Top 9 Rare 1970s Nickels with Errors Worth Up to $15,275 – Check Your Spare Change Now!

In the 1970s, the U.S. Mints issued several Jefferson Nickels that had unique errors. These errors can prove to be extremely valuable for collectors. If you are a coin enthusiast and are looking for rare nickels, then these 9 coins can be beneficial for you. Let’s know the features of these coins and their possible prices.

1. 1970-D Full Steps Error

Released in 1970 by the Denver Mint, this nickel is particularly renowned for the “Full Steps” error. Here, the five steps of the Monticello building are prominently visible.

  • Attributes: The five steps of Monticello are prominently visible.
  • Possible Price: Up to $5,500 (for higher grade coins).

2. 1970-S Full Steps Nickel

This coin, released by the San Francisco Mint, is also scarce due to the full steps error.

  • Features: Good clarity of the five steps of Monticello.
  • Potential Price: $3,250 or more (in higher grades).

3. 1970-S Nickel with Obverse Die Break

There were some coins in this year that contained a flaw known as a “die break,” where raised marks or “cuds” are observable on the obverse of the coin.

  • Features: Raised marks on the obverse of the coin.
  • Potential Price: Depends on severity and condition of the break.

4. 1971-S Proof Nickel without Mint Mark

Proof coins were occasionally produced in 1971 without the “S” mint mark, so this is an unusual error.

  • Features: Absence of “S” mint mark on the coin.
  • Potential Price: Up to $8,100 (for the Deep Cameo variety).

5. 1972 Nickel Obverse Die Breaks

There were also some of this year’s coins that had obverse die breaks and developed raised areas on the top part of the coin.

  • Characteristics: Raised structure on the top of the coin’s obverse.
  • Possible Price: Depending on where and how severely the break has occurred.

6. 1973 Nickel with Reverse Die Breaks

A few 1973 coins had die breaks on the reverse (back) of the coin that resulted in the coin’s design being distorted.

  • Features: Raised areas in the reverse.
  • Potential Price: Varies based on position and extent of the break.

7. 1974-S Reverse Brockage of 1973-S Penny

This is a very scarce error, as the 1974-S penny was minted with the back design of the 1973-S penny, thus creating an overstrike peculiarity.

  • Features: Regular penny image on the front, while on the back has the 1973 penny imagery.
  • Potential Price: Up to $11,400 (for coins of higher grade).

8. 1975 Nickel with Misaligned Die Error

When a coin is not centered correctly during minting, its design becomes slightly off-center. This is referred to as a misaligned die error.

  • Features: Design elements displaced off-center.
  • Potential Price: Dependent on the extent of the misalignment.

9. 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson Nickel

This is quite possibly the most compelling overstrike coin ever minted, featuring a 1979 Susan B. Anthony dollar over a 1978 Jefferson nickel.

  • Characteristics: Picture of Susan B. Anthony at Monticello stamped over it.
  • Potential Value: Up to $15,275 (for high-grade specimens).

Conclusion

These 1970s nickel coins are very valuable because of the mistakes. If you are a coin collector or interested in investing in coins, finding these rare coins can earn you a good amount of money. If you have old nickel coins, make sure to examine them—you might have one of these rare coins that is worth thousands of dollars!

FAQs

Q1. How can I identify a Full Steps Jefferson Nickel?

A Full Steps Nickel has all five steps of the Monticello building clearly visible without any interruptions.

Q2. Which 1970s nickel error is the most valuable?

The 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over 1978 Jefferson Nickel is one of the most valuable, worth up to $15,275.

Q3. How much is a 1971-S No Mint Mark Proof Nickel worth?

A high-grade Deep Cameo variety can be worth up to $8,100.

Q4. What causes a die break error on nickels?

Die breaks occur when the minting die cracks, leading to raised, bulging areas on the coin’s surface.

Q5. Where can I sell my error nickels?

You can sell them on eBay, Heritage Auctions, PCGS, NGC, or through coin dealers and collectors.

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