Hidden Nickels Worth a Fortune Could Be In Your Jar

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10 Nickels That Are Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)

Is Your Loose Change Hiding a Fortune? 10 Nickels Worth Far More Than a Fiver!

Who knew that little five-cent piece jingling in your pocket could be a hidden treasure? It turns out, some nickels are worth a whole lot more than their face value, all thanks to when and how they were made, or even some unique little quirks.

So, before you dismiss that pile of change, take a closer look! Spotting these valuable nickels could be an easy way to add a little extra cash to your wallet, just by paying attention to the details.

Let’s dive into ten specific nickels that are surprisingly valuable.

1. War Nickels (1942-1945)

During World War II, the U.S. Mint actually changed the composition of nickels, using 35% silver to save precious nickel for the war effort.

These silver-infused coins, minted from mid-1942 to 1945, are quite rare. Depending on the silver content, a “War Nickel” could be worth up to a dollar.

If you happen to find one in pristine condition, it could fetch $36 or even more!

2. 1939-D Jefferson Nickel

Keep an eye out for a 1939 nickel with a distinct “D” mint mark on the reverse, to the right of Monticello. These were produced in limited quantities at the Denver mint, making them scarce in circulation. A 1939-D in good condition can be worth around $8.75.

3. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel

Another low-mintage marvel, the 1950-D Jefferson nickel had the lowest production run of any post-war nickel. Like its 1939 counterpart, look for the “D” mint mark by Monticello.

These are often found in coin collections but are a rare find in everyday change. Depending on its condition, this coin could be worth anywhere from $20 to an impressive $80.

4. 1938 Jefferson Nickel

The very first year President Thomas Jefferson graced the five-cent piece, replacing the Buffalo Nickel, was 1938. Collectors are always on the hunt for “first-year issues,” making these coins highly sought after. Depending on their condition, they can range in value from a few dollars to several hundred.

5. 1954-S Jefferson Nickel

The San Francisco mint produced this coin in limited quantities, and it was the last nickel to come out of that mint until 1968. If you have a 1954 nickel, check for the “S” mint mark. On average, this nickel is worth around $2.25, but as with all collector coins, better quality means a higher price tag.

6. 2005-D “Speared Bison” Jefferson Nickel

Time to flip over those 2005 nickels! Look for a dramatic die gouge running right through the bison’s back, making it appear as if it’s been “speared.” This striking and rare error is highly coveted by collectors, with coins in even moderate condition potentially selling for $50 or more.

7. 2016-P MS64 Jefferson Nickel Struck Through Grease Error

Some 2016-P nickels were victims of a “struck through grease” error during minting. This can cause parts of the design, like Jefferson’s hair or the Monticello building, to appear faint or even completely missing.

A close inspection is needed to spot this flaw. If you find one, it could be worth anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on the coin’s condition.

8. 2010-P MS64 Lamination Error Jefferson Nickel

Here’s an error that can be quite dramatic! The 2010-P Lamination Error features a “clamshell” effect, where a portion of the coin’s surface has peeled away.

This is usually due to impurities in the metal alloy, but its rarity makes it appealing to collectors. Near-mint condition examples of this error have sold for an impressive $1,015 at auction.

9. 2017-P Jefferson Nickel Misaligned Die Error

A misaligned die can work in your favor with this 2017 nickel. If the obverse (front) die was off-center during striking, the design on that side will be noticeably off-center, sometimes even missing part of the rim, while the reverse (back) remains perfectly aligned.

While a somewhat common error, it still holds appeal for collectors. A coin with this misalignment can fetch between $3 and $10, depending on the severity and condition.

10. 2022-P Jefferson Nickel Detached Eye Error

This relatively new mint error on the 2022-P nickel features Jefferson’s eye appearing detached or even missing on the front of the coin. This anomaly is likely due to a die chip or deterioration during the minting process. Despite its recent release, a 2022-P with a “Detached Eye” error is already worth around $8 in good condition.

The Bottom Line

It’s clear that many of those nickels tucked away in jars, drawers, or loose change could be worth significantly more than their humble five-cent face value. Whether it’s due to silver content, low production numbers, or striking errors, these little gems can become a surprising source of extra income.

With millions of nickels produced each year, mint errors are bound to slip into circulation. So, next time you’re sorting through your spare change, pay close attention to dates, mint marks, and any unusual visual features – even minor defects can make a nickel a valuable find for collectors!