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

I just got back from Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night, and wow, it really reminded me why I love collecting nickels. They might seem humble, but they’re packed with history, cool errors, and varieties that can turn an ordinary five-cent piece into something special. Thinking about Sal’s event inspired me to share some of my own favorite discoveries and a few tricks I’ve learned along the way.

Star Attractions: Nickels That Made Me Look Twice

One piece that still blows my mind is a split planchet silver War Nickel. You can imagine my shock – I ended up with both halves of a single coin! These 1942-1945 nickels are already sought after because of their 35% silver content, so finding one split like this is a real jackpot. I’ve seen similar splits fetch serious premiums at auction. If you ever come across one, take a close look at the separation line and make sure both pieces match in weight and detail; that makes all the difference for grading and value.

Hunting Varieties and Spotting Errors

Varieties like the 1941 S Jefferson Nickel with large and small mint marks? Collectors go wild for these. From my own searches, I know the small ‘S’ is tougher to find and usually costs more. Grab your loupe and check the mint mark position – the large ‘S’ sits noticeably higher on the reverse. Errors like cuds (those raised blobs from die breaks) are just as thrilling. I spotted one recently near the rim on a worn nickel – easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully. Always check your coins under good light; even tiny flaws can add character and surprising value.

Real-World Tips for Hunting and Collecting Nickels

Coin roll hunting (CRH) is my favorite budget-friendly way to build a nickel collection, and I’ve dug up some real keepers. Here’s what works for me:

• Know what to hunt: War Nickels (1942-1945) and pre-1960 dates are prime. Keep an eye out for splits, cuds, or doubled dies – spotting one can turn a nickel into a $50+ find.
• Grading smartly: Check for wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheek. Coins with full steps on Monticello are top dollar material; I always cross-check with PCGS or NGC photos.
• Market pulse: Silver War Nickels are popular right now, often trading for 5-10 times face value. Error coins like splits attract specialist collectors, so chat folks up at shows or online forums to gauge interest.
• Keep them safe: Store nickels in acid-free holders. I learned this the hard way after some older coins toned poorly!

Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night totally rekindled my appreciation for these often-overlooked coins. Whether you’re sifting through rolls or admiring an oddity, nickels always have another surprise waiting. What cool nickels have you found lately? Share your stories below – let’s keep the nickel love going!