The Shield Nickel was America’s first five-cent coin struck in a copper-nickel alloy, replacing the small silver half dime beginning in 1866. Although the series lasted only until 1883, it presents collectors with a fascinating mix of low-mintage dates, major die varieties, production challenges, and several genuinely scarce issues. While millions were produced overall, not … Read more
Jefferson nickels are one of the most collected U.S. coin series, and for good reason. Most are worth only face value, but a handful of dates, mint marks, and varieties have become highly desirable among collectors. Some are important because of low mintages, while others are prized for major minting varieties, recognized errors, or exceptional … Read more
Few American coins have achieved the legendary status of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Even people with little interest in coin collecting have likely heard stories about this mysterious five-cent coin selling for millions of dollars. Unlike many rare coins that survive in the thousands, only five genuine examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel … Read more
You don’t need to be an experienced coin collector to spot a valuable Buffalo Nickel. While millions were minted between 1913 and 1938, certain dates, mint marks, varieties, and condition factors make some examples far more desirable than others. Learning what to look for can help you avoid overlooking an important coin—or overestimating a common … Read more
The Buffalo Nickel is one of the most iconic and beloved coins in American numismatic history. Officially known as the Indian Head Nickel, it combines classic American symbolism with a rugged design that continues to attract collectors more than a century after its introduction. Whether you’ve discovered one in an old coin jar, inherited a … Read more
