Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy NEWP 1944 Henning Nickel Without Getting Ripped Off

Understanding the NEWP 1944 Henning Nickel

If you’re looking to add this fascinating piece of American numismatic history to your collection, you need a strategy to get the best deal. The NEWP 1944 Henning Nickel represents one of the most intriguing chapters in our hobby – a World War II-era counterfeit operation that produced nickels so convincing they circulated for decades before being discovered. These coins, created by Francis LeRoy Henning in his New Jersey workshop, are now highly collectible artifacts that tell a story of wartime ingenuity and deception.

Where to Buy Authentic Henning Nickels

The primary marketplace for Henning Nickels remains online auction platforms, particularly eBay, where collectors consistently list these coins. As mentioned in the forum discussion, there are typically 5-6 Henning Nickels available at any given time, with dozens more in recent sold listings. This consistent availability makes eBay an excellent starting point for your search.

Beyond eBay, specialized coin forums and collector communities often have members willing to sell or trade. The forum thread referenced shows active collector engagement, suggesting these communities can be valuable resources. Additionally, major coin shows occasionally feature Henning Nickels from reputable dealers who can provide authentication and grading services.

For the most serious collectors, auction houses that specialize in error coins and unusual numismatic items may occasionally feature Henning Nickels, particularly the rarer 1939 and 1953 dates mentioned in the discussion. These venues typically attract more knowledgeable buyers and sellers, potentially offering better opportunities for finding high-grade specimens.

Red Flags to Watch For

When purchasing a Henning Nickel, authenticity verification is paramount. The forum discussion highlights several key authentication points that should raise red flags if absent:

Die Characteristics: Authentic Henning Nickels exhibit specific die markers. The most famous is the “looped R” in the word “TRUST” on the reverse – a distinctive characteristic that appears on some but not all dies. The forum discussion confirms that at least two different reverse dies were used for 1944 Henning Nickels, with some showing the looped R and others lacking it.

Edge Characteristics: Genuine Henning Nickels show distinctive edge slide marks from the blank punching process. These marks, visible in the high-resolution images shared in the forum, are a crucial authentication feature. Coins lacking these marks or showing signs of post-production tooling should be viewed with suspicion.

Die Cracks: The forum discussion specifically mentions a die crack as a identifying feature. These cracks, visible in the shared images, are consistent across genuine examples and difficult to counterfeit convincingly.

Surface Quality: Authentic Henning Nickels typically exhibit a “mushy and grainy” appearance as struck, according to the forum. This characteristic texture, particularly visible on mint-state examples, is difficult to replicate and serves as an important authentication point.

Negotiating Tips for Henning Nickels

Understanding the market dynamics is crucial for successful negotiation. The forum discussion reveals that Henning Nickels have appreciated significantly over time – from under $100 in previous decades to “multiple hundreds of dollars” for well-circulated examples today. This appreciation trend suggests these coins represent both collectible items and potential investments.

Grade Considerations: The discussion reveals interesting grading dynamics. While one collector received an XF45 grade from ICG, another noted that technically correct grading might be lower given the original strike quality. Understanding this grading nuance can help in negotiations – a coin graded XF45 might actually be considered Fine by technical standards, potentially allowing for price negotiations based on this discrepancy.

Condition Premiums: The forum shows a progression from circulated examples to a true mint-state specimen with “full undisturbed mint luster.” This progression demonstrates that condition significantly impacts value. When negotiating, consider that even small improvements in condition can justify substantial price differences, particularly for high-grade specimens.

Rarity Factors: The mention of 1939 and 1953 Henning Nickels commanding “serious money” indicates that date rarity significantly impacts value. When negotiating for common dates like 1944, understanding that rarer dates command premiums can help establish baseline values for more common specimens.

Raw vs. Slabbed: Making the Right Choice

The forum discussion presents an interesting perspective on the raw versus slabbed debate. One collector specifically mentions sending their Henning Nickel to ICG for encapsulation “so I dont get it mixed up with others.” This practical consideration highlights one advantage of slabbing – permanent identification and protection.

Authentication Benefits: Slabbing provides third-party authentication, which is particularly valuable for coins like Henning Nickels that could potentially be counterfeited. The forum discussion shows collectors actively discussing authentication features, suggesting that professional authentication adds significant value and peace of mind.

Grade Verification: The discussion about grading inconsistencies – with collectors questioning whether ICG would recognize a coin as mint-state despite its technical characteristics – highlights the importance of professional grading. Slabbing provides an independent assessment that can be valuable for both buying and selling.

Cost Considerations: However, slabbing adds cost to the purchase. For collectors buying multiple Henning Nickels or those working with limited budgets, raw coins might offer better value, particularly if the collector is knowledgeable enough to authenticate the coin themselves using the characteristics discussed in the forum.

Display and Storage: The forum shows high-quality images of both raw and slabbed examples. Slabbing provides superior protection and display options, which might be important for collectors who value presentation or plan to exhibit their collections.

Historical Context and Collectibility

The forum discussion provides valuable historical context that enhances collectibility. The mention of Francis Henning’s operation, the various dates produced (1939, 1944, 1953), and the technical details about die usage all contribute to the story behind these coins.

Understanding that these coins were produced during World War II adds historical significance. The forum’s reference to “Frances would be proud” when discussing the valuable 1939 and 1953 dates shows how the historical narrative enhances collector interest and value.

The technical discussion about die characteristics, edge marks, and surface qualities demonstrates that these coins offer both historical interest and technical collecting challenges. This combination makes them particularly appealing to serious collectors who appreciate both the story and the technical aspects of numismatics.

Conclusion

The NEWP 1944 Henning Nickel represents a unique opportunity for collectors interested in both historical artifacts and technical numismatics. With prices ranging from hundreds of dollars for common dates to potentially much more for rare specimens, these coins offer collecting opportunities at various price points.

Success in acquiring Henning Nickels requires understanding authentication characteristics, recognizing market dynamics, and making informed decisions about slabbing versus raw purchases. The forum discussion provides valuable insights from experienced collectors that can guide both novice and experienced buyers.

Whether you’re drawn to the historical significance of World War II-era counterfeiting, the technical challenge of authentication, or the potential for appreciation, Henning Nickels offer a compelling collecting opportunity. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and learning from the experiences shared by collectors in the forum discussion, you can build a valuable and historically significant collection of these fascinating numismatic artifacts.

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