Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night: My Favorite Finds and Collecting Tips

Lately, I’ve been digging through my coin cabinet with all this nickel excitement in the air – and wow, do these little guys pack some surprises! Between rare errors and historic varieties, nickels offer collectors like us a genuine treasure hunt. Today, I’m sharing some favorite finds from my own collection along with practical tips I’ve picked up over the years to help you spot the good stuff.

Rare Nickel Errors Worth Hunting For

One of my all-time favorite finds? A split planchet nickel – and yes, I’ve got both halves! It’s a silver War Nickel from the 1940s where the planchet cracked after striking. War Nickels (1942-1945) are always special with their 35% silver content, making them more valuable than regular issues. When grading these splits, I look at how severe the crack is: minor ones might not add much value, but a clean break like mine can really pay off in higher grades. Always check for sharp details and minimal wear – that’s where the real value lives.

Another error I love spotting is cuds – those raised blobs from die breaks. You’ll often find them on circulated nickels, and they can turn an ordinary coin into something special. My tip? Grab a magnifier and scan the edges and fields carefully. Cuds tend to pop up near the rim, and their value depends on how big and noticeable they are.

Key Varieties Like the 1941-S Jefferson Nickel

When it comes to varieties, the 1941-S Jefferson Nickel really gets me excited. It comes in large and small mint mark versions, and telling them apart makes all the difference. The large mint mark is tougher to find and brings higher prices – I’ve seen uncirculated examples sell for over $50, while the small mark might go for half that. Check the mint mark position under Monticello: the large one looks bolder and more centered. And here’s a grading secret: coins with full steps on the building fetch top dollar, since wear there can really hurt the value.

Practical Advice for Nickel Collectors

After years of collecting nickels, here’s what I’ve learned that actually works:

• Errors pay off: Always check rolls or dealer lots for split planchets, cuds, or off-center strikes – certified errors can easily bring 10x face value or more
• War Nickel perks: With silver prices moving around, these make a great hedge. I watch melt values but chase rarity – key dates like 1943-P can be real winners
• Market smarts: Hot varieties like the 1941-S are great opportunities. Buy raw coins in decent shape and consider grading – circulated examples make perfect starter pieces
• Grading essentials: Use a 10x loupe to check luster, scratches, and details. For errors, photos from multiple angles save headaches later – I always photograph mine before selling or trading

Nickels might seem like pocket change, but they hold amazing potential. Happy hunting – here’s hoping your next find is a real stunner!