Coin collecting or so-called numismatics is not only a hobby to be presented as a great hobby, but also quite an adventure of meeting the past, admiring art, and making wonderful findings. Old coins are also found during pursuit which are sold at millions of rupees or dollar now. In this paper, we will consider a rare 1939 Jefferson nickel which has been sold at an auction at the value of 350 thousand dollars, and three other insanely valuable coins you could have lying in the basement.
1939 Jefferson Nickel: A Peek Into History
Introduced in 1938, the Jefferson nickel puts forward the face of Thomas Jefferson who was the third president of the United States. The map of his dwelling, called the Monticello, appears in the other side of the coin. However, the version of 1939 is to be valued very much among the collectors due to some exclusive errors present in it which make it very valuable.
Key Features of the 1939 Jefferson Nickel
- Double Monticello
This is a minting error in which the image of Monticello appears doubled. This error makes it extremely attractive to collectors. - Reverse of 1940
This version has the same design on the reverse of the coin as the 1940 nickel, making it even more unique. - Full Steps
A coin with a full clarity of the steps of Monticello is very rare, and can be worth a lot of money.
Coins that not only feature these rarities but are also in good condition can sell for up to $350,000 at auction.
3 More Priceless Coins You May Own
Although the Jefferson Nickel of the year 1939 will bring amazing results, not all the coins can be a crore-earning treasure nowadays. It is time we should know about them:
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is deemed to be the rarest coin in the history of the US coins. This issue of coins was printed in only 1 lakh coins most of which were worn out or melted away.
Key Features:
- Mint Mark: “S” which indicates that it was made at the San Francisco Mint.
- Design: Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle holding an arrow and an olive branch in its claws on the back.
- Metal Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper.
If this coin is in good condition today, its price can be more than $2 million (about Rs 16 crore) at auction.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
This coin is mystical and enchanted. Till the date only 5 copies of it are known. These coins are estimated t have been minted unofficially, during the time when the official minting of the Buffalo Nickel was done in 1913.
Key Features:
- Design: Portrait of Lady Liberty on the front and Roman numeral “V” on the back which represents the number 5.
- History: It was produced at the mint in an illegal manner.
This coin has been sold for up to $3.7 million (about Rs 30 crore).
3. 1943 Copper Penny
In its time there was a shortage of copper to make pennies during World War II and, as a result, nearly all the pennies produced in 1943 were created out of steel. However, there are some coins which were accidentally found in old copper molds and this is what made them so rare.
Key Features:
- Metal Composition: Normal pennies of 1943 are made of steel, but those made of copper are the result of a mistake.
- Identification: Copper pennies are non-magnetic, while steel pennies are magnetic.
A 1943 copper penny has been sold at auction for $840,000 (about Rs 7 crore).
How to identify rare and precious coins?
If you’re looking to find some treasure in your basket of old coins, keep these things in mind:
Look for minting errors: Such as double images, missing letters, or unusual designs.
Check the year and mint mark: Coins from certain years and particular mints are more rare.
Evaluate the condition: The better a coin looks, the more it’s worth.
Use a microscope or magnifying glass: Small details can give you valuable information.
Conclusion: Do you have a rare coin?
it is not about money, but rather it is about touching the history of coins you just collected. It could be a 1939 Jefferson nickel, a legendary 1913 Liberty Head or any other. Either way, a coin has a story.
The treasure can be hidden in your wallet, piggy bank or in old box, millions or even millions of dollars. Then the next time you go to count down the holidays have a good look–you may well hold a small treasure of history in your pocket!
FAQs
Q1. What makes the 1939 Jefferson Nickel so valuable?
It has rare variations like the Double Monticello, Reverse of 1940, and “Full Steps,” which increase its market value significantly.
Q2. How rare is the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar?
Extremely rare—only 100,000 were minted, and few high-quality examples remain today.
Q3. Why is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel so expensive?
Only 5 known examples exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in U.S. history.
Q4. How can I tell if my 1943 penny is copper?
Use a magnet—copper pennies are non-magnetic, while steel ones stick to a magnet.
Q5. Where can I get my coin’s value assessed?
You can consult a certified coin dealer, attend coin shows, or use professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
