Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night: My Journey Through Unique Finds and Collecting Tips

There’s something about nickels that just grabs me—maybe it’s how these everyday coins can hide such amazing surprises. After Sal’s Nifty Nickel Night, I’m even more hooked. Let me walk you through some standout discoveries that reminded me why collecting these little pieces of history feels so special.

A Star Attraction: The Split Planchet War Nickel

One nickel that still blows my mind is this split planchet error on a silver War Nickel. Picture this: during minting, the coin blank cracked clean in half. And get this—I’ve got both pieces! War Nickels (1942-1945) already carry that cool 35% silver story from WWII shortages, so finding one with this dramatic error feels like hitting the jackpot twice. If you spot one, check how clean the split is—the sharper the break with minimal damage, the better. Complete pairs? Those auction prices will make your eyes water.

Spotlight on Varieties: The 1941-S Large and Small Mint Marks

Another favorite in my tray is the 1941-S Jefferson Nickel with its two distinct mint marks. San Francisco produced both versions that year, and telling them apart becomes this fun little detective game. The large “S” practically shouts at you, while the small one plays hide-and-seek—you’ll likely need a loupe to spot it. Among collectors, the small mint mark version tends to be the prize, especially in crisp uncirculated shape. Next time you’re sifting through rolls or dealer bins, keep this gem in mind.

Coin Roll Hunting Adventures and Finds

Nothing beats the thrill of coin roll hunting for nickels! Over the years, I’ve pulled everything from common dates to wild errors like cuds—those quirky raised blobs from die breaks that give coins personality. Finding a silver War Nickel in a bank roll still gives me that “aha!” moment every time. My go-to strategies?

• Stick with bank rolls or bulk buys to improve your chances
• Check edges—silver nickels have that distinct dull gray look compared to copper-nickel ones
• Jot down finds in a notebook; you’ll start noticing patterns in date distributions

Remember: patience is key, and even beat-up coins can be treasures if they’ve got unique flaws.

Practical Advice for Nickel Collectors

Let me pass along some hard-earned tips from my collecting journey. First, handle with care—gloves or edge-holding only, since skin oils can mess up surfaces. When judging condition, luster and strike details matter most; War Nickels with full steps on Monticello are real showstoppers. Error coins like splits or cuds keep gaining popularity, so grab them when you see decent prices. For storage:

• Acid-free flips or albums prevent ugly toning
• Consider professional grading for your star pieces—it locks in authenticity and value

Most importantly? Enjoy the chase! Nickels give you that sweet spot where history, scarcity, and pure fun meet. Here’s to your next great find—hope it’s a nifty one!