Top 9 Rare and Valuable Nigerian Coins You Should Know

Discover Nigeria's most valuable coins, from colonial-era relics to modern collectibles. Learn about their history, unique designs, and market values, making it easier for collectors and enthusiasts to identify rare and valuable Nigerian coins. This guide covers key coins like the 1959 6 Pence, 1991 10 Kobo, 2006 Bimetallic 2 Naira, and more, offering insights into their significance and worth in today's numismatic market.

Nigeria's currency history dates back to 1958 when the Central Bank started issuing coins, transitioning from pounds, shillings, and pence to Kobo and Naira over the years. Many early coins, especially discontinued types from Colonial Nigeria, are now highly prized by collectors and can fetch significant prices. These coins, some dating back to the colonial era, have gained value over time, offering profitable opportunities for numismatists seeking rare finds.

1959 6 Pence Coin
Valued at approximately 17,392 NGN, this British West Africa coin features Queen Elizabeth II and was issued during her second coinage period. The coin displays her crowned profile, with cocoa beans and 'Federation of Nigeria' inscribed on the reverse. Minted in 1959, it is a sought-after colonial relic.

1991 10 Kobo Coin
Designed by Geoffrey Colley, this steel coin weighed 3.48 grams and featured oil palms and the denomination on the reverse. Though demonetized in 2007, it now commands a market value of around 17,392 NGN, making it an interesting addition for collectors.

2006 Bimetallic 2 Naira Coin
Introduced in 2006, this coin features Nigeria's coat of arms and Abuja’s National Assembly on the reverse. Its durable bimetallic build and design make it a popular collectible, especially given its current value of approximately 17,392 NGN due to recent currency shortages.

Rare Bronze 1959 Penny
With a central hole and intricate design, this coin is extremely rare and valued over 20,888 NGN. It features Queen Elizabeth II and a crown, symbolizing Nigeria’s colonial past and now highly prized among collectors.

1959 Nickel-Brass 3 Pence
Priced at around 22,636 NGN, this coin from 1959 displays Queen Elizabeth II’s profile and a cotton plant on the reverse. Its rarity makes it a coveted piece for those passionate about Nigerian colonial coins.

50 Kobo Nickel-Steel Coin (2006)
With a shiny appearance, this coin features Nigeria's coat of arms and ears of corn. Weighing 3.6 grams, it's currently valued at over 17,479 NGN, especially since such coins are now circulating again due to cash shortages.

1973 1 Kobo Coin
Part of Nigeria’s early post-independence currency system, this coin features the coat of arms and oil wells. Valued at approximately 20,888 NGN, it’s a prized collectible after being demonetized in 2007.

2006 Bimetallic 1 Naira
Celebrating Nigerian nationalism, this coin features Herbert Macaulay’s likeness and the coat of arms. Its unique design and historical significance make it highly valued among enthusiasts, with prices reaching over 17,479 NGN.

1974 5 Kobo Coin
Made of copper-nickel, this coin depicts the coat of arms and cocoa beans. It’s notable for buyers starting a Nigerian coin collection and is currently valued at around 8,807 NGN.