The Hidden Value of a 1964 Nickel: How a Simple Coin Could Be Worth Over $10,000.
At first glance, a 1964 nickel might seem like just another piece of old pocket change. However, for savvy coin collectors, this simple nickel has the potential to be worth far more than its face value.
In fact, depending on its condition and rare features, a 1964 nickel could fetch over $10,000 at auction. So, what makes this coin so valuable, and how can you identify one that’s worth a small fortune?
The 1964 nickel, also known as the "Jefferson Nickel," is special because of a rare minting error that occurred in a very specific set of coins.
While the vast majority of 1964 nickels were struck using a copper-nickel blend, some were mistakenly minted using silver. This error occurred because, during the 1964 production year, the U.S. Mint.
These rare silver nickels are highly sought after by collectors, as they are an anomaly in the history of American coinage. The silver content of these coins gives them intrinsic value, but it's their rarity that drives up the price.
The easiest way to identify a silver 1964 nickel is by looking at the coin’s weight. A standard nickel weighs 5 grams, but a silver version will weigh approximately 5.5 grams.
Another way to check is by using a magnet—silver is not magnetic, so if the coin sticks to a magnet, it’s likely a regular copper-nickel nickel.
In addition to the silver version, other rare 1964 nickels—such as those in mint condition or with unique errors—can also command high prices. Coins that are in excellent shape or have unusual features (like double die errors) can easily reach thousands of dollars.