What is the value of a 1918 US nickel?

Answer 1

Please don't assume that just because a US coin was minted before 1965 it's made of silver. US nickels made from 1866 to mid-1942 and from 1946 to the present are made of a copper-nickel alloy, not silver. From mid-1942 to 1945 nickels did contain a small amount of silver because nickel metal was needed for the war effort. Those "war nickels" are the ONLY ones that have any silver in them.

There's more information at the Related Question.

Answer 2

The value of a 1918 US nickel can vary depending on its condition, but typically it is worth around $1 to $5 for circulated coins. If the nickel is in mint condition or has any rare characteristics, it could be worth more to collectors.

Answer 3

Please don't assume that because a coin is old it has to contain silver. The only silver nickels ever minted were from mid-1942 till the end of 1945. All others are made of an alloy of 25% nickel and 75% copper.

There's more information at the Related Question.

Answer 4

Unless it's a high grade coin it's still just a nickel Though it's an old coin, it's not valuable. In average condition, it's still worth 5 cents, and only upwards of a dollar or so if uncirculated.

Answer 5

Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter below the words FIVE CENTS. It may be blank or there may be a D or S. (The F on the front of the coin is the designer's monogram and not a mint mark.)

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 10/2011:

No mint mark (Philadelphia):

Very worn condition - $5

Moderately worn - $8

Slightly worn - $16

Almost no wear - $53

Uncirculated - $108 to $14,950 depending on quality

"D" mint mark (Denver):

Very worn - $18

Moderately worn - $47

Slightly worn - $120

Almost no wear - $318

Uncirculated - $450 to $29,250

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):

Very worn - $12

Moderately worn - $47

Slightly worn - $98

Almost no wear - $337

Uncirculated - $510 to $58,500

"D" mint mark, shadow"17" underneath "18" in the date:

Very worn - $1,030

Moderately worn - $2,630

Slightly worn - $4,380

Almost no wear - $16,450

Uncirculated - $28,440 to $309,380

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary due to market fluctuations. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.

Answer 6

Not gold, gold-plated.

Assuming 1954 is correct, it's only worth 5 cents. The gold plating is too thin to be worth recovering, and it means the coin has been damaged in the process.