How to Spot Rare Errors on NEWP 1944 Henning Nickel: A Collector’s Guide

The Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. The 1944 Henning Nickel represents one of the most fascinating chapters in American numismatic history – a story of wartime counterfeiting that continues to captivate collectors today. These deceptive counterfeits, produced by Francis LeRoy Henning in his New Jersey basement during World War II, were so convincing that they circulated alongside genuine coins for decades.

Historical Significance of Henning Nickels

Francis Henning’s operation produced counterfeit nickels from 1939 through 1953, with the 1944 issue being among the most commonly encountered. What makes these coins particularly interesting is their distinctive characteristics that set them apart from genuine issues. Henning’s coins lack the traditional mint mark, a deliberate choice that would later become a key identifier for collectors and dealers.

The counterfeiting operation was surprisingly sophisticated for its time. Henning used genuine coin presses and created dies that, while not perfect, were good enough to pass casual inspection. The coins were struck in actual nickel composition, making them feel authentic to the touch. However, the dies showed characteristic weaknesses that create the error varieties collectors seek today.

Identifying Key Markers: The Looped ‘R’ Variety

One of the most significant die varieties for the 1944 Henning Nickel is the “looped R” reverse. This distinctive feature appears in the right leg of the letter ‘R’ in “TRUST” on the reverse design. As shown in collector images, this die crack creates a small loop or hole in the letter, making it easily identifiable once you know what to look for.

The looped R is not just a minor curiosity – it represents a specific die state that occurred during the production run. Die cracks form when the die metal experiences stress from repeated striking. As the crack propagates, it can create raised lines or, in this case, actual breaks in the design elements. Finding a coin with this feature in good condition significantly increases its numismatic value to specialized collectors.

Die Cracks and Their Significance

Die cracks are among the most important error varieties to understand when examining Henning Nickels. These cracks appear as raised lines on the coin surface and can range from subtle to dramatic. The most valuable die cracks are those that affect major design elements or create unusual patterns.

Beyond the looped R, collectors should examine the entire coin surface for other die cracks. Common locations include:

• Through the date area
• Around the portrait’s outline
• Through lettering on either side
• Along the rim or edge

Each distinct die crack represents a different stage in the die’s deterioration and can help identify specific die pairs used in production. Some advanced collectors specialize in collecting different die states of the same variety.

Double Dies: The Rarest of Henning Errors

While less common than die cracks, doubled dies do exist among Henning Nickels. These occur when the die receives multiple impressions during creation, slightly offset from each other. On a doubled die coin, you’ll see elements of the design appear twice, slightly offset.

Key areas to check for doubling include:

• The date numerals
• Lettering in “IN GOD WE TRUST”
• The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• Stars and other small design elements

Doubled dies are particularly valuable because they represent a different type of minting error – one that occurred during die creation rather than during coin striking. The doubling must be visible without magnification to qualify as a significant variety.

Mint Mark Variations and the Missing Mint Mark

Unlike genuine Jefferson Nickels from 1944, which would have been struck at either Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S), Henning Nickels lack any mint mark entirely. This was likely a deliberate choice to avoid detection, as including a D or S mark might have raised suspicions.

However, within the Henning series, there are variations in how the missing mint mark area appears. Some coins show a perfectly smooth field where the mint mark would be, while others show slight depressions or irregularities. These subtle differences can help identify specific die pairs and production periods.

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond the major varieties, several other error types can be found on Henning Nickels:

Die Deterioration

As dies wore out, they lost fine detail. Look for:

• Soft or missing hair details on Jefferson’s portrait
• Weak or missing steps on Monticello
• Fuzzy or incomplete lettering

Strike Errors

Since Henning used improvised equipment, strike errors are common:

• Weak strikes, especially on the reverse
• Off-center strikes
• Broadstrikes (no reeded edge)

Planchet Errors

The homemade planchets show various defects:

• Edge splits or cracks
• Surface laminations
• Irregular thickness

Grading and Authentication

Grading Henning Nickels presents unique challenges. As one collector noted, “Considering they came off the dies with around VF detail, your grade is probably technically correct, but I have never seen an IGC graded example higher than Fine.” This observation highlights the inherent softness of the design on these counterfeits.

Even mint-state examples show characteristic weakness. One collector shared images of a “true mint-state Henning” with “full undisturbed mint luster” but noted the coins were “quite mushy and grainy” as struck. The edge slide marks from punching the blanks remain undisturbed on high-grade examples, providing additional authentication points.

Value Guide and Market Considerations

The market for Henning Nickels has evolved significantly. As one collector observed, “They used to be under a hundred dollars. But then again, so did my grocery bill.” Today, even well-circulated examples command multiple hundreds of dollars.

Key factors affecting value include:

• Variety (looped R being most desirable)
• Grade (though high grades are rare)
• Eye appeal and surface preservation
• Presence of dramatic errors

The 1939 and 1953 Henning issues command particularly strong premiums, with “serious money” being exchanged for high-grade examples. The 1944 issues remain more accessible but still represent significant value for error collectors.

Authentication Tips

When examining a potential Henning Nickel, remember these authentication points:

1. Check for the missing mint mark
2. Examine the reverse for the looped R variety
3. Look for characteristic die cracks, especially through the R in TRUST
4. Check edge marks from the blank punching process
5. Examine the overall softness of the strike
6. Verify the mushy, grainy texture typical of these counterfeits

Professional authentication is recommended for high-value specimens, as sophisticated counterfeits of these counterfeits have appeared on the market.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Henning Nickels

The 1944 Henning Nickel represents more than just a counterfeit coin – it’s a piece of American history that tells the story of wartime ingenuity, criminal enterprise, and the evolution of numismatic collecting. The various die varieties, from the distinctive looped R to dramatic die cracks and doubled dies, create a specialized collecting field that continues to grow.

Whether you’re a specialist in error coins or a general collector looking for something unique, Henning Nickels offer fascinating opportunities. The key is knowing what to look for – those tiny details that most people overlook but that can transform a curious oddity into a valuable rarity worth thousands. As the market continues to mature and more collectors discover these fascinating pieces, the importance of proper identification and authentication becomes increasingly critical.

Happy hunting, and may your searches reveal the next great Henning variety!

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