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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,312 |
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Valued Member
United States
232 Posts |
I just picked up my first box of nickels, but do not really know what to look for. Can anyone give me some key dates for DDO's or anything? right now I am thinking of searching anything from 1988 and below through my scope and holding onto anything 1964 and below, but would love to be able to narrow this down. so far have only been able to find stuff on pennies and have the " Cherry Pickers Guide" from dimes and above, but know nothing at all about nickels. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1418 Posts |
The main things to look for in dates is the 1950-D and silver War Nickels. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1080 Posts |
1950-D, anything from 1938 or 1939 is good to hang on to if it's in decent condition.
Anything silver (big mint mark over Monticello)
Look closely at these years: '39 '44 '46 '47 '53 as they could be counterfeit "Henning Nickels" and worth good money. Do a forum search on Henning Nickels to find out how to identify them.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3640 Posts |
Are you just looking to search jeffersons ? Buffalos still roam the wilderness.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1150 Posts |
I've found V nickels and Buffalos while nickel searching. As a matter of fact I've just finished searching eleven boxes, and I found more Buffalos than War Nickels. I save any coin before 1960, roll them up, and then sell them on ebay as mixed lot of older Jeffersons. Some people need these coins to fill holes in coin folders. Also be on the lookout for any 'eye catching' error coins. If you see a nickel with a major Cud, die rotation or any obvious defect it will carry a premium. I found a 2004 Jefferson that had been Struck Through Grease and all you can make out is his portrait, no lettering or anything on the obverse. Good luck on the hunting and keep us posted with finds! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
601 Posts |
Hi Terschafer- As a short list, look for these: Sort out anything before 1956- these can be sold at an immediate premium on eBay- 7-10 cents each in quantity. (doubling your money is never bad) You could sort 1956-64 in another pile- they don't bring too much of a premium, but they're drying up out of circulation and it won't be more than a few years before they bring a similar premium to the above. Of course, always pull any Buffaloes or V-nickels out, but it's been many years since I've seen a V nickel in the wild. Of the early coins you've set aside- the dates that are worth more than the 7-10 cent premium are: 1938-D 1938-S 1939-D 1939-S 1942-D Any and all War Nickels dated 1942-1945 with the large mint mark above the Monticello- these will be easy to spot, as they're considerably darker when circulated. Anything that looks "weird"- set aside and figure out later, it's amazing what I've let slip through my fingers (hindsight!). For die varieties- there are a couple of Jefferson nickel specialty books, but for the short lists of what is worth a really decent premium, I recommend "the Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties"- this book is split up into 2 volumes, make sure you get the cents through nickels edition. Also, check out Ken Potter and Brian Allen's "Strike it Rich with Pocket Change"- this one is a bit more affordable, but both works are priceless. Seriously- I highly suggest a couple of good, all around die variety books like the 2 mentioned above. There's nothing like having the info at your fingertips. AND- I've NEVER lost money on the purchase of a reference book- it'll be the best investment you ever make! Promise to let us know your best find out of the box? Nickels can be fun, Good Luck! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
62064 Posts |
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Valued Member
 United States
232 Posts |
Wow! thanks everyone, lots of good material on this post, can't wait to break open my first box. Been holding onto it till I know what to look for, will break it open tomorrow and let you know if I get lucky on anything, thanks.
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Valued Member
United States
232 Posts |
thanks for the info again everyone, finished my first box of nickels last night, did not find anything amazing, but did find my first proof and about 15-20 from 38- 56, a few being wartime and 3 1938"S" and one 39"S". I also now know what a henning is and will start looking for them. does anyone know if there is any newer dates to search for doubled dies. I'm always afraid I'm going to miss something good.
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Valued Member
United States
232 Posts |
Also, are die cracks/chips and such collectable. I find alot of these but always toss them back.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
601 Posts |
tershaffer-
For Modern doubled dies I'd strongly reccommend "Strike it Rich with Pocket Change" By Ken Potter and Brain Allen.
This book is fantastic- and covers MORE than you'll be able to absorb. But if you organize your coins by decade, then year, and finally by mintmark- you'll be able to zoom through your entire box, looking only at potential gold nuggets.
Some people prefer to look at EVERYTHING. That's cool- it's how new varieties (occasionally) are discovered.
Personally, I like to find my treasure as the coins that are already recognized and in demand by collectors.
Being new to the hobby or forum, it's easy to hear a lot of opinions and suggestions.
There's no substitute for having a hard copy of a book, pointing you in the direction of what's collectible. Having a list (as a book or on paper) of most varieties that are noteworthy is going to be the most helpful tool in your pursuit.
And thanks for the update- when you said you didn't find anything amazing- I'd argue that. I look at ALL my change-
I don't remember the last time I saw a War Nickel or 39-S in change....probably around the time they took the nickel slots out of all the casinos in my area, half a dozen years ago.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
810 Posts |
3 1938S and a 1939S  Believe me when I say this that was a good box. |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,312 |
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Posted 04/04/2011 11:37 pm
