Top 9 Most Valuable Nigerian Coins for Collectors
Discover Nigeria's most valuable coins, from vintage 1959 British West Africa pieces to modern bimetallic coins. These rare and historical coins offer impressive investment potential for collectors, with some valued at over 20,000 NGN. Learn about their unique features, historical significance, and how they became prized assets in numismatic circles. Perfect for enthusiasts and investors alike, this guide highlights Nigeria's rich numismatic heritage and the top coins to add to any collection.
Nigeria's currency history started in 1958 when the Central Bank began issuing coins, evolving from pounds, shillings, and pence to Kobo and Naira. Over time, many vintage coins, especially those no longer in circulation, have gained significant numismatic value. Coins from the colonial era are now highly prized by collectors and can fetch impressive prices today.
1959 6 Pence
Valued at approximately 17,392 NGN, this British West Africa coin features Queen Elizabeth II with cocoa beans and the inscription “Federation of Nigeria.” It was minted until Nigeria adopted decimal currency in 1971.
The obverse displays Queen Elizabeth II’s crowned profile, while the reverse shows cocoa beans with the inscription “Federation of Nigeria” and the year 1959. The coin bears the initials “HP” for engraver Thomas Humphrey Paget.
1991 10 Kobo
Crafted by artist Geoffrey Colley, this steel coin is now worth about 17,392 NGN. It weighs 3.48 grams, features oil palms, and has a distinctive dodecagonal shape. It was demonetized in 2007 but remains a sought-after collector's item.
The coin’s obverse displays Nigeria’s coat of arms, including an eagle and two white horses, while the reverse depicts Abuja’s National Assembly building with the denomination 10 Kobo.
2006 Bimetallic 2 Naira
Introduced by Nigeria's Central Bank, this bimetallic coin, valued at around 17,392 NGN, was first issued in 2006. Although phased out in recent years, a coin shortage led to its circulation resurgence. It features the coat of arms, the National Assembly, and inscriptions indicating “Two Naira” and “Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Made of steel with a copper ring, it measures 19.5 mm in diameter and weighs 3.6 grams. The edges are milled, making it a standout piece for collectors.
1959 Bronze 1 Penny
Last circulated in 1973, this rare penny is valued at over 20,888 NGN. It features a crown and Arabic inscriptions on the obverse and Solomon’s seal with the “Federation of Nigeria” inscription on the reverse.
1959 Nickel-Brass 3 Pence
Also minted in 1959, this coin is highly collectible, valued at around 22,636 NGN. It showcases Queen Elizabeth II, with a cotton plant on the reverse and the year 1959.
2006 50 Kobo Nickel-Clad Steel Coin
With a value of approximately 17,479 NGN, this coin features Nigeria’s coat of arms and ears of corn. Weighing 3.6 grams and measuring 19.5 mm, it has gained collector interest due to recent circulation backlogs.
1973 1 Kobo Coin
Part of Nigeria’s Kobo series, this coin is now rare and worth up to 20,888 NGN. It bears the coat of arms and oil wells and was demonetized in 2007, making it a prized item among numismatic enthusiasts.
2006 Bimetallic 1 Naira
Minted to honor Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay, this 5.43-gram coin features his portrait and the Nigerian coat of arms. Valued highly, it’s a desirable addition for collectors.
1974 5 Kobo
Minted in copper-nickel, this coin features the coat of arms and cocoa beans, with a current value around 8,807 NGN. It is among Nigeria’s early coins from 1974, now sought after by collectors.
