Roosevelt dime with a doubled die fascinating. This coin shows clear doubling on the obverse, especially around the date and lettering.
Collectors often look for this variety because it’s rare. The doubling happened during the minting process when the die struck the coin twice.
If you come across one, its value can be notably higher than a regular 1942-D dime. It’s a neat piece to add to any collection, especially if it’s in good condition.
1974 Aluminum Lincoln Nickel
I find the 1974 aluminum Lincoln nickel fascinating because it was never officially released. The U.S. Mint made over 1.5 million aluminum cents for 1974 but quickly withdrew them due to public opposition.
This coin is rare and interesting to collectors. Some examples surfaced in recent years, graded by PCGS as authentic.
While the aluminum nickel is not common, its value depends heavily on condition and legitimacy. It’s a unique piece of U.S. coin history that I think many collectors would love to own.
