Finding Bank Rolls War Nickels Bulk Submission in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

Introduction

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

Historical Significance

The Jefferson nickel series, introduced in 1938, has been a staple of American coinage for over eight decades. Among these, the “War Nickels” from 1942-1945 hold special significance due to their unique composition. During World War II, nickel was a critical war material, so the U.S. Mint temporarily replaced the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition with a 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese alloy. These silver war nickels are easily identified by the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side – and notably, the P mint mark (for Philadelphia) first appeared on coins during this period.

Identifying Key Markers

When hunting through bank rolls or bulk lots, knowing what to look for is essential. For 1944 Jefferson nickels specifically, you’ll encounter three mint marks:

• 1944-P (Philadelphia) – First year Philadelphia placed a mint mark on nickels
• 1944-D (Denver)
• 1944-S (San Francisco)

The 1944-P is particularly interesting to collectors as it represents the first time Philadelphia used a mint mark since 1815. When examining coins from rolls or bulk lots, check the reverse for the large mint mark above Monticello – this distinguishes war nickels from regular issues.

Grading Considerations

Understanding the grading scale is crucial for roll hunters. For 1944 war nickels, the break-even grade for bulk submission appears to be MS66, where the minimum bid value reaches approximately $30. However, Full Steps (FS) designation can significantly increase value, with FS coins in MS64 to MS66 commanding premium prices.

Before submitting coins for grading, experienced collectors recommend prescreening your finds. As one forum member wisely noted: “Why wouldn’t you prescreen them? Sending in 120 coins just to be lucky to break even doesn’t make sense.” This approach saves money and increases your chances of a profitable submission.

Bulk Submission Strategy

When considering bulk submission to grading services like PCGS, several factors come into play. The cost structure typically involves a per-coin fee (around $14 for bulk submissions) plus return shipping and handling fees. For a roll of 40 coins, you might face total costs around $400 if none grade.

Forum discussions reveal mixed experiences with bulk submissions. Some collectors find success, while others note that unopened rolls often contain average or below-average specimens. As one collector observed, “The reality is that old original rolls might well contain scruffy or average coins that are not worth grading.”

Circulation Finds and Bulk Lots

Roll hunting remains one of the most accessible ways for collectors to find valuable coins without dealer premiums. When searching through bank rolls, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for silver war nickels (1942-1945) by checking for the large mint mark above Monticello
• Examine coins carefully for Full Steps on Monticello – this designation significantly increases value
• Check for repunched mint marks (RPMs), particularly on 1944 issues
• Don’t assume unopened rolls contain high-grade specimens – they often don’t

Estate Sales and Cherry Picking Varieties

Estate sales and bulk lots offer another avenue for finding valuable war nickels. When attending estate sales, arrive early and bring a magnifying glass to examine coins carefully. Look for:

• Complete sets of war nickels (1942-1945 from all three mints)
• High-grade specimens with Full Steps designation
• Varieties like repunched mint marks or other die varieties
• Proof-like or cameo examples

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Before submitting coins for grading, perform a careful cost-benefit analysis. For 1944 war nickels, consider:

• Grading costs ($14 per coin for bulk submissions)
• Shipping and insurance fees
• Minimum grade needed to break even (MS66 for 1944 issues)
• Probability of finding high-grade specimens in rolls

As one collector calculated, submitting an entire roll of 40 coins could cost around $400 if none grade. This makes prescreening essential – only submit coins you believe have a reasonable chance of grading MS66 or higher.

Expert Tips for Success

Based on forum discussions and collector experiences, here are some expert tips for successful roll hunting:

“If you are set on sending them in, open them and only send the best” – MsMorrisine

“Submitting coins in bulk and just hoping for good results sounds like a poor strategy” – Anonymous collector

The consensus among experienced collectors is clear: prescreen your coins before submission. This approach maximizes your chances of success while minimizing costs.

Conclusion

Finding valuable 1944 war nickels in bank rolls, bulk lots, and estate sales remains an exciting pursuit for collectors. While the odds of finding high-grade specimens are challenging, the potential rewards make the hunt worthwhile. Remember to carefully examine each coin for Full Steps, mint marks, and varieties. Consider the costs of grading versus potential returns, and always prescreen coins before submission. With patience, knowledge, and a bit of luck, you might just find that Christmas in July moment – discovering a rare, high-grade 1944 war nickel that makes your entire roll-hunting endeavor worthwhile.

Related Resources

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