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

As a lifelong coin collector, I still get that familiar rush of excitement at events like Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night, where we share everything from pristine specimens to worn workhorses and downright peculiar pieces. After rummaging through my own collection recently, I uncovered some real treasures and can’t wait to show you what I found – plus share some hard-won tips on hunting, grading, and falling in love with these underappreciated coins.

Spotting Rare Errors: The Split Planchet Wonder

One of my all-time favorite nickel discoveries is a split planchet error on a silver War Nickel. I’ve got both halves – something you almost never see – that separated after striking and fit together like a puzzle. These War Nickels (1942-1945) are special not just for their 35% silver content (thanks to wartime metal rationing), but for the stories they carry. When error hunting, I’ve learned to pay extra attention to rims and edges; splits often hide there. While errors add character, they don’t automatically mean big money unless they’re dramatic. Focus on the coin’s overall condition first – that’s where the real value lives.

Exploring Key Varieties: The 1941 S Story

After examining countless Jefferson nickels, the 1941 S still makes my heart skip with its large and small mint mark varieties. That San Francisco ‘S’ comes in two distinct sizes, and the larger version is tougher to find – which collectors like me chase relentlessly. You’ll need a loupe and good light to spot the difference; check how the mint mark relates to Monticello’s design. Even common-date nickels can surprise you in top condition, but varieties like these? They can triple in value. My advice: inspect every 1941 nickel that crosses your path. They’re perfect for new collectors learning the ropes of variety spotting.

Practical Collecting Tips for Nickel Enthusiasts

After years of coin roll hunting and flea market digging, here’s what really works for building a nickel collection:

• Hunt errors like a hawk: Watch for cuds (those raised blobs from die breaks), off-center strikes, and clipped planchets. They pop up in nickels more often than you’d think and can transform pocket change into something special.
• Follow the silver: War Nickels stand out with their oversized mint mark above Monticello. Do the magnet test (silver won’t stick) to confirm – the metal alone makes them worth more than face value.
• Celebrate the imperfect: Don’t ignore worn coins. They’ve lived history and can complete your collection. Some of my roughest nickels taught me the most about minting processes.
• Get organized early: Sort by date, mint mark, and variety. It’s saved me countless hours and helped spot rarities I’d otherwise miss.

Grading and Market Insights for Collectors

When grading nickels, I’ve found surface quality makes all the difference – check for luster, scratches, and wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheek. Coins slabbed MS-60 or higher by PCGS or NGC command premium prices, but raw coins with killer errors can be stars too. Right now, silver nickels and dramatic errors are hot, fueled by both metal investors and specialty collectors. I track auction results religiously; while my split planchet might bring hundreds, common dates often trade for pocket change. Remember: building a meaningful nickel collection takes patience, but every coin connects you to history and fellow collectors.

Leaving Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night always reminds me why these humble coins capture our imagination. Whether you’re chasing errors, varieties, or just love the hunt, nickels offer endless discoveries. Happy hunting – may your next find be a true showstopper!