Nickels

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 Silver $26.90

Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard and ductile. Jefferson Nickels made between 1942 in 1945, are also called War Nickels and consisted of 35% silver. This means they are worth more than face value and most of them have been removed from circulation. An easy way to identify these more valuable coins is to look on the reverse. If there is a letter (P, D or S) over the dome of Monticello, then. The CoinTrackers.com crew has compiled an awesome list we've dubbed 25 Most Valuable Nickels, and the page details the most valuable nickels minted in the United States from the late 1800's to the early 2000's. (Updated 2021) The values are descending so the most valuable are at the top. (so its a count up and not a countdown).


Old nickel values are benefiting from renewed collector demand. The different nickel series, plus the varieties within the major series are attracting interest. A step by step approach identifies the varieties, dates and mintmarks, and how to recognize condition. All important steps needed to determine how much old nickels are worth.

Steps Leading to Value:

  • Step 1: Recognize the Different Series of Nickels - US nickels include a variety of series and sub-varieties within series, all important to recognize.
  • Step 2: Date and Mintmark are Identified- Date and mintmark combinations are each valued separately. Rarity and demand contribute to a wide range in value found among all the different dates.
  • Step 3: Grading Condition - Judging condition is done by comparing your nickel to images and descriptions. Value charts highlight the importance of condition.
  • Step 4: Special Qualities - Surface qualities are examined to recognize collectible quality nickels.

How to determine old nickel values starts with identifying the series. Examine your coin and compare to the following images to find a match.

Note: Images within blue borders are Links to the different nickel series.

Step 1: Recognize the Different Series of Nickels

Date of a three-cent nickel and how well it's preserved separates the common from the rare. Not widely known, the three-cent nickel is a coin specialist favorite. They treasure certain rare dates and all high condition coins. A unique series of US coinage with continual demand.

Introducing a nickel alloy five cent piece in 1866, Shield nickels are a first for US coins. Many dates in the series that ended in 1883 have very low mintage numbers. Small amounts minted, plus most served until very worn, leaves few available today. Grading images and video help identify the scarce condition, in demand nickels. Value chart list dates highlighting rare nickels.

A nickel series gaining in popularity. Causing all dates and mints to rise in value. The series began in 1883 and collectors are discovering early years are difficult to find in nice collectible quality. Grade your coins carefully and compare to the old nickel values chart.

A very popular coin series rising in value. Even coins without dates are valued over ten cents. Today, collectors are closely examining Buffalo nickels looking for special dates and higher condition examples. Often large value differences are found in just a minor improvement in how well the coin is preserved. Collector preference is creating demand showing in strong values on the charts. Follow the steps to correctly identify and judge your old nickels.

From the early dates to silver nickels many dates and mint marks standout from the rest in value. Found every day, compare your coins to the value charts. One of the few coins worth searching through your pocket change.

Search for these modern Jefferson nickels in mint state (like new) condition to find added value. Abraded and worn examples are worth face value, compare your coins to the condition images to determine today's price.

Step 2: Date Plus Variety and Mintmarks are Identified

Nickel series have within special sub-varieties worth recognizing. Subtle design changes to the coin, branch mints striking small amounts of certain dates, and in the case of Jefferson nickels, silver added to the alloy.

Early years of each series saw modification to designs creating multiple varieties for some years. Recognizing 'Rays' and 'No Rays' reverse varieties of Shield nickels is important to value. Another example; Liberty nickels were minted with no indication of denomination as part of the design in the beginning of the series. Quickly changed creating a sought-after variety. Buffalo nickels with modifications to the reverse and alloy differences in Jefferson nickels, all are considered, helping narrow value range.

Examples of date and mintmark combinations are included as part of a typical collector set of coins. Many dates of each series are available and affordable. Many mintmark varieties of dates are also common. Identifying the different mintmarks used by branch mints is needed, along with the date to separate common from scarce issues.

Recognizing all date and mintmarks is covered in-depth and listed on value chart.

🔎In Step 1 above are image links to match your coin. Visit the series page for value charts and details on how to value your old nickel.

Step 3: Grading Condition Old Nickel Values are Conditional

Grading a coin is judging its condition compared to standards. The amount of wear is examined and a 'Grade' is used to indicate its state of preservation. These grades identify condition and narrow values.

Beginning with the top-grade Mint State; the following are descriptions of grades used to indicate condition. Greater detail to grading nickels is found on series pages.

Mint State Grade: Highest points of the design are first examined and if found without wear, the coin is a candidate for the Mint State grade. Indicators of wear are smoothing of the high peaks of design and loss of the luster to the surface. The shine of a mint state coin is due to the delicate luster, part of the surface when minted. Dulling and smoothing of luster indicates wear.

Extremely Fine Grade: With just a small amount of wear to a coin, the very upper parts of the design begin to flatten. If just minor amounts of wear, confined to small areas the coin are visible, the nickel is considered Extremely Fine grade. As example: Liberty's portrait on the 'V' nickels shows just a few strands of hair merging above her forehead. Upper edges of leaves in the reverse wreath are slightly flattened. Minor smoothing and blending of upper contours define the grade.

Fine Grade: A nickel with noticeable flatness over most high areas defines a nickel in Fine grade. High points have lost the minor details and display smooth areas without detail. A Buffalo nickel showing the Indian's hair without fine strands is an example. Cheek is also slightly flattened. To remain in Fine condition, nickels are crisp with detail in lower relief - protected areas. Back to the Buffalo nickel, one indication is all numerals of the date are readable.

Good Grade: An old nickel worn to the condition only outlines of major devices remain is considered and likely grades as 'Good'. Fine details are worn to a smooth flat surface on these heavily used nickels. The shield on Shield nickels is slightly raised from the field, however all detail to the frame of the shield and leaves to the wreath either side is missing. Despite this heavy wear a nickel remains recognizable as to date, especially important to Buffalo nickels, known for dates wearing away quickly.

Grading Videos Narrow Old Nickel Values

🔎Above in Step 1 image and text links lead to series pages of in-depth coverage. Each series page defines grading in detail. Close-up images and descriptions of grades are used to judge condition. Additional video helps to identify many subtle points to grading old nickels.

Step 4: Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Old nickels derive their value from collectors pursuing sets of these coins. Some dates are rare because few remain thus raising value because of scarcity. Others nickels are higher priced because of a high level of condition. One subtle feature is eye appeal a nickel displays. Coin collecting includes a visual appreciation of coins.

High to Low Grade

Unless cost is a factor; collectors strive for the higher quality least worn nickel. Higher grades are in greater demand.

Toning and Appeal

Nice toning enhancing the design and helping bring out details is the favored choice of collectors. Pleasing toning is often a deciding factor to solid value.

Absence of Damage

Excessive marks eliminate any collectability to a Jefferson nickel. The affordability of most dates allows a collector to pass on coins with distracting marks in the Jefferson nickel series.

Compare your coin to the traits of quality collectible nickels. These apply to all series and raise values. Positive qualities include:

  • Major and minor details of the design are visible.
  • Surface of the coin is relatively mark free.
  • Coloration is even and pleasing.

A coin meeting the above standards places it in the running as a collectible, valued coin.

🔎Match your nickel to the image links in Step 1 and visit; how to determine in-depth nickel values of your coin.

Coin Values CoinStudy Articles

Nickels To Dollars

Videos, close-up images and descriptions, give insight into the details to accurately grade the condition of your old nickels. Judge carefully to find the true potential value.

Rare nickels, for example, ones with double mint marks, occasionally 'hide' in your box of old coins. Interestingly, some are still found in circulation today. The reason is most require a magnifying glass to discover. In this case the smallest of details makes for a valuable coin.

A step by step method is used to discover old coin values. Beginning with identifying important dates and mintmarks. Next comparing your coin to images to judge and determine its condition and recognize its 'grade'. Value charts narrow how much coins are worth.

Recommendations on basic supplies that greatly improve coin storage. Providing for safe handling, preserving of value, and organizing your box of old coins.

Selling Coins describes the different types of markets, and the type of coins to match each market. Extra effort for sure, but finding the best coin buyers yields the best results.

★Coin Values Discovery... finds Old Nickel Values and...

All old US coin values. The home page is an excellent index with images, helping to identify, and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth. Begin the step by step process of value to any coin series.

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a wooden nickel

A person or thing that only vaguely appears to have any real value, but is ultimately worthless. A nickel is worth five cents, thus already being worth very little. Primarily heard in US. This whole accreditation scheme has as much value as a wooden nickel when it does nothing to get you more work in the field.

accept a wooden nickel

To accept something that proves to be fraudulent or deceitful; to be swindled or conned. Primarily heard in US. I'm done accepting wooden nickels—capricious women who say they love me, then get bored and decide I'm not worth their time.My husband is a wonderful man, but he has about as much business sense as a grade-schooler. If I had let him accept all the wooden nickels offered flaky customers have tried to peddle on us, we'd have gone bankrupt years ago.

be not worth a plug nickel

obsolete To be completely worthless or useless; to have little or no value. (A variant of 'not worth a plugged nickel.') Refers to coins (not only nickels) that were 'plugged'—that is, those that had a hole drilled in their center and were filled with cheaper metals—which made the coins illegitimate and worthless if spotted. Primarily heard in US. I was so excited when my grandpa said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a plug nickel.Over the years working here I've come to realize that the boss's promises aren't worth a plug nickel.

don't take any wooden nickels

Take care and, specifically, try not to get swindled. The phrase is thought to have originated in the early 20th century when country residents visiting the city were considered easily duped. Primarily heard in US. Have fun tonight and don't take any wooden nickels!

double nickels

slang The speed limit of 55 miles per hour. 'Nickel' refers to the US five-cent coin. Whoa, whoa, cool it with the double nickels—the speed limit here is 25!

hotter than a hooker's doorknob on nickel night

rude slang Very hot. Usually said in reference to air temperature. A: 'I heard it's pretty warm out today.' B: 'Oh yeah, hotter than a hooker's doorknob on nickel night.'

if I had (some monetary unit) for every (something)

clichĂ© Used to indicate a very large number or very frequent occurrence of people, things, or actions. Usually used in conjunction with some expression that one would be rich as a result of receiving money for all such instances. A: 'Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!' B: 'Here we go again. If I had a nickel for every harebrained scheme you came up with—sheesh!'Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every dog turd I found left on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be a millionaire!No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be retired by now!

if I had (some monetary unit) for every (something), I'd be rich!

cliché Used to indicate a very large number or very frequent occurrence of people, things, or actions. 'I'd be a millionaire' can be substituted for 'I'd be rich.' A: 'Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!' B: 'Here we go again. If I had a nickel for every harebrained scheme you came up with, I'd be rich!'Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every dog turd I found left on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be rich!No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be a millionaire!

if I had (some monetary unit) for every time (something happened)

cliché Used to indicate a very frequent occurrence of something happening. Usually used in conjunction with some expression that one would be rich as a result of receiving money for all such instances. A: 'Hey, Paul, listen to this! I've got a great idea to get rich!' B: 'Here we go again. I'd be a rich man if I had a nickel for every time I had to listen to one of your harebrained schemes!'Oh, yuck! If I had a dollar for every time people left their dogs' poop on the sidewalk in this neighborhood, I'd be a millionaire!No, I can't raise your salary! I tell you, if I had a dime for every employee who came in here asking for more money, I'd be retired by now!

I've seen better heads on nickel beers

slang Said when one deems someone to be stupid. The 'head' is the foam that forms when beer is poured into a glass. It is used here as a pun in reference to one's head, representing their brain or intellect. Oh please, I've seen better heads on nickel beers—you can't believe a word that fool says.I can't believe you're so impressed with her—I've seen better heads on nickel beers, honestly.

nickel

slang Describing something that costs five dollars, especially drugs. It wasn't a crazy party or anything, just a few friends and a nickel bag of weed.

nickel and dime (one)

To assess costs or fees in enough small amounts that it adds up to a substantial sum. Between the increases in property tax, sales tax, and income tax, I feel like the government is constantly trying to nickel and dime us.My phone company has been nickel and diming me for years.

nickel and dime (one) to death

To assess costs or fees in enough small amounts that it adds up to a substantial sum. Between the increases in property tax, sales tax, and income tax, I feel like the government is trying nickel and dime us to death.These phone companies all make their profits by nickeling and diming their customers with hidden charges and fees.

nickel nurser

A stingy person; a penny pincher. Primarily heard in US. I used to hate going out to restaurants with my ex-girlfriend. She was such a nickel nurser that we'd never get anything nice to eat, and she always refused to leave a tip.

nickel tour

A brief, superficial guided tour, inspection, or survey. There's not much to see here anyway, so let me give you the nickel tour.No, I don't know where the bathrooms are—I only got a nickel tour of the building.

nickel-and-dime

To assess costs or fees in enough small amounts that it adds up to a substantial sum. Between the increases in property tax, sales tax, and income tax, I feel like the government is trying nickel-and-dime us to death.That phone company is nickel-and-diming their customers with all those fees.

not have two nickels to rub together

To be extremely poor; to have very little or no money to spend. Primarily heard in US. During college, when I didn't have two nickels to rub together, I survived off of ramen noodles for months at a time.They used to be so well off, but the economy crashed and their business closed, and they don't have two nickels to rub together anymore.

not have two pennies to rub together

To be extremely poor; to have very little or no money to spend. During college, when I didn't have two pennies to rub together, I survived off of ramen noodles for months at a time.They used to be so well off, but after the economy crashed and their business closed, they don't have two pennies to rub together anymore.

not worth a damn

Having no value or integrity; worthless. The company offered vouchers to its employees, but they aren't worth a damn.You've broken your word so many times that your promises aren't worth a damn.My brother gave me his old laptop, but it's not worth a damn anymore.

not worth a plug nickel

obsolete Completely worthless or useless; having little or no value. (A variant of 'not worth a plugged nickel.') Refers to coins (not only nickels) that were 'plugged'—that is, those that had a hole drilled in their center and were filled with cheaper metals—which made the coins illegitimate and worthless if spotted. Primarily heard in US. I was so excited when my grandpa said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a plug nickel.Over the years working here I've come to realize that the boss's promises aren't worth a plug nickel.

not worth a plugged nickel

obsolete Completely worthless or useless; having little or no value. Refers to coins (not only nickels) that were 'plugged'—that is, those that had a hole drilled in their center and were filled with cheaper metals—which made the coins illegitimate and worthless if spotted. Primarily heard in US. I was so excited when my grandpa said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a plugged nickel.Over the years working here I've come to realize that the boss's promises aren't worth a plugged nickel.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

I've seen better heads on nickel beers.

Rur. This person is stupid. Jim's good-looking, but I've seen better heads on nickel beers.My students this term aren't what you'd call bright. I've seen better heads on nickel beers.

nickel-and-dime someone(to death)

Fig. to make numerous small monetary charges that add up to a substantial sum. Those contractors nickel-and-dimed me to death.Just give me the whole bill at one time. Don't nickel-and-dime me for days on end.

not worth a damn

Inf. worthless. This pen is not worth a damn.When it comes to keeping score, she's not worth a damn.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

not worth a damn

Also, not worth a plugged nickel or red cent or bean or hill of beans or fig or straw or tinker's damn . Worthless, as in That car isn't worth a damn, or My new tennis racket is not worth a plugged nickel. As for the nouns here, a damn or curse is clearly of no great value (also see not give a damn); a plugged nickel in the 1800s referred to a debased five-cent coin; a cent denotes the smallest American coin, which was red when made of pure copper (1800s); a bean has been considered trivial or worthless since the late 1300s (Chaucer so used it), whereas hill of beans alludes to a planting method whereby four or five beans are put in a mound (and still are worthless); and both fig and straw have been items of no worth since about 1400. A tinker's dam, first recorded in 1877, was a wall of dough raised around a spot where a metal pipe is being repaired so as to hold solder in place until it hardens, whereupon the dam is discarded. However, tinker's damn was first recorded in 1839 and probably was merely an intensification of 'not worth a damn,' rather than having anything to do with the dam.
The American HeritageŸ Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

nickel and dime

AMERICAN
1. If you describe something as nickel and dime, you mean that it is not important or serious, or involves only small amounts of money. Note: A nickel is a five cent coin and a dime is a ten cent coin. I want to keep the campaign on the issues that matter. I'm not interested in that nickel and dime stuff.Some claim the company's nickel-and-dime charges are driving away sellers of inexpensive items. Note: You can also say nickel-dime with the same meaning. It's nickel-dime stuff, though, compared to what you and Michael have to deal with.
2. If someone nickels and dimes someone or something, they harm them by continually taking small amounts of money away from them, or by continually making small changes or requests. Note: A nickel is a five cent coin and a dime is a ten cent coin. The claims aren't huge but there are a lot of them and it all adds up. We're getting nickeled and dimed to death.

a wooden nickel

AMERICAN
If you call something a wooden nickel, you mean that it is completely false or has no value. Note: A nickel is a five cent coin and a dime is a ten cent coin. He looked at the card as though it were a wooden nickel. `That doesn't prove a thing,' he said.

not have two pennies to rub together

or

not have two nickels to rub together

AMERICAN
If someone doesn't have two pennies to rub together, they are poor. My parents had just married and they didn't have two pennies to rub together.He didn't have two nickels to rub together when he got here. I think he's done pretty well for himself. Note: In old-fashioned English, you can say that someone doesn't have two brass farthings to rub together or doesn't have two halfpennies to rub together. There I was — a really good skier with loads of potential and I didn't have two brass farthings to rub together. Note: You can use other nouns in similar structures when you mean that someone or something has none or very little of a particular quality. He's useless — he hasn't got two brain cells to rub together.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

not worth a damn

having no value or validity at all. informal

accept a wooden nickel

be fooled or swindled. US
A wooden nickel is a worthless or counterfeit coin.

not worth a plugged nickel

of no value. US
A plugged coin has had a part removed and the space filled with base material.
1991R.Hawkey&R.BinghamWild Card If as much as a whisper gets out
none of our lives are going to be worth a plugged nickel.

not have two pennies to rub together

lack money; be very poor.
See also: have, not, penny, rub, together, two

not have two — to rub together

have none or hardly any of the specified items, especially coins. informal
1999Independent Soon you realise you have as many troubles when you are rich as when you haven't two pennies to rub together.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌnickel-and-ˈdime

involving only a small amount of money; not important: I’m going to make serious money this time. No more no nickel-and-dime stuff for me. ▶ ˌnickel-and-ˈdime verb charge many small fees which add up to a large amount in total: Unlike other companies, we charge a flat fee so we won’t nickel-and-dime you to death.

don’t take any wooden ˈnickels

(American English) used when saying goodbye to somebody to mean ‘be careful’, ‘take care of yourself’: Well, see you around Tom. Don’t take any wooden nickels.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

double nickels

and double buffalo

Nickel Worth

n. the number fifty-five; the fifty-five-mile-per-hour speed limit. (Originally citizens band radio. The buffalo is on one side of the nickel.) You’d better travel right on those double nickels in through here. The bears are hungry. Double buffalo is for trucks. You can go seventy.

nickel and dime someone (to death)

tv. to make numerous small monetary charges that add up to a substantial sum. Just give me the whole bill at one time. Don’t nickel and dime me for days on end.

nickel and dime someone

verb
See also: and, dime, nickel, someone

not worth a damn

mod. worthless. When it comes to keeping score, she’s not worth a damn.

not worth a plugged nickel

Nickels
mod. worth little or nothing. This new battery is not worth a plugged nickel.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

don't take any wooden nickels

Protect yourself (against fraud, loss, and so on). This warning against counterfeit coins dates from about 1900 and is distinctly American in origin, the nickel being a U.S. or Canadian five-cent coin. Why a wooden coin was selected is not known. Presumably making coins of wood would always have been more expensive than the intrinsic value of metal coins. Several writers suggest it replaced don’t take any wooden nutmegs, a now obsolete saying dating from colonial times when sharp traders sold wooden nutmegs mixed in with the real spice. In print the expression is found in Ring Lardner’s story, The Real Dope (1919), “In the mean wile—until we meet again—don’t take no wood nickles [sic] and don’t get impatient and be a good girlie.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer

Don't take any wooden nickels

Don't let yourself be cheated. This expression was first heard in the early 20th century. Although there never were any wooden nickels as legal tender, country folk going to a city were likely to be cheated by all manner of ruses, including obviously counterfeit coins. Wooden nickels did exist, however, as bank promotions during and after the Great Depression; the “coins” were redeemable for prizes.

Nickels And Dimes

Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price Copyright © 2011 by Steven D. Price
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Buffalo Nickel Value Chart

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Brian Nickels Bridgerton