Collector’s Corner: Let’s talk nickels

By Ron Schmidt on April 30, 2022.

I would like to talk about the nickels.

The first nickel under the reign of Queen Victoria was in 1870. These were very small and get easily confused with a dime. The small nickels were actually made of .925 silver.

Most of these nickels range in price, (in the poorest condition), from $5. To $50, with the exception of the years 1875, 1884, which can bring from $100 to over $1,000 depending on condition. In 1890 the price drops on these coins in G grade from $2 to $20 with the exception of a 1921.

The book value of this coin in VG condition is over $5,000, going as high as $15,000 if certified and in AU condition. In 1922 the nickel got larger, the size we know of it today, and actual was made of nickel.

The price for these start, in vg condition for about $0.15 and stay that way to 1952.

There are a few key dates in this range. 1925-$70, 1926 Far-$100+, 1944 Tombac est value $90, 1947 dot-$25.00, and 1951 high relief-$350.00. In 1953 and 1954 there are many varieties in these two years and some of them could be worth a few hundred dollars but it is to hard to explain differences in this article.

From 1955 to today’s date the average nickels are only worth face value. Pending on condition, some could be worth a slight premium but not much. The 1965 with large beads could fetch $200+.

In 1999 the mint changed the composition of the nickel to 95% steel, 3% copper and only 2% nickel. These coins have been marked with “p” and in 2006 that changed to the RCM Logo.

All the above prices are only approximate but it gives a range of what coins you should be watching for and there approximate cost. We can only encourage people who have an interest in coins or maybe have a collection of there own, who need to fill holes, to come to the Medicine Hat Coin & Stamp Club meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Victory Lutheran Church, 7:30 p.m.

Our membership is only $12/yr and gives all kinds of benefits from supplies to mint products at reduced rates, but most important will answer any questions about any coins you may have.

Our club is set up to inform people the value of coins so they do not get ripped off by travelling sales people as many people did the last few years. If you would like to come as a guest to one meeting, and see what it would be like at no cost please just stop by.

We encourage the young people to get involved and it would be a good way they could start their own collection or investment, and have fun with it also.

Collector’s Corner is contributed by the Medicine Hat Coin & Stamp Club. For questions or comments about coin or stamp collection email medhatcsc@live.com. Ron Schmidt authored this piece

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